Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick and Johnny Manziel could solve problems across the NFL
Wednesday 9 March 2016 18:03, UK
Three quarterbacks find themselves looking for a new team, for a variety of reasons.
Former Heisman Trophy and Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Robert Griffin III will leave the Washington Redskins this spring. After a stellar first season, where RG3 led his franchise to their first play-off appearance in five years, injury and controversy have outweighed performance and he finds himself no longer required in Washington.
San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick appears to have grown disillusioned with life in Northern California. The five-year veteran was benched midway through last season and, despite new head coach Chip Kelly's insistence that he wants Kaepernick around, the player is weighing up his options across the league.
To say Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has never really got going in the NFL would be a colossal understatement. Following a celebrated collegiate career with Texas A&M, including winning the Heisman Trophy in his freshman year, uncertainty immediately surfaced over Manziel's professionalism as well as his ability to lead a team and learn a playbook.
Off the field issues, including an ongoing domestic assault case as well as numerous alcohol-related misdemeanours, have led the Browns to announce they plan on severing ties with Manziel as soon as the new season officially begins on March 9.
With no real outstanding QB talent in this year's draft, teams may be tempted to look at free agency for a solution to their quarterback woes.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys had a very disappointing year and a lot of those problems were at the quarterback position. Tony Romo is the face of the franchise and a good starter in Dallas, having been with the team since 2003. However the veteran is 36, is due to have further shoulder surgery this summer, and is a high-risk injury liability.
When Romo was unavailable the team's production fell away drastically, and head coach Jason Garrett will need to have a contingency plan. Cowboys management were impressed with draft prospect Carson Wentz after his Senior Bowl and Combine performances. However, if they decide to go for experience ahead of potential, RG3 may be the option they move for.
Owner Jerry Jones was a big fan of Manziel before he was eventually drafted to the Browns and he may be willing to take a chance on the 23-year-old, who excelled in Texas as a college athlete.
Houston Texans
Even though they made the play-offs, Bill O'Brien had a rough time with the quarterback position last year. As we saw in the opening sequence of NFL Hard Knocks, the head coach made an impassioned plea on behalf of his QBs, to give them a chance and show the world they could play. However, halfway through the first game starter Brian Hoyer had been benched for Ryan Mallet. By the end of October, Mallet had been released from the team altogether.
Without a particularly high draft pick, and needs in other areas, Griffin or Kaepernick could be an answer to the Texans' problems. O'Brien, a former quarterbacks coach, may see either signing as an opportunity for a cut-price, potentially franchise quarterback.
Cleveland Browns
With a new management structure in place at Cleveland, the Browns are eager to usher in a new era of success for the franchise. They have already committed to releasing Manziel and will need to replace him with a consistent, if not world class, passer.
The Browns have the No 2 pick in this year's draft and, with Tennessee settled on Marcus Mariota as their quarterback of the future, Cleveland are expected to have their pick of the board. However, this QB draft class is weaker than in previous seasons so it wouldn't be a surprise if the Browns made a play for Kaepernick or Griffin.
Kaepernick has experience at the top level which may help rookie coach Hue Jackson. He has been to the Super Bowl and has the ability to move the chains. The Browns are crying out for reliability and they might just find it in Kaepernick.
Philadelphia Eagles
Despite the Eagles re-signing Sam Bradford and coach Doug Pederson labelling him the 'perfect fit', the franchise still needs depth at QB.
Philadelphia hold the No 13 pick in this year's draft, and that may be enough to secure the third-best QB. However if it's not, and fans are left once again with an injured Bradford and no back-up of real note, Pederson may quickly find himself on the hot seat in Philly.
Los Angeles Rams
Having moved 1,800 miles to return to their first home, the LA Rams will be looking for their first play-off appearance since 2005. Can they do that with Case Keenum under centre?
Head coach Jeff Fisher was a big fan of Manziel coming out of college, and still believes in the potential of 'Johnny Football'. It's not inconceivable that Fisher brings in what he hopes will be his Hollywood quarterback.
