The Washington Redskins want Robert Griffin III to be confident. The team has not exactly shown a lot of long-term interest in the quarterback over recent months, but head coach Jay Gruden gave him the starter endorsement and hope Griffin takes advantage of the opportunity. With speculation growing that the Redskins are preparing to part ways with the former first-round draft pick, Griffin is getting one more shot to prove himself.
The clock is ticking for the Redskins to determine just how committed they are to Griffin and the quarterback's future. They could easily squash all speculation by picking up his fifth-year option, but CSN Washington reports that Washington is not keen on the idea considering it will cost them around $15 million for the one-year deal. With negotiations for a long-term contract non-existent, the media cannot help but speculate Griffin is gone after this season. According to Gruden, he wants confidence out of his quarterback in order to remain the starter.
"I don't know how much of his confidence has wavered up and down. You'll have to ask him," Gruden said, via the Washington Post. "But I think Robert has always been a very confident guy, a very confident quarterback, and I don't think he's ever lacked in that department. But if he has wavered a little bit because of the last couple years, then it's good for him to come into this year, knowing that he's the starter and that the guys are behind him, and the coaches and we'll see what he can do. He'll have every opportunity to succeed."
ESPN's John Clayton reports the Redskins are favored to land Marcus Mariota in the NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans are not guaranteeing their interest in the former Oregon star. If he were to drop, the Redskins could take him at No. 5. Washington was one of the many teams that brought Mariota in for a workout. If he lands in their lap, the Redskins will likely make the move to draft him.
Washington has a lot of quarterback uncertainties this offseason. Not only is Griffin's deal expiring, but Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy also have expiring contracts. That would leave Washington with no one for the 2016 season. The team would be wise to at least entertain the idea of bringing on someone else. Bryce Petty and Brett Hundley could be options along with trades for Sam Bradford or Mike Glennon. However, if the Redskins are unwilling to move up for Mariota, they likely will not be acquiring Bradford or Glennon.
