The Washington Redskins are reportedly considering trading fourth-year quarterback Robert Griffin III before the start of the 2015 National Football League regular season.
According to ESPN, the Redskins have already reached out to other teams to gauge their interest in Griffin, but they have yet to get the deal that they are looking for in exchange for the 25-year-old quarterback.
Sources told ESPN that front-office officials and coaches are behind the decision to shop Griffin because they are ready to move on without the former Baylor standout, whose development as a quarterback was slowed down by numerous injuries since he was drafted in 2012.
However, even if their front-office officials successfully find an attractive trade package for Griffin, it does not necessarily mean that a move will be consummated. According to the report, the ownership group will have the final say and it appears their team owners want to keep RGIII on their roster.
"Outside of ownership, there has been a groundswell of support from a strong segment of football people within the organization to change quarterbacks, but there is a question about whether they have the authority to part ways with Griffin," ESPN NFL insiders Dianna Russini and Adam Schefter wrote.
The Redskins might also find it difficult to find a taker because of Griffin's contract. RGIII, who is currently on the injury list due to a recent concussion, is scheduled to earn $3.27 million this season, but his salary will jump to $16.16 million next season, which will be fully guaranteed if the quarterback sustains a serious injury.
But if the Redskins fail to find a trade partner or the owners continue to resist a deal involving Griffin, RGIII is still unlikely to start for Washington in their Week 1 match against the Miami Dolphins.
"He is not expected to hold on to his starting quarterback job," Russini and Schefter added. "The Redskins are determined to start a different quarterback on opening day against the Miami Dolphins, and Griffin's time as the starter now appears over. The more significant question is whether his time in Washington is as well."
According to recent reports, the Redskins are reportedly leaning towards starting Kirk Cousins, who has impressed in recent matches, but Colt McCoy is also making a case for the starting quarterback position.
