Robert Griffin III has an idea of how the Cleveland Browns can address their sudden quarterback depth concerns. He’s hoping they lure him out of retirement.
Robert Griffin III Makes Sales Pitch to Cleveland Browns
With DeShaun Watson out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, the former NFL quarterback turned ESPN analyst Griffin took to his podcast RG3 and the Ones on Thursday to send this sales pitch to Cleveland.
“The Browns should sign me as their starting quarterback,” Griffin quickly began. “And here’s why.”
Griffin, who last played in the 2020 season, outlined his reasonings for another NFL shot.
“One, at 33 years old, I understand the game better than I ever had in my entire career. I know how to slide, and I know when to slide. And that was a huge issue in my eight years in the NFL. But I’ve learned. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m ready to showcase that I can get it done,” Griffin said.
Griffin was known for using his mobility during his eight seasons. However, he never got the chance to play a full season as injuries, including an early ACL tear, derailed him.
But along with gaining a better understanding of the game, Griffin believes the current Browns’ structure can work for him.
MORE: Who Can Browns Target To Add to QB Depth Chart?
“But here’s the thing, DeShaun Watson went 14 for 14 in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens. And he used his legs to go out and scramble and extend plays. Of those 14 passes, there weren’t really any of them that you would say were $230 million worthy passes. All they really needed him to do was manage the game because of them dogs they have over there on defense, starting with Myles Garrett,” Griffin said.
He added, “But guess what? I can do that. I can go out there and manage a game for the Cleveland Browns and help them go on the Super Bowl run they want to go on.”
Griffin Claims His Speed and Arm Are Still Intact
Griffin’s next plea: He still believes he’s in game shape.
“But here’s the second thing. I still run a 4.3 40 people. I can throw the football 80 yards. I train every week like an NFL football player so I can be ready for moments just like this. So they need to hit my line,” Griffin said.
But another reason why he’s drawn to Cleveland? He can take on a mentor role for the rookie the team is now turning to.
“Third thing is, for me, if Dorian Thompson-Robinson is going to be their guy and they don’t bring me in to be the starter, then they should bring me in to be the backup and help him in the same ways I’ve helped Lamar Jackson,” Griffin said.
Griffin went from electric Heisman Trophy winner at Baylor to journeyman NFL QB in playing for three teams. One was the Browns in 2016, but in his eight seasons, he’s absorbed so many schemes.
“I learned six offenses in eight years in the NFL. Nobody wants to talk about it,” Griffin said. “But learning a new offense has never been a problem for me. I can help DTR with his decision-making, when to make certain plays, and truly to understand what he has to do as a quarterback with a defense like that on the other side of the football.”
Did Griffin Make an Earlier Plea to Return to the NFL?
Griffin’s words now come off differently from one other nationally publicized QB situation back in September.
Griffin addressed the New York Jets’ dilemma once Aaron Rodgers fell to an Achilles injury on “Get Up” the day after the Jets’ overtime win over the Buffalo Bills.
However, his claim for not being on an NFL roster stemmed from being labeled as a “distraction” for teams that have a young passer. In the case of the Jets, Zach Wilson.
“Some of these guys like Carson Wentz, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, myself, it’s not that we can’t play the game anymore, it’s that we’re a big distraction if you bring us in,” Griffin said.
“I had a GM tell me this offseason, ‘Hey man, I know you can still play, you look like you can still play, but if we bring you in, it’s going to be a distraction for our starting quarterback.’”
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!