Ravens bring back Robert Griffin III: Grade, reaction, analysis
Not that he was going anywhere, but Robert Griffin III is going back to the Baltimore Ravens to be Lamar Jackson’s backup.
With the trade of Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens confirmed their move forward with Lamar Jackson as the starting quarterback. With a need for depth, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported this week the Ravens have re-signed Robert Griffin III.
After being out of football in 2017, Griffin latched on in Baltimore and saw action in three games last season, completing two of six passes for 21 yards. Any idea the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year would find a chance at a starting job on the open market evaporated in a lack of any outside interest, as expected.
Contract Details
The Ravens confirmed they’ve brought Griffin back on a two-year deal.
National Reaction
Alongside his report of the deal, Rapoport pointed to Griffin as a valuable leader and mentor for Jackson.
The #Ravens are re-signing QB Robert Griffin III, per source. He was a great presence in that QB room last year and key for Lamar Jackson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2019
ESPN Ravens’ reporter Jamison Hensley offered the same sentiment.
Ravens announce they've reached a two-year deal with Robert Griffin III. He will be Baltimore's top backup and remain a valuable mentor to Lamar Jackson.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 21, 2019
Griffin tweeted out his gratitude, tagging a bunch of his teammates too.
Happy and blessed to be back w/ a great organization and great teammates. Let’s defend the North @Lj_era8 @_tonyjefferson @IamtheGuru79 @man_dammn @ALevine41 @marlon_humphrey @TY_Real1 @BrandonW_66 @BCarr39 @lewis_flock72 @Matt_Skura62 @Willie_Snead4G @Earl_Thomas @MarkIngram22 https://t.co/Kcacp42ebj
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 21, 2019
C+. . QB. Baltimore Ravens. ROBERT GRIFFIN III
At his peak, Griffin’s skill set was remarkably similar to Jackson’s as a dynamic running threat. So if he had to see action, even as a diminished older quarterback, the core of what will be a run-heavy offense under coordinator Greg Roman would remain.
Griffin notably struggled to avoid being hit when he ran, which led to his body breaking down and a bad end with the Washington Redskins. Even in 2016 with the Cleveland Browns, a seemingly avoidable big hit on his non-throwing shoulder in Week 1 limited him to five games. So he can offer that important perspective to Jackson, and advise him on being keenly aware of what’s going on around him when he takes off to run.
Next. Keep Track of Every NFL Free Agent Signing Here. dark
In need of a backup quarterback, the Ravens have maintained some continuity. Griffin needed a job, so returning to Baltimore will be a good fit for him too. But in a certain way, both team and player will be hoping he never sees extensive action.