The Cleveland Browns should give Robert Griffin III a chance
The Cleveland Browns should sign Robert Griffin III and give him a chance at redemption in 2016.
When the 2016 NFL season ended, the Cleveland Browns were expected to focus on drafting a new franchise quarterback.
Then the news broke that the team was looking into acquiring Colin Kaepernick. Those rumors seemed to die down after it became unlikely that Kaepernick would agree to restructuring his generous contract to join the lowly Browns.
All was quiet until Saturday when news broke that the Browns had a meeting with Robert Griffin III, a quarterback currently without a team.
This meeting was likely more than just simple vetting, and the Browns know Griffin III can be acquired for significantly less than what the Washington Redskins gave up to draft him in the first place.
If the Browns do want to sign him, it would be a move with little risk.
As of right now, Josh McCown is the starting quarterback for the Browns. He is a placeholder at this point and not someone who is expected to lead this team to a great deal of success in 2016.
The next option at quarterback is a rookie, with the two likely options being Jared Goff or Carson Wentz. But even if Goff or Wentz are selected, it would be beneficial to give the chosen rookie a year on the sidelines to learn the NFL before being thrust onto the field right away.
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The 2016 Cleveland Browns are in no way contending for a playoff berth, so giving a second overall draft pick and the supposed quarterback of the future a year to learn the game would not do anything to hurt a franchise looking for future success.
The plan right now seems to be to let a rookie quarterback learn behind McCown, and that can still be done if Griffin III is signed and starts at the quarterback position.
A system would be in place where a mentor is available for a rookie, while a fallen star gets a chance at redemption. If Griffin III played well and led the Browns to any sort of success, he would be a hero. If he played poorly, there is a young quarterback ready to step in and take his place.
There is the possibility that Griffin III comes in and keeps a starting spot, leaving a newly drafted quarterback on the bench, but fans would not care who the quarterback is as long as the team is winning.
Taking a step back, Griffin III would be a low-risk, and potential high-reward acquisition. The Browns can still draft a quarterback with the second overall pick, or acquiring Griffin III can open the path to draft a player that can help on defense. Either way, the possibility of seeing Robert Griffin III is an intriguing one.
Next: Cleveland Browns meet with RG III
The NFL Draft will take place April 28-30 in Chicago. Be sure to follow Dawg Pound Daily to keep up with everything the Browns are trying to do while they go through their latest biennial rebuilding project.