The Browns have started 24 different quarterbacks since 1999.
Robert Griffin III may not be No. 25, but based on the combination of coaching staff, draft position and scheme fit, he appears to have landed in a place where both RGIII and the team can have success.
The team announced an agreement Thursday that brings the 26-year-old passer to Cleveland, and USA TODAY Sports’ Tom Pelissero reports it is a two-year deal worth $15 million, and up to $22 million with incentives.
Head coach Hue Jackson carries a strong reputation of quarterback grooming and should be able to craft an offense that complements Griffin’s athleticism and ability to throw on the run.
For the Browns, it’s all about having options.
It also allows the team to be judicious with the No. 2 overall selection in the NFL draft.
While the Browns still might target a QB, having RGIII in the fold gives them, an extra layer of security in case a team leapfrogs them in a deal with Tennessee to potentially take the quarterback the Browns have been targeting.
No matter whom the Browns take in the draft -- since it is still likely they will pluck a QB somewhere -- Griffin’s presence allows the franchise to let the rookie grow in the system.
“Robert will have to earn every opportunity he gets,” Jackson said in the release. “He will compete with the rest of the quarterbacks on our roster and he helps improve our QB room, which was one of my goals upon taking the job.”
Based on that, it sounds like no matter what the Browns decide to do in the draft, Griffin will be up for the starting spot.
He may not be the long-term franchise quarterback the Browns have been seeking in the past decade, but Griffin’s presence in the short-term could allow Cleveland to eventually find him.
Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.
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