Robert Griffin III Should Be Cleveland Browns' Long-Term Plan At Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns continue their search for a franchise quarterback, though their activity at the 2016 NFL Draft suggests they’re willing to give their new veteran a shot at the title.

The team signed former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III to a two-year, $15 million deal on March 24 with the hopes that he can take over immediately and provide short-term stability to a struggling franchise.

Griffin had a spectacular rookie season with the Washington Redskins, leading them to an NFC East title and the postseason. The Redskins had a 14-0 lead in their Wild Card game over the Seattle Seahawks and if not for a leg injury sustained in the game, Griffin may have led them to a win. The rookie threw 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in 15 games played. They reeled off seven straight wins following a 3-6 start to win the division. But the remainder of his time spent in Washington was disappointing, and he failed to play a single down in 2015.

Cleveland needs to focus on Griffin’s 2012 season when assessing whether or not he may be their future. A two-year deal means they’re skeptical of what he brings, and rightly so, though the potential is there for Griffin to be the quarterback they’ve been yearning for since Bernie Kosar in 1993. The Browns made five straight postseason appearances from 1985-89 and won three playoff games. Since Kosar, Cleveland has just two postseason berths and one win.

The Browns were expected to take either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick in the recent draft until they traded the pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, they opted to take USC‘s Cody Kessler in the third round, No. 93 overall. Kessler doesn’t impress you with his arm strength, but he is a good decision-maker.

Cleveland’s decision to move down and collect extra draft picks says that they’re currently committed to Griffin and want to put more talent around him. The Browns ended draft weekend with 14 players selected. They include four receivers and a tight end. Corey Coleman, a receiver from Baylor, was their first-round selection at No. 15 overall.

It’s too soon to know which RGIII we’ll see in Cleveland, but he presents more talent than they’ve seen in quite some time. They need to commit to him now and hope he can replicate his rookie production with the Redskins.