Robert Griffin III put pen to paper and signed a two-year deal with an ailing Cleveland Browns team on Thursday.
Immediately after the signing, Cleveland put Josh McCown on the trading block, meaning that RGIII has quickly assumed the leadership role with his new team.
With this could come the possibility that the former Washington Redskins starter will act as a veteran presence should Cleveland select a quarterback No. 2 overall in next month’s draft.
Commenting on that potential scenario, Griffin shared his mindset about a rookie coming aboard (via NFL.com).
“If they draft a quarterback, (I’ll) take the guy under my wing. I’m considered a vet now after four years in the league and I’ve been through a lot more than a lot of guys go through in their entire career. I’ve got a lot of experience. I can help a young guy, but it’s not my focus. I don’t pick the players. (executive vice president of football operations) Sashi (Brown) and (coach) Hue (Jackson) and all those guys will take care of that stuff, but if they draft a quarterback, it doesn’t bother me at all. I’m just ready to compete.”
Griffin’s attitude is refreshing compared to the turmoil the team dealt with on a constant basis with Johnny Manziel. If the Browns do draft a quarterback, it remains to be seen whether they would use the same strategy they employed with Manziel by benching him during the majority of his rookie campaign.
Griffin acknowledged that he is ready to compete, but at the same time said that he is excited to lead the team:
“After not playing football for a year, I’m really appreciative of the Browns stepping up and giving me an opportunity to go out and grow with their team, compete on a daily basis and lead the team. I’m really excited about that.”
Either way, Griffin has some rust to shed after sitting the entire 2015 season. He’s not exactly the same quarterback that led Washington to the playoffs in 2012 after completing a 9-6 season.
The last Griffin saw the field was in 2014. Griffin went 2-5 and threw for only four touchdowns compared to six interceptions in nine games that season.
We must hand it to the Browns organization for making some bold moves to clear the cluster mess they had at quarterback. It’s now all about who is going to be under center when the 2016 season comes calling.