Fansided

Robert Griffin III wouldn’t be bummed if Redskins don’t pick up his option

By Charles Rahrig V

Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) prepares to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) prepares to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the deadline looming for the Washington Redskins to pick up the option of Robert Griffin III, the quarterback would be bummed if the team doesn’t pick up his option.

The Washington Redskins are at a critical point with the current state of the franchise.

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Do they have a quarterback of the future in Robert Griffin III or do they have to find an answer at quarterback?

After a rookie season in 2012 that made everyone sure Griffin was going to be the future at quarterback and a star in the league, he hasn’t been able to recapture that same magic because of injuries and differences between him and coach Jay Gruden.

To make matters even worse, and a little more difficult for the Redskins, the team has to decide by May 3 if they want to pick up the fifth-year option for Griffin for the 2016 season. The problem is that if Griffin and the Redskins have another down year after finishing 4-12 this season, then the team is committed to having to pay him a large $16 million next year.

At this point it doesn’t seem too likely the team will do that as it’s far too much of a risk to make. Still, Griffin speaking to NFL.com, wouldn’t be upset if the team doesn’t his option.

"“I wouldn’t be bummed,” Griffin said. “Either way, we’re going out there to prove it this upcoming year — not next year. I just want to win. I want to win games and have fun doing it. The rest will take care of itself. They can pick up the option — or they can decide not to pick up the option. It’ll work out either way. I’m focused on this year.”"

Griffin is right about one thing, the Redskins were having fun in 2012 as they defied expectations and made a playoff run in 2012.

It’s surprising to see Griffin say he wouldn’t be bummed if they don’t pick up his option, as $16 million is a lot of money and it might be his last chance to make that much if the team regresses again.

Still, you have to respect his honesty for being open about the situation. Either way, Griffin seems determined to give it his all this year whether that means a longer career in Washington or making himself more appealing to another team.

For a while, the Redskins thought they had another option for the future in Kirk Cousins, but he didn’t perform up to expectations in 2014.

Financially, it doesn’t make sense for Washington to take the risk on Griffin as $16 million is a big chunk of money and could affect the team’s free agency plans and their ability to re-sign other players.

The Redskins also hold the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft. Is it possible that they could be players in the Marcus Mariota sweepstakes? Would they have to move up to get him? It’s not likely after they had to give up a ransom for Griffin, which has put the team in the situation they are now.

The Washington Redskins and Robert Griffin are at a major point in their relationship. On May 3, when the team decides whether or not to pick up his option will be very telling about the future of Griffin in Washington.

As for Griffin, he seems ready for whatever the decision the team makes.

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