The Washington Redskins released quarterback Robert Griffin III on Monday.
The release ,which was expected, comes after Washington made sure that starting quarterback Kirk Cousins was under contract for 2016. Cousins signed his franchise tag deal last week. Griffin had a $16.5 million salary for this year and that would have taken effect and counted against Washington’s salary cap if he was still on the roster after 4 p.m. on March 9, according to ESPN, which first reported the news. Washington was holding onto Griffin in the hopes that they could trade him. He becomes the first player to be released after having his fifth-year option picked up.
“It was a blessing guys,” Griffin wrote on Instagram. "After 4 years, my days as a part of this team have come to an end. I just want to take the time to say thank you #SkinsNation. Thank you for welcoming my family with open arms in 2012. You guys made it truly an honor to play for you and I couldn’t imagine starting my career anywhere else. Thank you to Dan Snyder, Bruce Allen, all the Skins coaches, training staff, equipment managers and everyone in the organization for giving me an opportunity to play this beautiful game at the highest level here in Washington. A special thanks to front desk extraordinaire B.J. Blanchard, who always has a smile on her face and is the plug for chocolate chips cookies. Thank you to my teammates for all the memories & relationships over the past 4 years. You guys have helped thru all the ups and downs over the years and have become a part of my family for life. I wish you all the best and you always have a brother to lean on. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Although my time here is over, I’m excited about what the future brings!!! I look forward to finding the team where God has me to be and growing with that team on the way to World Championships. God Bless #ThankYou”
Griffin was drafted by Washington in 2012. He ran for 815 yards and seven touchdowns and had 20 touchdown passes and a 102.4 passer rating in his rookie year. In 2013 and 2014 he struggled as he had to deal with injuries. Last year, he didn’t play at all after losing the starting job in August and becoming the team's No.3 quarterback. Griffin had 8,097 passing yards, 1,480 rushing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 101 sacks, and won one division title with Washington, according to Sporting News.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos are the teams that will be interested in Griffin when he hits the market as a free agent. Washington also released defensive end Jason Hatcher on Monday.