The Washington Redskins are expected to release Robert Griffin III this offseason and if that happens, the quarterback could end up with the Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans.
Griffin appears done in Washington after the Redskins started Kirk Cousins last season and while no moves have been made yet, it's not much of a secret that the team likely will cut Griffin. The team picked up the $16 million fifth year option for Griffin, but reports have the Redskins not looking to pay that money for next season. According to NFL.com, Ian Rapoport reports that the Redskins will cut Griffin this offseason to avoid paying him the option for 2016.
Earlier in the season NFL.com reported that if Griffin were available, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans would be interested in signing him. All three teams need help at quarterback, with the Cowboys looking for a backup and the Texans and Eagles both potentially needing a starter. While Griffin may not start wherever he ends up, he should get the chance to compete if he ends up somewhere like Philly or Houston.
Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan spoke with the Washington Post about Griffin's future and he said that the team is not in a rush to make a move. McCloughan said that the team has "until March 9" to make a decision on Griffin and that he wants "to sit with the coaches" and take a hard look at the situation. Although a release seems likely, there is always a chance McCloughan and the Redskins change their minds and keep Griffin, but right now that doesn't seem realistic.
Kirk Cousins had a great season for the Redskins and is heading towards free agency and he likely will get locked up with a long term contract or the franchise tag. With Cousins coming back as the starter, it's very unlikely that the Redskins will keep Griffin around with a $16 million price tag. The team could try and trade Griffin, but with most teams thinking that Griffin will get released, it's unlikely they will pony up much in a trade.
Griffin is just 25 and still has the potential to develop into a consistent starter in the NFL, but he likely will do that outside of Washington. The Cowboys have been connected to Griffin in some news reports, but Todd Archer at ESPN writes that he thinks Griffin will not end up with the team this offseason. The Cowboys have the chance to draft a quarterback to be the backup for Tony Romo and that is the route they may take this offseason.
The Eagles could be an option if Sam Bradford ends up leaving in free agency, while the Texans could be a fit as they try and find more consistency at the position. The Eagle were mentioned as an option earlier in the season while Chip Kelly was still there and that could open up the 49ers as a possible landing spot.
