The Washington Redskins made the move to pick up the fifth-year option of Robert Griffin III, but that in no way guarantees his future for the long-term with the franchise. Head coach Jay Gruden made it clear that while Griffin is entering the season as the starting quarterback, he has to make major improvements to keep the job. After Washington did all they could to help the quarterback in the draft, if Griffin struggles will he see that fifth year?
Gruden is not ready to guarantee Griffin anything. According to the Washington Post, the quarterback is on thin ice and must show significant improvement to maintain the top spot on the depth chart above Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy. Griffin told the media that he is very focused on 2015 and not thinking of anything else at the moment.
I haven't been thinking about the 2016 season," Griffin said, via Redskins.com. "I've been focused on helping this team get better in our offseason program for the 2015 season. It's not about talking about it; It's about being about it. That's what my goal is this entire offseason. You got to talk small, play big, take care of the little things for the big things and everything will fall into place."
Griffin has the support of DeSean Jackson who told the media that he was ready to back the quarterback for 2015. Jackson said he and the quarterback have been putting in the work and big things were expected for the 2015 season and beyond.
"He's working, man," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "He's doing what he needs to do to get better. You can never stay in one position in life and he understands that. He has a lot going. I'm just here to support him."
The Redskins made moves in the draft to help Griffin out. They used their first-round pick to select Brandon Scherff to handle the offensive tackle position. They selected Evan Spencer and Jamison Crowder for wide receiver depth. Matt Jones was drafted for quality running back help as well. Gruden made it clear that Jones coming to the team in no way hurt Alfred Morris' status with the team.
"No, no, Aldred won't be affected," Gruden said, via the Washington Post. "Alfred's still the running back here. He's had three great seasons and that won't change, but to add another guy that can come in here and pound the rock a little bit doesn't hurt anything. It'll help Alfred in that regard taking some carries off of him, but for the most part, Alfred will be getting the bulk of the carries and Matt will get some too, obviously."
