NFL Trade Machine: Where Can Redskins Ship Robert Griffin III?
By Erik Lambert
The NFL trade rumors continue to rev up and now it seems the era of Robert Griffin III is over is Washington. Where could he end up?
Colt McCoy replacing RGIII signals Jay Gruden is done
It’s important to remember that Jay Gruden wasn’t the one who drafted RGIII back in 2012. That was Mike Shanahan. Gruden agreed to take over and try to develop the young quarterback into what he could be but for whatever reason Griffin either hasn’t taken to the coaching or was never that good to begin with. Either way Gruden sent a loud and clear message by replacing him with what had been third stringer Colt McCoy.
All signs points to RGIII not returning the rest of the season and in all likelihood being off the Washington Redskins roster by the time the regular season starts in 2015.
That could mean an NFL trade. If so, who would take a chance on him? Here is a short list of possibilities.
St. Louis Rams
How ironic would this be? The team that robbed the Redskins of a bounty of draft picks in exchange for the rights to draft Robert Griffin III end up being the ones who take him off their hands. The St. Louis Rams need new blood at quarterback, preferably somebody with mobility. Jeff Fisher is much more of a player’s coach as well, something RGIII may end up thriving under.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another coach in Lovie Smith that Griffin may gravitate to. He’s known for being able to motivate his players. He did get Rex Grossman to play well enough to reach a Super Bowl after all. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in sore need of help at quarterback and are willing to seek out solutions from multiple angles to get away from the Josh McCown debacle. RGIII may not sound like a premium upgrade but at the right price it’s something worth exploring.
Philadelphia Eagles
Trades between division foes are rare but in this case it’s not crazy. The Philadelphia Eagles are always on the lookout for quarterbacks and Robert Griffin III represents another project Chip Kelly might love to undertake. His style of offense actually fits what the 24-year old does best so it really is a perfect marriage. Whether Washington is willing to risk that is another question.