The Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin III appear to be heading for a split this offseason, as the team is planning to sign Kirk Cousins to a long term deal. If Griffin is released, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, LA Rams and Houston Texans could be interested in signing the quarterback.
Griffin has a $16.155 million option for next season and it is unlikely that the Redskins will want to pay him that money. Griffin did not get on the field this season and was inactive for most of the year as the third string quarterback behind Cousins and Colt McCoy. According to NFL.com, Griffin passed his exit physical with the Redskins and that should "pave the way" for his release this offseason.
Griffin's salary will be fully guaranteed on March 9 when the new league year begins and there is a chance the team could try and trade Griffin before that date. General manager Scot McCloughan spoke about the quarterback situation to the Washington Post, saying that the team has time before making a final decision on Griffin. McCloughan said that the team is planning to try and keep Cousins long-term and that Griffin is "a good football player, he's a really good person, and he's under contract."
McCloughan is likely just keeping his cards close to his vest, as the team probably will not want to pay Cousins and Griffin high salaries at the same time. Griffin had a fast rise in Washington and nearly just as fast a fall. Griffin won rookie of the year and led the team to the playoffs in 2012, but injuries and inconsistency have hounded him over the next two seasons. Griffin missed 10 combined games over 2013-14 and his development in Washington was not able to get back on track.
NFL.com reported earlier in the season that teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Huoston Texans could be interested in Griffin if he was released. The website reports that the Cowboys have been "whispered about as a landing spot," and that other teams could be "willing to take a shot on repairing Griffin's career."
Teams like the Rams, Eagles, Browns and 49ers all could have different starting quarterbacks next season, while the Cowboys are hoping to add a solid backup for Tony Romo. Griffin could be options for all of those teams and he could end up in a spot where he gets to compete to start in 2016. Griffin likely needs some more time to develop after not playing at all last season, but he is just 26 and could still turn into a starter in the league in the right situation.
