What up Browns fans.
It’s almost like clockwork, isn’t it? Every spring in Northeast Ohio you can count on two things – 1) the weather will suck (check), and 2) the Browns will sign at least one person fans will latch onto as the savior for next year (check, check).
This year’s proposed hero (or sacrificial lamb) is Robert Griffin III – and I have to say Browns fans, I’m completely behind this pick up. When considering our options I can’t imagine how people could mount an argument against it.
First let’s talk about the contract – two years/$15 million – for a quarterback in the NFL that’s pretty cheap. There are currently 23 QBs across the league that will make more than RG in 2016 – including Brock Osweiler, Nick Foles and Matt Ryan. With incentives RG could collect up to $22 million, but reaching those incentives would mean very good things for the Browns offense, in which case the extra cash spent would be well worth it.
Another reason Griffin to the Browns makes sense is the obvious – Cleveland absolutely needs a quarterback. Honestly – they probably need two. Last year’s opening day starter (Josh McCown) will be 37-years-old this year, and despite the unbelievable personal stats he mounted a season ago he just doesn’t win games. The Browns cut the other guy that started more than once in 2015, so it pretty much went without saying that a free agent QB needed to be added to this roster. In comparison to the other available quarterbacks – why not RGIII?
The final major reason I believe the Browns signing of Robert Griffin is ideal for all parties involved is the fact that Griffin has a true ax to grind. The kid has something to prove, and that should propel him into at least attempting to be as remarkable as he can on the field in order to revive his career. RG3 was once the most marketed NFL player, you don’t think he wants to get back to that form?
In 2012 Griffin was taken number 2 overall by the Washington Washington Football Team. In his rookie year he completely balled – beating out Andrew Luck (taken first overall) for Rookie of the Year. Nobody could touch him.
But also that year Griffin suffered two ankle injuries that many believe he’s never fully recovered from. Follow that with a knee in 2013 and a concussion in 2015, the former starting QB of the Washington Football Team eventually lost his job to Kirk Cousins who subsequently led his team to the playoffs.
All in all the Cleveland Browns signing of Robert Griffin III can only bring positive to an organization that’s been desperately seeking that type of direction since 1999. Even if it doesn’t work, hell, it can’t get any worse.
Make sure you look out for the newest episode of Matt and Matt Sports airing on Facebook/Z1079 and Facebook/931WZAK later today.
