NFL Rumors: RG3, Browns Already Having Issues

NFL rumors are increasing as we are about to begin the preseason, and there is word out of Cleveland that after acquiring RG3, Browns coaches are beginning to feel that he may not be their best option at quarterback.

According to the Gospel Herald, Robert Griffin III hasn’t been particularly impressive in training camp and may be losing ground to veteran Josh McCown for the Browns’ starting quarterback job. When the Cleveland Browns signed RG3 to a two-year contract last March, they did so with the idea that he would be able to resurrect his career and rediscover the magic he had as a rookie with the Washington Redskins back in 2012.

After the Dallas Cowboys recently lost one of their backup quarterbacks (Kellen Moore) to injury, NFL rumors have been swirling that Dallas was trying to acquire McCown from the Browns as insurance for oft-injured starter Tony Romo. Reports indicate that Cleveland has been very hesitant to deal McCown to the Cowboys, quite possibly because he may end up starting for the Browns.

Once RG3 signed with Cleveland and began to participate in off-season workouts, the Browns coaching staff came to the realization that Robert Griffin III is a raw player by NFL standards — he “barely knows how to play quarterback,” as discussed in a piece published by the New York Post. In an attempt to further develop RG3’s skills, head coach Hue Jackson brought in famed quarterback tutor Tom House to work with Griffin during the off-season.

RELATED ARTICLES ON THE INQUISITR:

• Cleveland Browns Betting Big That Robert Griffin III Can Resurrect Career
• Cleveland Browns Turnaround Could Be Sooner Than Expected
• NFL Rumors: Andrew Luck, Colts Have Something To Prove
• NFL Rumors: Johnny Manziel, Cowboys Begin Negotiations

RG3 is making progress under the watchful eye of House, but he is a long way from being a polished NFL quarterback. While Griffin is working to improve his mechanics and fundamentals, the Browns have a finished product they can turn to in the 37-year-old McCown. If Cleveland decides to do what’s best to win games in 2016, Josh McCown may be a better option. If they are willing to sacrifice now in order to build for the future, they may throw RG3 into the fire and let him learn from his mistakes.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Robert Griffin III has had a roller coaster ride in his first four NFL seasons. The Washington Redskins made a very expensive trade to move up in the 2012 NFL Draft to choose RG3, and he was an immediate sensation. He threw for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions during his rookie season, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2012.

Since then, Griffin has seemingly regressed, and he eventually lost his starting job in Washington to fellow 2012 draft pick Kirk Cousins. The Redskins ultimately committed to Cousins as their quarterback, and released RG3 in March of this year after keeping him on the bench for the entire 2015 season. About two weeks later, the quarterback-starved Cleveland Browns decided to roll the dice on Griffin in an effort to erase the memory of the nightmare that was Johnny Manziel.

Robert Griffin III has always been known as a dual-threat quarterback (running and passing), but after injuring his knee in a 2012 playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, he’s never been the same player. There have also been persistent questions about his attitude and work ethic, so there is no way to know which of these things has contributed the most to RG3’s fall after a brilliant start to his NFL career.

Current NFL rumors specify that RG3, Browns management, and Cleveland’s coaches aren’t on the same page regarding his status. Would you like to see Griffin start for the Browns, even if they might be better off in the short-term with Josh McCown behind center?

[Photo by Ron Schwane/AP Images]