The future of Robert Griffin III in Washington has not felt secure over the past two years and understandable so. The quarterback has struggled to stay healthy and when he is at full strength, he struggles on the field. The Redskins suddenly became linked to all of these quarterback options that made it sound like Griffin was on thin ice. However, the franchise picked up his fifth-year option and now members of the front office believe an extension is the next best option.
There was certainly plenty of doubt that Washington would grab the quarterback's expensive fifth-year option. However, V.P of football operations Bruce Allen, he does not understand why the idea of considered so farfetched. He believes Griffin will be a solid starting quarterback as he continues to build with the team.
"We think Robert is a starting quarterback," Allen said, via Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "We've seen him win. We've seen him win big games. We know his talent. It really was a no-brainer. I think if you asked us six months before it would have been the same decision. There's a cost to everyone who gets hurt. I don't see that as an individual player thing, as much as any injury is going to cost you on the salary cap."
Griffin's injury history certainly does not help his future, but the Redskins looked past it to pick up the $16 million option. However, if the quarterback were to suffer another injury, the Redskins will have taken two steps forward just to take five steps back. For now, he sits at the top of the depth chart without question as both Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy fight for position with the team in 2015.
Griffin is working hard to improve this offseason and DeSean Jackson is not helping. The wide receiver is opting to skip OTAs this season as the Washington Post reports the wide receiver is nowhere to be seen. Washington will also be without tight end Jordan Reed who is dealing with a knee injury and needs surgery. Head coach Jay Gruden is not worried as he will be back for training camp. That leaves Griffin without two of his top weapon during practices. That puts added pressure on Pierre Garcon, Alfred Morris and Niles Paul to step up during the next weeks of practice.
