Quarterback Robert Griffin III Found A Home With The Ravens

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The Washington Redskins made a bold move in 2012 when they traded up to the No. 2 overall pick to select Heisman winning quarterback Robert Griffin III. The move paid off immediately with Griffin winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award as he guided the Redskins to an NFC East division title. Ironically, it was an injury in week 14 against the Ravens that temporarily derailed Griffin’s sensational rookie season. He came back in the playoffs and further injured his knee, this time tearing both his LCL and ACL.

Griffin was never the same after the injury, which was followed by other injuries over the next two seasons before being released by Washington in 2016. He lasted a single injury-plagued season in Cleveland after signing a two-year deal with the Browns.

The Ravens signed Griffin to a one-year deal in 2018 after he was out of the NFL the previous season. Baltimore selected Lamar Jackson in the first round of the draft soon after signing Griffin. Jackson is a fellow Heisman-winning quarterback known more for his ability to make plays with his legs despite being a talented passer as well.

Suddenly signing Griffin seemed to make perfect sense because he was able to serve as a mentor for Jackson in his rookie season. Griffin had already walked the path that Jackson was about to embark on. It was a role that Griffin embraced and he is grateful to get the opportunity with the Ravens.

“I’d love to help Lamar continue to develop and be available to continue to play,” Griffin said after Baltimore’s season ending playoff loss to the Chargers in January. “I took pride in wearing this uniform and representing this organization. They gave me an opportunity to get back into the league. This is a great organization and I like the direction they’re going.”

With Jackson taking over as the primary quarterback, long-time starter Joe Flacco was dealt to the Denver Broncos. The backup quarterback job was Griffin’s if he wanted it. Both parties agreed to a two-year, $4 million deal.

Organizations such as the Jacksonville Jaguars had an opening for a starting job. While on the Ravens team podcast, Griffin revealed that the Jaguars tried to trade for him twice last year. The Miami Dolphins appeared to be headed in that direction as well.

Griffin decided Baltimore was the best situation for him.

“I’m looking for stability. For me right now, Baltimore is the best situation,” Griffin said on the Ravens podcast. “We felt like in a backup capacity, Baltimore made the most sense. I’m not looking to go somewhere and be a bridge or be there for a season then go somewhere else.”

Stability and being able to continue his job as a mentor to Jackson while working with the Ravens coaching staff offered Griffin a situation that he felt suited him best.

“I have a great working relationship with L. J. [Lamar Jackson]. I felt like I earned the respect of my teammates and coaches and this is an offensive system that speaks to my skill set. We thought those things were very valuable,” Griffin added.