NFL Rumors: Cleveland Browns Signing Robert Griffin III, Trading Away Former Starter

NFL rumors have been swirling around Robert Griffin III. After finally receiving his release from the Washington Redskins, many wanted to see where Griffin III would be continuing his career in the National Football League. Some wondered if he still had what it takes to be a star quarterback on the professional level. Many teams have been linked to the dynamic quarterback. According to ESPN, Griffin III is set to sign with the Cleveland Browns today.

Cleveland is expected to reach agreement with former Redskins' QB Robert Griffin III today, per team source. Griffin III to be a Brown.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2016

The offseason has not been kind to the Cleveland Browns. Alex Mack decided to leave for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s one of the best centers in the NFL. Travis Benjamin was their best offensive weapon, and he’s now with the San Diego Chargers. Mitchell Schwartz is one of the best right tackles in the National Football League. He’ll be wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jersey from now on. Tashaun Gipson became a Pro Bowl safety, and he’s taken his talents to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Then, there’s the whole fiasco with Johnny Manziel. After trying for so long to make things work with the talented but troubled quarterback, the Cleveland Browns finally decided to cut the cord. Many were hoping that he would be the savior for the team, but Manziel never even came close. Playing in the NFL was not one of his top priorities, despite repeatedly trying to tell people that football was more important to him than all of the off-field issues going on in his life.

Signing Robert Griffin III is not going to make up for the loss of Alex Mack, Travis Benjamin, Mitchell Schwartz, and Tashaun Gipson. It also doesn’t make up for all of the holes that are on the roster inherited by new Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson, the highly regarded Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator last season. Signing Griffin III, though, gives the Browns a chance at having a quarterback.

There are no guarantees with Robert Griffin III. He didn’t play one single snap during the NFL regular season in 2015. While it’s true that the time off the field enabled him to heal up his body, there’s also a very good chance that he’s going to be a bit rusty if he does end up winning the starting quarterback job for the Cleveland Browns.

If Robert Griffin III does reach his potential, then the Cleveland Browns will be set at the quarterback position for the next couple of years. That should be refreshing to a fan base that has seen countless passers attempting to be the guy. If healthy and his head is right, then Griffin III is good enough to be a Pro Bowl quarterback, provided the Browns provide him with some sort of help on offense. Joe Thomas is one of the best left tackles in the NFL, but Griffin III needs people to catch his passes.

And now, with RGIII headed to Cleveland,, there's one less landing spot for Colin Kaepernick.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2016

The expected addition of Robert Griffin III should close the door on Colin Kaepernick. There were talks that the Cleveland Browns were in negotiations with the San Francisco 49ers to land the former second-round draft pick. Like Griffin III, Kaepernick was once hailed the franchise quarterback until things started going downhill. Although he could still end up with the Denver Broncos, Kaepernick appears to be stuck with the Niners next season.

The addition of Robert Griffin III should also mean the end of Josh McCown’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns. McCown wants to start in the NFL, and the Browns might accommodate that in order to acquire more assets in the upcoming draft.

With RGIII set to become a Brown today, that figures to make Josh McCown available in a trade. Jets, Broncos, Rams still with QB questions.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2016

Robert Griffin III can be a superstar. The NFL needs more of those. The league also needs the Cleveland Browns to do better because they have a huge fan base despite playing so poorly. Signing Griffin III could be a step in the right direction, or it’ll be another fiasco for the downtrodden franchise.

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