The Washington Redskins are focused on the playoffs, but everyone else is focused on the status of Robert Griffin III. With Kirk Cousins the future of the franchise, Griffin is expected to hit the market this offseason despite having one year remaining on his contract. Griffin started the season as the team's starter, but one minor injury left him inactive more games than not. Now with his future uncertain, his teammates are coming to his defense.
Everyone knows that Cousins is the future of the franchise in Washington. The quarterback took a solid leap this season and propelled the Redskins into the playoffs, all-but sealing the release of Griffin. There have been plenty of reports regarding Griffin's relationship with the team, but everyone is crediting him for the way he has handled everything. Cousins has thanked Griffin for guiding him this season, while head coach Jay Gruden notes the quarterback has been nothing but a pro.
"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."
Now the speculation begins as to where the quarterback will head next. According to the Dallas Morning News, a spot behind Tony Romo could be the outcome. However, owner Jerry Jones has stated the Cowboys will get quarterback help in the NFL Draft. Team vice president Stephen Jones told the media that the Cowboys would not rule out the idea of former top picks coming to Dallas to develop, so there is a chance.
"You can't just say because one situation didn't work out, it doesn't mean another one won't. Mark Colombo was a first round pick with the Bears and he went on and had a great career here for the Cowboys," said Jones, via CBS.com. "Every situation is different..."
With the Cowboys an option, what about the Houston Texans? ESPN believes the Texans are the best landing spot for Griffin as they dealt with quarterback drama all year. They will be looking for stability this season and Griffin could help that come along. The quarterback has Texas ties after playing college ball at Baylor.
Allowing Griffin to develop behind a veteran might be the ideal situation. He could head to New Orleans and learn behind Drew Brees who has one year remaining on his contrac.t He could be placed behind Ryan Fitzpatrick with the New York Jets if Geno Smith goes somewhere else. There are options for Griffin. He might not be viewed as someone who can save a franchise, but he was a top draft pick for a reason and some team will recognize that.
