WASHINGTON – After a lot of speculation about what the team was going do with Robert Griffin III, the fourth-year quarterback will remain on the Redskins, which announced Saturday that it cut its roster to 53.
Griffin has yet to be cleared from the concussion he suffered 16 days ago against the Detroit Lions, but despite that, according to a report on NFL.com, the decision-makers were on board with keeping Griffin on the roster as the No. 2 quarterback, behind Kirk Cousins.
That alone seems odd since just a week ago, the sides were at odds over what to do with the former Heisman Trophy winner. Regardless, Griffin is on the team and backing up Cousins.
This could lead to a number of issues. Will Cousins start looking over his shoulder is he has a bad game? Will Griffin be a distraction in the locker room even though he’s not starting? Will Griffin say something on social media to bring attention to himself again?
If he gets injured and can’t pass a physical at the end of the year, the team will owe him $16 million dollars. I know that could seem unlikely if he’s just basically practicing, but stranger things have happened.
General Manager Scott McGloughan had final say in this move earlier, according the report, and figures that since Griffin will count $6.7 million against this year’s salary cap the team might as well keep him as a backup. The money is already gone.
I see arguments for both sides in this, but I really think the best way to move forward and give Jay Gruden and Cousins a chance at succeeding and winning football games is to have a clean break.
That’s not happening as of now, and the circus could very well be in town for a few more months.
Other things to keep in mind:
- This is just the initial 53. Teams will check the waiver wire over the next couple days and moves could be made.
- Seven of the 10 draft picks made the team this year.
- The Redskins will also have to make a move after week one, when CB Bashaud Breeland returns from suspension.
