The Browns became the second club to host former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and did so on a visit in Cleveland this weekend, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Though no signing is imminent, this is by far the most interesting development in Griffin's offseason schedule so far. Clearly, the Browns have shown interest in veteran options and may not be a lock to select their future passer with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Cleveland was also mentioned in conjunction with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The team's new head coach, Hue Jackson, hinted at his mindset on Friday during Cal's pro day. Jackson was there to check out Jared Goff, a top quarterback prospect, among others. According to Cleveland.com, Jackson was also on hand to meet with Griffin this weekend alongside executive vice president Sashi Brown, personnel head Andrew Berry and Pep Hamilton.
"I know everybody wants us to say it's going to be a QB, and maybe it will be," Jackson told NFL Media during the event. "But it also may not be."
The Jets also hosted Griffin earlier this month.
Those expecting a resolution on Cleveland's quarterbacking situation should relax. The Browns are in the process of evaluating just about every available option at quarterback, and have shown no irresponsible sense of urgency during their first offseason together under Brown and chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta.
Griffin, who beat out Andrew Luck for offensive rookie of the year in 2012, is intriguing thanks to his dominant rookie season. Griffin threw for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions back in 2012, and rushed for an additional 815 yards and seven touchdowns. In the three seasons that followed, Griffin played in 22 games, going 5-15 as a starter. His completion percentage dipped and he hurled 18 picks in those 22 appearances.
For some, the opportunity to pair him with Jackson could be enticing. Jackson has a fantastic reputation with quarterbacks, creating innovative wrinkles within offenses and with instilling confidence. For Griffin, that has to be music to his ears.
His situation, however, will be complicated. The quarterback market is at a slow boil for now, but could explode at any minute depending on which direction the Broncos and Jets decide to take. The 49ers could enter the ring at any minute as well. Don't expect this to be the last time we hear Griffin's name.
