The Redskins are coming to closure on RGIII, although not what we expected in preseason.
The Redskins now show definite interest in keeping Kirk Cousins, and we read open speculation about Robert Griffin III’s next team.
A month ago, we guessed at Cousins’ next team.
Griffin’s departure is the more likely scenario, in which case his fans want RG to go to Philly or Dallas and make the Redskins pay.
Well hold on there, cowboy. Nobody loves you like the team what drafted you. No other team will show Griffin the love and support he had in Washington.
Let me count the ways.
The Redskins gave up multiple high Draft picks to get Griffin. In so doing, we saved RG from the Cleveland Browns, the other team actively bidding for him. Mike Holmgren lost his job in part for failing to land Griffin. Mike Shanahan lost his job for…, oh, never mind.
RGIII never had to compete for the starting role even when he should have. He was the anointed starter right after the Draft. He was anointed starter after his injury. He was the starter even when Coach Gruden announced a QB competition. No other team will do that.
No other owner will back Griffin the way Daniel Snyder has. Snyder’s backing has been a curse as much as a blessing. Griffin will go to another team with questions about his scheme fit and his durability. Even Jerry Jones will not feel so obliged to him as Snyder has.
With the #Redskins season over, they'll release RGIII. Just a matter of timing. Was important to owner Dan Snyder he be on the team all year
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2016
The Redskins exercised Griffin’s fifth-year option for $16 million guaranteed for injury. Injury is the biggest issue with Griffin. The team was widely criticized for the move. Hog Heaven will never be convinced that savvy new GM Scot McCloughan made that decision on his own.
The Redskins did not cut Griffin. Chris Rock and other got this completely wrong. RG is part of the team and he has a role to play. He got to practice at an NFL facility, with NFL coaches, to work with NFL trainers. He demonstrated team loyalty and grace under pressure without resorting the passive-aggressive social media campaign waged by him in 2013. He could not have demonstrated these things while sitting at home.
In your own career, you have (or will) learn that it is easier by far to find your next opportunity while you are employed than if you are sitting home. Unemployment means lower income when you do find something. Same for Griffin. He is in a stronger negotiating position because he is on a team.
Redskins commend RG III for how he has handled his situation https://t.co/pMm2QBs9WX
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 23, 2015
There is a Gruden or Shanahan where ever Griffin goes. Look no further than Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. Griffin fans superficially pair Griffin with Kelly because, I suspect, of Kelly’s days with the Oregon Ducks and experience with Marcus Mariota (who might have made Kelly look better than he is). Yet, when Kelly had a real choice to pick his quarterback, he selected statuesque Sam Bradford. Kelly looked for pocket presence, not the flashy mobility of Mariota or Griffin. Where ever RGIII goes, someone like Kelly, Gruden and Shanahan will be waiting.
Hog Heaven loves Robert Griffin III. We are not predicting failure for him, or for Cousins if he leaves.
Redemption and retribution for Griffin are not foregone conclusions, however. That’s all we are saying. That, and if the ‘Skins do lose Cousins, RG is the best option for quarterback.
Game images are made available through Sideline Report, Mr. Marvin Jackson – Executive Producer, Mr. David Barnes – Executive Producer and Jerry W. Jones Jr., Sports Photographer.
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