Once quarterback Robert Griffin III is released by the Washington Redskins, the former No. 2 overall pick might zero in on Houston for a chance to revive his fading career.
According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, Griffin has already identified the Texans as “a potential long-term destination.” With a talented roster already in place and an obvious need at quarterback, Houston is being viewed as a “prime landing spot” for Griffin and a number of available signal callers.
For now, the 26-year-old quarterback remains on the Redskins’ roster. However, Griffin is all but certain to be released before March 9, or the day his fifth-year option becomes fully guaranteed. Releasing Griffin would save the Redskins $16.155 million on the 2016 salary cap, a significant chunk of money for a team that just handed starting quarterback Kirk Cousins the nearly $20 million franchise tag.
A return to Texas could be exactly what Griffin needs.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, Griffin battled injuries and inconsistency before the Redskins turned over the starting job to Cousins to start last season. He didn’t play in a single game in 2015, as Washington stuck with Cousins while protecting Griffin against injury as the team’s third-string quarterback.
It’s not clear if Griffin will be able to recapture the magic of his rookie season, when he completed almost 66 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. But a fresh start elsewhere would at least give him the chance to rekindle the fire.
Houston will be a hot-bed for offseason quarterback activity.
The Texans made the postseason in 2015 as the AFC South champions. But in the Wild Card Round, quarterback Brian Hoyer threw four interceptions and the Texans were shutout by the Kansas City Chiefs in Houston.
Hoyer, 30, is under contract for 2016. However, the Texans likely want to find an upgrade—either in free agency, where names such as Griffin and Brock Osweiler should be available, or the NFL draft.
Griffin figures to be connected with a number of franchises once the Redskins grant him his release. Expect the Texans to be one of the top potential landing spots for the Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor.
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