Washington Redskins Pick up Option on R.G. III
Redskins GM Scot McCloughan says the team is exercising the 2016 option on QB Robert Griffin III.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 27, 2015
It looks like Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III will remain a Redskin through 2016. According to NFL Media’s Albert Breer, the Redskins picked up his fifth-year option for $16.1 million and see it as a discount version of the franchise tag. Now, they have another year to evaluate him to decide if they want to carry on with or without him.
According to NFL.com, GM Scot McCloughan annouced at a Monday news conference that the team is going to exercise Griffin’s fifth-year option ahead of next Monday’s deadline. However, McCloughan said the decision “does not affect our draft process whatsoever.”
The Redskins gave up a lot to even have a chance to move up and draft Griffin back in 2012. So they, particularly owner Daniel Snyder, don’t want to allow him to leave before they are sure he is no longer the same player he was as a rookie. The young man lit the NFL up as a rookie so there is reason, even for the new McCloughan to want to see what he has left.
The salary is fully guaranteed for injury and with Griffin’s recent history, the Redskins are still taking the risk, betting on his upside. This isn’t supposed impact Washington’s draft plans on Thursday but there won’t be a quarterback at No. 5 there for them anyway. The thing to watch for is how it affects head coach Jay Gruden, who doesn’t appear to be Griffin’s biggest fan.
He appears to be stuck with R.G. III.
And if the Redskins don’t win in 2015, it won’t be Griffin’s head that rolls.
Who’s will?