Redskins Finally Release Robert Griffin III

The RG3 era has officially come to an end in the nation’s capital.  The Redskins have informed Robert Griffin III, the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, that he will be released, along with three other players.

Redskins Part Ways With RGIII

Griffin did not play a single snap for Washington in 2015, being relegated to the sidelines as Kirk Cousins, drafted in the fourth round of 2012, lead the ‘Skins to a 9-7 record and their first playoff appearance since 2012, when Griffin was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

RG III’s first NFL season out of Baylor was truly spectacular, for a rookie or veteran.  He led the league is yards per attempt (8.14) and threw for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, for a QB Rating of 102.4, third in the league, trailing only Aaron Rodgers (108.0) and Peyton Manning (105.8).  The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner was also a force with his legs, running for a league-best 6.8 yards per carry and 815 yards for 7 touchdowns. Griffin was on the path to becoming a NFL superstar and the savior of the Redskins and their fans, desperate for success since their last Super Bowl in 1991.

Despite all the success of Griffin’s rookie year, there were some injury issues.  He suffered a concussion against the Falcons but did not miss any time aside from the rest of the game. Griffin did miss one game after suffering an ACL sprain against the Ravens before returning to lead Washington to the playoffs.

His amazing rookie season came to an abrupt end in the Redskins’ matchup with the Seattle Seahawks during the Wild Card round of the 2013 NFL Playoffs.  As he went back to field a bad snap, Griffin tore his ACL and LCL of his right leg.

Griffin’s second season failed to live up to his spectacular rookie campaign, throwing 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while his QB Rating dropped to 82.2. He was benched in favor of Cousins after 13 games according to then coach Mike Shanahan, to prevent any further injury.

Injuries continued to pile on in 2014. Griffin suffered a dislocated ankle in the second game of the season and was out until Week 9. Upon his return, Washington lost the next three games and he was benched for Colt McCoy. McCoy would later suffer a neck injury that ended his season, putting Griffin back atop the depth chart. The Redskins finished 4-12, last in the NFC East.

This past season Griffin was named the starter heading into training camp, but suffered another concussion in the preseason kept him out and allowed Cousins to take over the starting job.

During his time in Washington, Griffin completed 63.9% of his passes and threw for 8,907 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions, posting a QB Rating of 90.6. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and ran for 1,480 yards, 8 touchdowns, and had 18 fumbles.

With his release along with the releases of Dashon Goldson, Jeron Johnson and Jason Hatcher, the Redskins freed up around $30 million in cap space, with free agency starting Wednesday, March 9.