WASHINGTON — Former star quarterback Robert Griffin III is leaving the Redskins, the team announced Monday.
The Redskins released Robert Griffin III, four years after trading a bevy of draft picks to take the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback with the No. 2 overall choice.
The NFC East champions announced the move Monday. They had made clear it was coming.
The Redskins had until Wednesday to part ways with Griffin and prevent his 2016 contract for about $16 million from becoming guaranteed.
Griffin becomes a free agent and can sign anywhere. NFL free agency begins Wednesday.
His release was long expected after he was relegated to third string QB this past season and was inactive on game days. Kirk Cousins was named the starter before the season began and last week he signed a one-year deal with the team worth almost $20 million.
Ahead of the announcement, Griffin tweeted a goodbye to fans.
“It was a blessing guys. I just want to say thank you,” he tweeted.
He posted a longer message on his Instagram account thanking the fans for welcoming him in 2012 and to team owner Dan Snyder and the rest of the organization for “giving me an opportunity to play this beautiful game at the highest level here in Washington.”
“Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Although my time here is over, I’m excited about what the future brings!!!” he wrote.
RGIII was a first-round draft pick but he proved ineffective for the Redskins. In 2012, he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, but his time in Washington was marked by many injuries and clashes with coaches Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.