Robert Griffin III is expected to be released by the Washington Redskins this offseason and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans could be interested in signing the quarterback if he becomes available.
Griffin was inactive for most of the season as the third string quarterback for the Redskins and reports have the team cutting the quarterback before the new league year begins in March. According to Ian Rapoport at NFL.com, the Redskins are expected to release Griffin to avoid paying the $16 million, fifth year option the team picked up last year.
Kirk Cousins had a strong season while starting for Washington and now the team is planning to build around the quarterback long term. Cousins led the team to the playoffs and with Jay Gruden firmly behind Cousins as the starter, Griffin's time in Washington is likely done. General manager Scot McCloughan spoke with the Washington Post about the situation and he kept his plans guarded, saying that Griffin is a "good football player" and that the team has until March 9 to evaluate things before making a decision.
If Griffin is released, there are a number of teams that could be interested in signing the quarterback. Earlier in the season NFL.com reported that the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans could be potential landing spots if Griffin was cut. The Browns also could be an option, as ESPN reports that the team is likely cutting no Johnny Manziel when the new league year begins.
The Redskins could potentially keep Griffin if the team feels that he can turn things around, but if the team is going to sign Cousins long term, keeping a $16 million backup is not a realistic option. Dallas has been linked to Griffin in reports, as the team likely will be looking to upgrade at the backup quarterback position behind Tony Romo. Manziel has also been mentioned as an option for the Cowboys, as Yahoo Sports reported last month that both Manziel and Griffin would like to end up in Dallas.
Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas writes that he does not think that Griffin or Manziel will be signed by the Cowboys this offseason. While Archer admits that Jerry Jones likes big names and that the cowboys need a backup quarterback, the team is more likely to add someone in the draft. The Browns could be a potential landing spot, while the Eagles also could be a fit, as Doug Pederson worked with a mobile quarterback in Alex Smith with great success in Kansas City. The 49ers may consider moving on from Colin Kaepernick and that could open up Griffin as an option for Chip Kelly.
