The Cleveland Browns announced that they have released quarterback Robert Griffin Iii after just one season with the team. The former Washington Redskins first round draft pick becomes a free agent again while the Browns will look at yet another starting quarterback in the 2017 NFL season.
The rise and fall of Robert Griffin III
When the Washington Redskins drafted Robert Griffin III with their first round draft pick in 2012 (second overall), they believed they found their franchise quarterback of the future. Five years later, Griffin is a free agent in the NFL.
Griffin was fantastic in his rookie season in Washington, throwing for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions while running for 815 yards and seven touchdowns. He led the Redskins to the playoffs. However, he injured his knee and the Redskins continued to play him despite doctors saying he shouldn't return to the field and he has never been the same. His interception rate went up his second season and his rushing numbers dropped. In 2014, he played in only nine games and the Redskins benched him the entire 2015 NFL season, just three years after being their first round draft pick. The Cleveland Browns signed him in 2016 to be their starter but he fell to injury in the first week of the season and didn't return until Dec.
11. He led the Browns to their only win of the season against the San Diego Chargers.
Cleveland Browns quarterback situation
There is no telling what the Cleveland Browns plan to do now. They just traded for Brock Osweiler but the rumors are that they have no intention of keeping him and just wanted the NFL draft picks that came in the trade.
Kevin Hogan and 2016 third round pick Cody Kessler are the only two quarterbacks on the roster who played for the team in 2016. However, there are also some interesting free agents in the mix. The San Francisco 49ers lost Colin Kaepernick, who exercised his option and left the team. The Chicago Bears cut Jay Cutler. While Cutler is unlikely to want to play for the Browns, Colin Kaepernick might take interest and has a similar skill set to that of Robert Griffin III.
