The NFL has always operated as a high school drama with half-baked rumors and rampant speculation dominating the conversation. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than with the Washington Redskins. For years, Washington has been the epicenter of the NFL's circus and that trend has continued with talented yet embattled quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Coming off an injury plagued and ineffective season, RGIII has been facing trade rumors and constant second-guessing. Now, some are even speculating that Washington could potentially be interested in Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota with the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Sure, head coach Jay Gruden named Griffin the starter for 2015 last week. But we all know that in Washington, declarations don't mean too much.
"Yes, Griffin is the starter for now, but there's nothing stopping the Redskins from changing course again," ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando wrote. "They could still draft a quarterback, including potentially with the No. 5 overall pick if Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota slides that far (which is unlikely, but you never know). They could bench Griffin after a rough preseason or during the regular season itself. They could still trade him. All the options that existed before Gruden's announcement still exist..."
Would Redskins fans be surprised if the never-ending carousel of quarterbacks continued in D.C.? Not one bit. But ESPN's Redskins reporter John Keim thinks it would be a big mistake to select a QB with that first pick.
"And no, I would not draft Mariota if I were the Redskins," Keim wrote. "If they are committing at least another year to Griffin, it would not be wise to draft a quarterback fifth overall. That player must play immediately, and the circus that would be created would be massive. If they drafted a quarterback at No. 5, you would have to cut Griffin immediately, because you've just signaled your intention on who your guy is for the future. Regardless, the Redskins would be helped if other teams fall in love with Mariota."
For what it's worth, Sally Jenkins of The Washington Post believes Gruden's decision to name RGIII the starter really came from up top. If true, that means owner Dan Snyder is nowhere near close to giving up on his bronzing golden boy.
No one may know just what exactly is going on with the Washington Redskins. One thing we do know for sure is that the circus must go on.
