Robert Griffin III is a free agent target for numerous teams this offseason, including the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets. While things did not work out in Washington for Griffin, the quarterback would be worth the risk for the Browns and Rams heading into 2016.
Both the Browns and Rams need to upgrade at quarterback this offseason after combining to use names like Josh McCown, Johnny Manziel, Case Keenum and Nick Foles last season. Cleveland has already met with Griffin this offseason and head coach Hue Jackson said that it was a "great meeting" with the quarterback.
The Rams have said that they are comfortable using Keenum to open 2016, but head coach Jeff Fisher admitted that the team "(has) to consider" Griffin for next season.
Griffin has the potential to bounce back in 2016 after being relegated to backup status in Washington last season. The quarterback did not get on the field for the Redskins, but that may be a benefit for Griffin moving forward. Griffin had the chance to sit back and learn for a full season, and he also was able to get fully healthy after dealing with multiple knee injuries over the past couple years.
Griffin came into the league like a lightning bolt in 2012, winning rookie of the year and helping the Redskins make the playoffs. But injuries and inconsistency derailed any chance for him to be successful in Washington. Now, Griffin has the chance to prove that he can start again with another NFL team.
The Rams appear to be a solid fit, but recent reports have the Browns as the likely destination for Griffin this offseason. The Browns need a strong upgrade at the position after getting rid of Johnny Manziel, and Griffin could be part of that plan. The team also has the No. 2 pick in the draft and is expected to take a quarterback with that selection. Griffin could be a bridge option for the Browns if they make that pick, as Griffin could start until the younger player is ready to take over.
Griffin and the Browns could be in a mutually beneficial situation, as Griffin is looking to re-establish himself as a starter in the NFL. It is in Griffin's best interests to keep his head down, work hard and play well, which also is a positive for the Browns if he turns things around. Griffin wants to bounce back after the way things went in Washington over the past two years, and Cleveland could be the place to do that.
Hue Jackson is taking over as head coach after being successful running the offense in Cincinnati, and Griffin could be a nice fit in his offense. If the Browns do end up signing Griffin, it shouldn't stop the team from going after a quarterback in the draft. The team has the second overall pick in the first round, which gives them the chance to get a player like Jared Goff or Carson Wentz at the position. Both players have the potential to develop into long-term NFL starters.
While signing Griffin does have risks, it's worth it for the Browns.
