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Robert Griffin III
NFL

3 Best Fits For Robert Griffin III

  • Justin Melo
  • July 4, 2022
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Quarterback Robert Griffin III is prepared to attempt a return to the NFL should his phone ring sometime this season. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft, Griffin recently made the proclamation while making an appearance on KWTX-TV in Waco, Texas.

“I’m ready to go right now,” Griffin said. “I throw and work out. I know what it takes to get my body ready and I am doing those things. If I get that call this year, next year, or five years from now, I will be ready to play,” Griffin concluded.

Griffin last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 while backing up Lamar Jackson. Griffin appeared in four contests, starting one. The former Baylor standout wasn’t a part of an NFL roster in 2021. Griffin has since worked as a college football and NFL analyst for ESPN and continues to explore opportunities in television and media.

Griffin’s best footballing years are undeniably behind him, but the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year could serve as a suitable mentor for an offense that features a young, athletic signal-caller under center. These three teams should express interest in signing Griffin.

CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears feature one of the most promising young signal-callers in all of football in Justin Fields. The former Ohio State standout experienced a rollercoaster of a rookie campaign in 2021. Fields is now expected to take the desired step forward as a sophomore despite overseeing a Bears offense that largely lacks talent at wide receiver and across the offensive line.

New Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus is well aware of Griffin’s talents. Eberflus served as a position coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 2011-15, which crossed paths with Griffin’s short-lived but illustrious run in Washington. Furthermore, the Bears currently feature a less-than-desirable situation at backup quarterback with Trevor Siemian and Nathan Peterman as the signal-callers behind Fields. Griffin could potentially come in and compete.

Playing in Chicago means the ascending Fields must thrive in one of the most difficult and demanding media markets in the entire country. Having a veteran like Griffin who has overcome plenty of adversity throughout his playing career could help Fields appropriately deal with the pressure. Griffin to Chicago makes some sense.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith possesses one of the most brilliant offensive minds in today’s league. Smith features an offense that understands how to take advantage of mobile, athletic quarterbacks. The 2022 Falcons will possess two signal-callers of this nature in Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. Atlanta’s No. 3 quarterback Feleipe Franks is transitioning to more of a hybrid player, which potentially opens up a spot for Atlanta to sign another quarterback in training camp. Adding Griffin to the fold could appropriately fill out Atlanta’s quarterback room with another veteran that’s well-versed in the zone-based system Smith operates.

Furthermore, Smith’s father Frederick W. Smith owned a minority share of the Washington Commanders from 2003 until 2021. Smith ironically grew up with a rooting interest during Griffin’s tenure in Washington. He’s awfully familiar with Griffin both as a person and player.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers General Manager John Lynch is still waiting for a trade to materialize that would send the in-limbo Jimmy Garoppolo away from San Francisco. The 49ers may have to address their backup quarterback situation once a deal finally arrives. Currently sitting behind the inexperienced and expected sophomore-starter-to-be Trey Lance is veteran journeyman Nate Sudfeld and seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy—the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Neither player is truly capable of stepping in for Lance should the former North Dakota State standout suffer another injury while playing under center in 2022.

49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan served as Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2010-13, meaning he helped oversee Griffin’s career-best 2012 rookie campaign. Griffin accounted for a career-high 27 touchdowns (20 passing, seven rushing) while playing for Shanahan that season. All in all, Shanahan coached Griffin during the two most successful seasons (2012-13) of his career. 

Griffin would encounter plenty of familiarity alongside Shanahan in San Francisco. He could also serve as a useful resource for Lance, whose athletic ability shares some similarities with Griffin. Griffin’s presence could also benefit Lance from an off-field and leadership standpoint.