Robert Griffin III - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos Offered Brock Osweiler $64MM+

March 9th, 2016 at 5:37pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

5:37pm: Broncos general manager John Elway doesn’t sound too broken up about Osweiler’s exit.

“We’ve stayed true to our philosophy of building a team with players who want to be Denver Broncos and want to be here. That’s been a successful approach for us,” he said (link via Andrew Mason of the Broncos’ website).

On Elway’s attempt to keep Osweiler, the GM said, “While we did offer a very competitive and fair long-term contract to Brock, we ultimately had to remain disciplined while continuing to assemble a roster that can compete for championships.”

Elway went on to acknowledge that the Broncos are exploring other options.

“We’ve now turned our attention to other options at quarterback and are confident that we’ll find the right player and person for our team. Our organization thanks Brock for his contributions and wishes him all the best.”

5:15pm: Prior to Brock Osweiler‘s decision to accept a four-year, $72MM offer from the Texans, the Broncos offered the quarterback a contract for the same length and less money (upward of $64MM), reports Mike Klis of 9News (on Twitter). That came after the Broncos submitted a three-year, $45MM offer to Osweiler. Denver’s $64MM-plus pitch included $30MM in guarantees – less than the $37MM Osweiler will receive from the Texans (Twitter link via Klis).

Osweiler’s choice to leave Denver after four years as Peyton Manning’s backup came as no surprise to members of the organization, per Klis, who tweets that he stopped returning phone calls to some teammates and coaches over the last two weeks. Osweiler, 25, will now start anew without having to live in the shadow of Manning, which was a factor in his decision, according to Klis.

With Manning having retired and Osweiler gone, the Broncos are essentially bereft under center – an odd position to be in for a reigning Super Bowl winner. Their incumbent starter is 2015 seventh-rounder Trevor Siemian, who has never thrown an NFL pass, but his spot atop the depth chart isn’t exactly set in stone.

The recently released Robert Griffin III is on the Broncos’ list of replacement quarterbacks, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported when news of Osweiler’s departure broke (Twitter link). RG3 could visit Denver this week, per Schefter.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

FA Rumors: RGIII, Beachum, Lamur, C. Long

March 8th, 2016 at 9:13pm CST by Luke Adams

The Rams have not shown any interest in free agent quarterback Robert Griffin III at this point, reports Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News (Twitter link). Ten clubs are reportedly giving Griffin a “hard look.”

Here are a few more free agent rumors from around the NFL:

Having reached a deal to bring back veteran guard Ramon Foster, the Steelers think they might be able to re-sign left tackle Kelvin Beachum on a one-year deal, tweets Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Beachum is coming off a torn ACL, which may be limiting his market.
Free agent linebacker and special-teamer Emmanuel Lamur is not expected to re-sign with the Bengals, according to Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer, who writes that the Lions, Vikings, and Dolphins are among the teams that have expressed interest in Lamur since the legal tampering window opened.
Former Rams defensive end Chris Long enjoyed his visit to Washington and has genuine interest in joining the club, but he has more free agent visits planned, so it doesn’t sound like any deal is imminent, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
The Raiders have already made a pair of big splashes in free agency, reaching agreements with Kelechi Osemele and Bruce Irvin. Bill Williamson of Fanrag Sports suggests (via Twitter) that cornerback Janoris Jenkins is another name to watch for Oakland.

Washington Releases Robert Griffin III

March 7th, 2016 at 3:05pm CST by Zachary Links

3:05pm: Washington has officially issued a press release announcing that Griffin has been cut. The team also confirmed several other cuts reported today, including Jason Hatcher and Jeron Johnson.

9:40am: Washington has released RG3, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post (on Twitter). A formal announcement from the team is presumably forthcoming.

9:36am: Washington will inform Robert Griffin III today of his release, sources tell Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN (on Twitter). Griffin’s salary was slated to become fully guaranteed on Wednesday.

Washington was in no rush to release Griffin since his $16.155MM salary for 2016 was to remain non-guaranteed until the start of the league year. At one time, a trade thought to be somewhat possible, but Washington apparently couldn’t find a proper deal.

In nine games in 2014, Griffin finished with 1,694 passing yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions. He added 176 yards on the ground. Last season, Griffin did not see the field as the team shifted its focus towards Kirk Cousins at quarterback. Griffin’s release has long been considered to be an inevitability.

At least two teams have talked to Washington about a trade this winter, so we can expect the Baylor product to field calls this week. Recently, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com identified the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers, Broncos, and Cowboys as possible suitors for Griffin.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

QB Rumors: RGIII, Foles, Romo, Luck

March 4th, 2016 at 3:54pm CST by Luke Adams

At least 10 teams are giving Washington signal-caller Robert Griffin III “a hard look,” sources tell Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report. Griffin is a strong candidate to be either traded or released in the coming days, and there are teams around the league who feel like they can remake RGIII both on and off the field, according to Freeman.

While no team will want to trade for Griffin and pay his $16MM+ salary for 2016, that figure remains non-guaranteed until next Wednesday, so there could be resolution on the quarterback’s situation soon. As Dianna Marie Russini of ESPN.com tweets, Washington wouldn’t want more than a conditional late-round pick in a trade, so if a team can negotiate a reworked contract as part of a deal, it could be worth parting with that pick to get a leg up on all the clubs waiting for RGIII to be released.

As we wait to see what happens with the former No. 2 overall pick, let’s round up a few more Friday items on quarterbacks around the NFL, including the guy who was selected before Griffin in 2012…

With the Rams currently counting on Case Keenum to be their starting quarterback, Nick Foles could almost certainly be had in the right trade. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com suggests (via Twitter) that the Dolphins, the Cowboys, and Washington would be among the teams with interest if Foles were available. It’s hard to imagine any of those teams giving up anything of value for Foles though.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who will go under the knife next week, intends to undergo a “Mumford procedure” on his collarbone, rather than having a plate inserted, writes David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. Mike Fisher of CBSDFW.com had reported that Romo would undergo the plate insertion, which involves a set of screws and a plate being inserted to protect the bone. However, Moore says that while the plate remains an option, the plan for Romo is the Mumford procedure, which would involve shaving off or removing a portion of the distal clavicle.
Andrew Luck‘s looming extension will change the Colts‘ cap outlook drastically going forward, but the team has been anticipating that jump in its quarterback salary for several years. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star takes a closer look at how the Colts are approaching the deal, and how it will affect the rest of the team’s offseason plans.

Two Teams Have Inquired About Trading For RGIII

February 26th, 2016 at 1:13pm CST by Zachary Links

At least two teams have talked to Washington about trading for Robert Griffin III, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Still, the QB controls the process because he has to sign off on a new deal.

Recently, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com identified the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers, Broncos, and Cowboys as possible suitors for Griffin. At this time, however, it’s not clear which teams called to ask about RGIII. In an interview just days ago, Washington team president Bruce Allen was asked whether Griffin would remain on the roster for the 2016 season and, as many have speculated for months, he indicated that Griffin would be elsewhere.

“I see Robert getting an opportunity with another team,” Allen said. “I think we’ve heard from some teams that are interested, and I think he’s going to have a choice of a couple teams that will let him excel in the future.”

Washington has been in no rush to release Griffin, whose $16.155MM salary for 2016 remains non-guaranteed for now. The team will have until the new league year begins to do something with RGIII, whose salary would become fully guaranteed if he’s still on the roster at that point. A trade was previously thought to be a long shot, but things have apparently changed.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Notes: Cowboys, Cruz, RGIII, Cards

February 24th, 2016 at 10:51am CST by Luke Adams

With Tony Romo turning 36 this April, the Cowboys may not get a better chance to draft his eventual successor, but their No. 4 overall pick could also be used to address a more immediate need elsewhere on the roster. Speaking to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones acknowledges that the idea of selecting a quarterback is one the team must seriously consider.

“I mean you have to look at it,” Jones said. “You’re not naive to it but if you have the opportunity in this league, in our situation, to get a potential franchise quarterback, then you have to make the investment. You have to have the patience. You sacrifice maybe that opportunity that maybe is impactful right now.”

Let’s round up several more items from across the NFC….

Speaking to Nina Mandell of of USA Today’s For The Win, wide receiver Victor Cruz speculated that there’s an 80 percent chance he’ll return to the Giants for the 2016 season. While that’s an optimistic estimate, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com tweets that it doesn’t sound like Cruz has been told anything definitive yet by the team.
In the wake of Washington president Bruce Allen suggesting Robert Griffin III won’t be back with the team, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) identifies the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers, Broncos, and Cowboys as possible suitors for RGIII.
Speaking today to reporters at the combine in Indianapolis, Cardinals GM Steve Keim said that he loves Andre Ellington‘s skills, but the running back must show he can consistently stay healthy before Arizona seriously considers locking him up long-term (Twitter link via Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic). As a 2013 draftee, Ellington is extension-eligible for the first time this offseason.
Former CFL pass rusher Tristan Okpalaugo, who signed with the Cardinals this week, got a $30K signing bonus on his one-year, minimum-salary deal, tweets Tom Pelissero of USA Today.

Latest On Robert Griffin III

February 23rd, 2016 at 3:46pm CST by Luke Adams

Appearing on the Dan Sileo Show on The Mighty 1090 in San Diego, Washington team president Bruce Allen was asked whether Robert Griffin III would remain on the roster for the 2016 season, and essentially confirmed what has been assumed for the last several months – RGIII is expected to take his talents elsewhere this offseason.

“I see Robert getting an opportunity with another team,” Allen said. “I think we’ve heard from some teams that are interested, and I think he’s going to have a choice of a couple teams that will let him excel in the future.”

[RELATED: Latest on Kirk Cousins, Washington]

Washington has been in no rush to release Griffin, whose $16.155MM salary for 2016 remains non-guaranteed for now. As John Keim of ESPN.com outlines, the team will have until the new league year begins to do something with RGIII, whose salary would become fully guaranteed if he’s still on the roster at that point. A source tells Keim that a trade is a long shot, and would require Griffin to re-do his contract, but Washington is exploring all its options.

While it’s not clear if any team will be willing to make a trade for Griffin, there are at least three teams interested in pursuing him as a free agent, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). However, Cole cautions that those teams – who don’t want to be identified – would likely want to make sure that Griffin is open to becoming more of a pocket quarterback and willing to accept a probable backup role.

As RGIII waits to find out his fate, Washington is focused on locking up starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is eligible for free agency next month. The team has another week to use its franchise tag on Cousins, which seems at this point like the most logical outcome, since the two sides aren’t believed to be close to a longer-term agreement.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Follow Pro Football Rumors On Instagram

February 2nd, 2016 at 7:00am CST by Zachary Links

Pro Football Rumors has just launched an official Instagram account (@ProFootballRumors)! Each day, we’ll be sharing conversation-inspiring images about the hottest topics in football. From there, we invite you to give us a like, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and even share the link with a friend.

Our inaugural Instagram post features a sneak peek at what Robert Griffin III might look like in a Texans uniform. The former No. 2 overall pick is almost certainly going to be released by Washington this offseason and he’ll be free to sign with any of the league’s other 31 teams.

With serious question marks under center – not to mention a close proximity to where Griffin played his high school and college ball – the Texans have been linked to RGIII in recent weeks. Do you think he’ll sign with Houston? Do you think he could complete a Lone Star homecoming with the Cowboys instead? Or do you see him signing somewhere else entirely? Follow us on Instagram today and reply back in the comments section with your thoughts.

East Notes: Cowboys, RGIII, Pats

January 31st, 2016 at 8:53am CST by Rory Parks

The Cowboys have been connected to North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, who is arguably the top QB prospect in this year’s draft, but recent reports indicated that Dallas was not likely to spend its first-round pick on Tony Romo‘s backup and eventual successor. If the Cowboys do, in fact, spend their early selections on players who can make more of an immediate impact, Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram identifies Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott as a potential mid-round option that could be too intriguing to pass up. Prescott had the best showing of any quarterback prospect in yesterday’s Senior Bowl, and he met with the Cowboys for an hour on Friday. During that meeting, Prescott watched film and interviewed with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson.

Now let’s dive into some more notes from the league’s east divisions:

We learned yesterday that Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence recently underwent back surgery but is expected to return “when it matters,” and Lawrence’s agent tweeted shortly thereafter that his client is “100%” and that reports regarding the surgery are “much ado about nothing.”
Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com explores why it is highly unlikely that Washington will be able to trade Robert Griffin III this offseason. Teams cannot trade players until the new league year begins on March 9, which is the same day RGIII’s $16.15MM guarantee for his fifth-year option kicks in, and there is no way any other club will trade for that type of guaranteed contract.
Count Tom E. Curran and Mike Giardi of CSNNE.com among those who believe the Patriots will not keep DE Chandler Jones beyond the 2016 season. Even with the recent marijuana-related blemish on his resume, Jones will likely be too expensive for the Pats to retain, especially since players like Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower are also upcoming free agents and should be a higher priority for the team.
Speaking of the Patriots, Phil A. Perry of CSNNE.com looks at the top five free agents that New England risks losing this offseason, a list headlined by players like Akiem Hicks and Nate Ebner, who might not be indispensable cogs but who nonetheless played a major role in New England’s run to the AFC title game this season.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com offers his predictions as to how the Patriots will fill the newly-created vacancies on their coaching staff, suggesting that incumbent safeties coach Brian Flores will become the new linebackers coach and tight ends coach Brian Daboll will become the new offensive line coach.

Draft Rumors: Titans, Browns, J. Smith, Cowboys

January 29th, 2016 at 11:59am CST by Luke Adams

The NFL season isn’t over yet, but teams around the league are already looking ahead to the draft April, spending this week meeting with and scouting players at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Checking in from Mobile, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has several interesting draft-related tidbits to pass along, so let’s dive right in and check out the highlights….

The “biggest buzz” at the Senior Bowl this week is that the Titans are “absolutely” shopping the first overall pick in the draft, says Miller. General managers from rival teams expect the Browns and Rams to have the most interest in trading up to No. 1, though Cleveland exec Sashi Brown said earlier this week that he’d be shocked if his team moves up from No. 2.
Wherever the Browns end up picking, the expectation around the league is that they’ll target a quarterback, and Miller has heard all week from scouts that Cleveland prefers Carson Wentz to Jared Goff.
Jaylon Smith, who tore his ACL and LCL in the Fiesta Bowl, is already rehabbing twice a day as he recovers from the major knee injury, sources tell Miller. The Saints are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the Notre Dame linebacker, and it still appears likely that he’ll come off the board in the top half of the first round.
Miller’s sources don’t expect Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to use his team’s first-round pick on Tony Romo‘s backup and eventual successor. According to Miller, Dallas is more likely to roll the dice on a player like Robert Griffin III or Johnny Manziel — not necessarily as Romo’s successor, but at least as a short-term backup.
Sources inside the Texans tell Miller that Houston figures to focus on the offensive side of the ball with its first few picks in the draft.
Miller identifies Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler, Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake, and Temple defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis as some prospects that have improved their stock this week in Mobile.