The Washington Redskins must make a decision on Robert Griffin III. Either way the team will lose money, but they must decide whether it is worth keeping the quarterback on the roster or should they attempt to trade him at some point during the season or right after the year ends. With Kirk Cousins moving into the starting role for 2015, it is clear the Redskins are trying to move past Griffin, but just how far are they looking to go.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there have been internal discussions of cutting ties with Griffin either via a trade or release. Schefter reports that the coaching staff and front office want the quarterback out while the ownership remains committed to keeping him. Head coach Jay Gruden told the media to not shut the door on Griffin just yet.
Financially speaking, Gruden is right to say that. Griffin is set to earn $3.249 million in guaranteed money this season. They are also committed to $16.1 million in 2016 after picking up his fifth -year option. That will certainly be a difficult number to maintain if Griffin is on the roster and it is certainly not backup quarterback money. The question is whether there is a real market for Griffin given his on-the-field production and injury history.
According to a report compiled by ESPN, the best chances for a Griffin trade would either be with the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills or New York Jets. They are four teams with unknown quarterback futures that could turn to Griffin in hopes that he can display that first-round talent again.
Jeff Dickerson of ESPN rights that the Bears are first going to see how well Jay Cutler does with new coordinator Adam Gase. If that experiment fails, Griffin becomes an option. This is a make-or-break season for Cutler in Chicago and if he struggles once again, the team will try and move on quickly regardless of his contract numbers.
Mike Rodak of ESPN reports the Bills are an option Rex Ryan loves bold trade moves. There is no long-term option on the roster as of this minute. Tyrod Taylor is getting the nod with either EJ Manuel or Matt Cassel getting released. Taylor is looking good now, but there are certainly questions about what his ceiling in the NFL is. With the franchise moving past Manuel and Cassel, Griffin could be next in line.
Jets head coach Todd Bowles has already avoided the Griffin trade questions once, but if Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith both fail to impress this season, he will have to answer them once again. Fitzpatrick is the starter now and Bowles is keeping the faith that Smith can really be a better quarterback for the team moving forward. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Smith will get another shot to prove himself for the team.
The Cleveland Browns might be the last option. Josh McCown is the short-term fix for the quarterback issue. Johnny Manziel is dealing with chronic elbow pain. They have no other realistic options. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Browns are already looking at future draft options, but Griffin could also come into play.
