Denver Broncos: Five veteran QBs to replace Paxton Lynch

Robert Griffin III

‘RG3’ has had quite the tumultuous career since coming into the league as the number two overall pick out of Baylor. He took the league by storm in his rookie season leading Washington to the playoffs,  winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and being named to his only Pro Bowl.

That year is still the peak of Robert Griffin’s NFL career.

Since then, injuries and attitude concerns have derailed his career. He spent the final three seasons with Washington battling Kirk Cousins for the starter position and gracing the injury report quite often. Upon his release from the Redskins, Griffin signed with the Browns hoping to revitalize his career.

Cleveland managed to chew Griffin up and spit him out much like every quarterback that has played there since their second franchise revival in the late 90’s. He spent most of the season on injured reserve. When he did play he was ineffective at best. He didn’t even top 1,000 yards passing.

After sitting out the 2017 season, Griffin signed a contract with Baltimore this offseason to back up Joe Flacco. In his last draft as general manager, however, Ozzie Newsome selected Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson with the last pick in the first round. Although Jackson’s first two preseason games have been up and down, he is the future of the franchise.

This leaves Griffin taking up a roster spot with limited franchise upside. Fortunately for Baltimore, Griffin is starting to create value on the trade market for a team in search of a veteran backup. In his season preseason game, Griffin threw for 88 yards and one touchdown on 5 of 7 passing.

Historically, Elway has not valued running quarterbacks for the Denver Broncos, but this could be an option worth exploring for a conditional late-round draft pick.