Robert Griffin III did not plan on being a backup quarterback this year. The former first-round draft pick entered the season as the starter, but lost the role to Kirk Cousins who now has the Washington Redskins in contention for the NFC East. Cousins is the quarterback of the future while Griffin could be on the outside looking in. Despite the circumstances, players are rallying around Griffin and defending his future in the NFL.
According to the Washington Post, the Redskins intend to keep Cousins as he plays out the final year of his rookie contract, The Post reports the way the Redskins keep Cousins is unknown at this moment. Determining a contract for a player with one positive season under his belt is not easy while a franchise tag could be the likely outcome. With Cousins staying put, Griffin is at risk of either getting traded or released this offseason. Head coach Jay Gruden took time to defend the quarterback and all he has done in his situation this year.
"Robert has been a pro about it," Gruden said, via ESPN.com. "Put yourself in his shoes and what he's done and accomplished as a rookie and all the things everyone was expecting from him. It's tough to take a back seat in this position. But he's handled it well. I told him he has a chance to play a long time; this is just part of the growth experience for a young quarterback."
Cousins also took time to defend the quarterback saying there is no drama between the two and that Griffin has been nothing put supportive of his role on the team. Regardless, Griffin appears done at the end of the year and will be looking for a new team. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans could all be options for Griffin in the future. With Tony Romo's future uncertan and Sam Bradford's contract expiring, the quarterback market could heat up and Griffin has a chance to take advantage of it.
According to the Post, Griffin might be the only player heading out of Washington. Rumors went flying that DeSean Jackson could be at risk of getting released. That is not happening in 2016. Alfred Morris is another player aiming to get re-signed in the offseason. According to the Post, Gruden is a fan of Morris and believes in the running back. However, if his contract demands are high, he could be at risk of not coming back in 2016.
