Yes folks you read that headline correctly. The Cleveland Browns have come to terms with Robert Griffin III. This is major news because Cleveland has not been the most Black QB friendly place in the NFL. Like ever! Not saying that race had anything to do with it but this is the same team that selected Tim Couch over Donovan McNabb in the 1999 NFL Draft. Not sure what Cleveland scouts were looking at there but anyway.
Robert Griffin III was released by the Washington Redskins on March 7, 2016, just two days before his 16 million dollar option would have become guaranteed. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors during the 2012 season, RG3 has experienced a disastrous last few seasons.
In 2012, Griffin guided the Redskins to an NFC Title but things quickly took a turn for the worse when he partially tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in December of that season. He then tore the ACL in that same knee in a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Griffin was reportedly rushed to play despite not being healthy and friction grew high with Head Coach, Mike Shanahan. Things did not improve when the Skins brought new Head Coach, Jay Gruden. RG3 has not been a full-time starter since 2013 and he again was sidelined in 2014 after dislocatING his ankle in week two.
He was only active for one game last year after being listed as his team’s third-string QB. It is unclear if Robert can get back to that 102.4 passer rating, that he recorded as a rookie but it is very clear that it was time for him to part ways with Washington.
He comes to Cleveland looking for a fresh start, as The Browns are looking for the same thing. Cleveland cut ties with their former first round Quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
Griffin met with the Browns leadership core on March 18 and 19. Head Coach, Hue Jackson was sold on Griffin in that meeting.
“Our visit was very informative, a lot of dialogue back and forth,” Jackson said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings. “A lot of tough questions asked, a lot of tough questions answered. I don’t baby people. I’m sorry. That’s just not who I am. I ask the tough questions, and I expect to get the tough answers, and he handled all that extremely well.” ~Hue Jackson
RG3 appears to be excited about his fresh start in Cleveland and thrilled about the opportunity to play for Jackson.
“He has a proven track record of working with quarterbacks, working with teams and molding an offense to what a team has. I look forward to that and just growing with him. It’s really exciting for me.”~ RG3
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in yet another interesting position heading into the draft. They hold the number 2 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and many have projected that they would undoubtedly take a Quarterback with that pick.
North Dakota State’s, Carson Wentz and California’s Jared Goff are the top ranked QB’s in this year’s draft. Cleveland currently still have suspended, Pro Bowl wide-out , Josh Gordon on the roster but his future in Cleveland is shaky as he awaits to see if he will be reinstated by the league. Gordon was teammates with Griffin at Baylor and the two players have the potential to make a heck of an offensive tandem, granting Griffin’s health and Gordon’s sobriety. Unfortunately, I would not bet on either thing if I was down to my last dollar.
The Browns have already let go of 40% of their offensive line, so the team definitely have needs to fulfill everywhere. If they do elect to take a QB in the draft, Griffin maintains that he would not be bothered by the pick.
“If they draft a quarterback, (I’ll) take the guy under my wing — I’m considered a vet now,” Griffin said. “After four years in the league, I’ve been through a lot more than a lot of guys go through their entire career. I’ve got a lot of experience and I can help a young guy. But that’s not my focus. I don’t pick the players. Sashi and Hue take care of that stuff. If they draft a quarterback, it doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just ready to compete.” ~RG3
Griffin’s deal is for two-years, and is worth $15 million. Terms include a $3.5 million signing bonus and a $3.25 million guaranteed salary in 2016, according to ESPN’s NFL Insider, Adam Schefter.
~TayJordan
What do you think? Will RG3 ever be the player he once was? Can he be Cleveland’s QB of the future?