The Redskins Should Consider Trading Robert Griffin III

Dec 8, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) avoids the tackle by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) during the second half at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won 45 – 10. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

As the Redskins continue to implode and expectations of a complete gutting of the organization swirl, there’s no guarantee of a roster spot for anyone on the team, and that includes quarterback Robert Griffin III.

With all the talk of Kirk Cousins being traded, I can’t help but wonder if the Redskins and presumably the new regime that comes in would consider trading Robert Griffin III, the guy who led the team to a playoff appearance just a short year ago.

It’s not Griffin’s fault that Mike Shanahan traded away three of Washington’s first round picks to get him, and it’s not his fault that the hype surrounding him caused him to be drafted second overall. I don’t think RG3 is a bad quarterback, but I do believe he played this season at less than 100 percent not only physically, but mentally.

It takes a lot of mental toughness to come back from a major knee injury, and when Adrian Peterson came back from his and had 2,000 yards a year ago, I think too many people–including RG3 himself–set far too high of expectations for how and when to come back from such an injury.

It’s unfair to think that RG3 should have even considered coming back for the start of this season, having only 9 months and no training camp or pre-season to get back to work. Having spent all that time rehabbing and only practicing on what we can presume to be a limited basis, I think Griffin was rushed back and while he was cleared by doctors, I think the Redskins should have protected their prime asset by starting the season with Kirk Cousins, and seeing how RG3 felt maybe in October or November.

Either way, I think if Mike Shanahan is fired, it’ll be open season for anyone the Redskins have on the roster, including RG3. Washington is without a first round pick, and I think that trading RG3 could help them recover that pick. I’m not trying to suggest the Redskins give up on RG3, but they mortgaged the future to get him and now they are being significantly held back by a lack of draft picks.

If RG3 could get you a first round pick or more, I would say the Redskins ought to seriously consider making such a deal. It was reported earlier this week that rival GMs feel like the ‘Skins could get a 2nd round pick for Kirk Cousins, and depending on how he fares in these final three games, that could be a realistic possibility.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised come March if Washington gets some calls on RG3 and seriously considers making a move.