Imagine this scenario unfolding in the offseason. Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder finally decides that the team has had enough of Robert Griffin III and opts to keep head coach Jay Gruden instead of the embattled former franchise quarterback. In this scenario, the Redskins would attempt to work out a trade with quarterback-needy teams out there.
Now look at said teams that might be interested in adding a young quarterback to the mix. Who is in more need of a quarterback than the St. Louis Rams?
Talk about going full circle.
But in reality, this is a scenario that could very well interest both teams. And while it’s based solely on assumption, just look at the factors leading to this becoming a real possibility.
There is absolutely no way that Washington gets anywhere near the bounty it paid for RGIII in a potential deal. Instead, based on his recent performance and injury issues, the Redskins can probably look for a second-round pick (at most). This doesn’t even factor into the equation a reported rift between RGIII and other members of the Redskins organization, including head coach Jay Gruden. In reality, RGIII could potentially be had for a mid-round pick.
Now relying on veteran backup Shaun Hill to finish up a season that has seen the Rams come on strong of late, the team is going to be in the market for a franchise quarterback. And based on St. Louis’ recent success, it’s highly unlikely that general manager Les Snead and Co. will be able to pull of a selection of either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston in the draft. Short of the Rams reaching for a second-tier quarterback in the middle of the first round, they are going to have to look in another direction. While RGIII can no longer be seen as a shoe-in franchise quarterback, he’s likely a better option than some of the “top” free agents set to hit the open market, including Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez. If the price isn’t too high here, the Rams make perfect sense.
Now look at the Redskins situation for a second here. It’s readily apparent that RGIII has worn out his welcome in the locker room and among the coaching staff. Short of Daniel Snyder pulling another power trip and firing Gruden while keeping the former No. 2 overall pick, RGIII will not be in D.C. next season.
It’s likely at the point right now that the Redskins will get what they can for him and look in another direction at quarterback. And while neither Colt McCoy or Kirk Cousins seem to be the long-term solution, Washington is in a better situation than St. Louis as it relates to drafting a franchise-type quarterback. This could obviously change depending on the outcome of the team’s matchup on Sunday.
Some may point to Jeff Fisher’s mentality and the fact that he didn’t get along with Vince Young in Tennessee. But to compare Young to RGIII would be too simple-minded. Their issues are vastly different in the grand scheme of things. In addition to this, utilizing Fisher as an example of why St. Louis wouldn’t look to trade for RGIII is making an assumption that Fisher himself returns next season. That’s far from a done deal.
The entire idea seems like something out of Hollywood. Three years after pulling off a huge trade, the potential of RGIII playing in St. Louis (or Los Angeles) makes a ton of sense right now. It would create a situation in which Washington acquired a mid-round pick for three first rounders and a second rounder, but that’s not something the franchise can even entertain thinking about. If the Redskins are prepared to move on from RGIII and want to work out a trade, the Rams are the most logical fit.
It’s that simple.
Photo: USA Today