The Washington Redskins have ended quarterback Robert Griffin III’s tenure with the team, releasing him two days before the start of the 2016 NFL year, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.
The long-anticipated move clears $16.155 million off of the Redskins’ salary cap, freeing up much-needed money for the team to upgrade the roster in free agency, and gives Griffin a chance to revive his once-promising career. Griffin now has the freedom to sign with whichever team he wants.
[Five teams that should consider RGIII as a starter]
Thus ends one of the most dramatic rises and falls in recent NFL history.
Robert Griffin III’s time in Washington has reportedly come to an end. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
After taking the league by storm with a record-setting rookie campaign, leading Washington to the NFC East title and first round of the playoffs, Griffin never managed to recapture the magic after tearing ligaments in his right knee in that playoff loss to Seattle.
[Steinberg: With Griffin’s departure, another Redskins hail mary ends in sadness]
He struggled to transition from zone-read, dual-threat quarterback to a traditional pocket passer while playing under two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Shanahan and then well-respected quarterback guru Jay Gruden.
Griffin entered the 2015 season as the starter, but after an uneven preseason performance and a concussion that took place in the third exhibition game, the Redskins made an abrupt change, benching Griffin for fellow 2012 draft class member Kirk Cousins.
Griffin dressed for only one game, but as third-string quarterback for the entire season, never took a snap.
Despite committing to Cousins for the 2016 season, and public statements by both Coach Jay
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...top-table-main_redskins-1055am:homepage/story
The long-anticipated move clears $16.155 million off of the Redskins’ salary cap, freeing up much-needed money for the team to upgrade the roster in free agency, and gives Griffin a chance to revive his once-promising career. Griffin now has the freedom to sign with whichever team he wants.
[Five teams that should consider RGIII as a starter]
Thus ends one of the most dramatic rises and falls in recent NFL history.
After taking the league by storm with a record-setting rookie campaign, leading Washington to the NFC East title and first round of the playoffs, Griffin never managed to recapture the magic after tearing ligaments in his right knee in that playoff loss to Seattle.
[Steinberg: With Griffin’s departure, another Redskins hail mary ends in sadness]
He struggled to transition from zone-read, dual-threat quarterback to a traditional pocket passer while playing under two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Shanahan and then well-respected quarterback guru Jay Gruden.
Griffin entered the 2015 season as the starter, but after an uneven preseason performance and a concussion that took place in the third exhibition game, the Redskins made an abrupt change, benching Griffin for fellow 2012 draft class member Kirk Cousins.
Griffin dressed for only one game, but as third-string quarterback for the entire season, never took a snap.
Despite committing to Cousins for the 2016 season, and public statements by both Coach Jay
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...top-table-main_redskins-1055am:homepage/story
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