AP Source: Browns Host Free-Agent Quarterback RG3
TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns are taking another look at Robert Griffin III.
The free-agent quarterback visited on Saturday with the Browns, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Griffin, who was released earlier this month by Washington, met with new Cleveland coach Hue Jackson and members of the front office at the team's facility in Berea, Ohio, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not disclosing its plans during free agency.
Four years ago, the Browns were enamored with RG3 and wanted to take him in the draft. However, the club couldn't work out a trade to move up and were outbid by the Redskins, who selected Griffin with the No. 2 overall pick.
With his running ability and rocket arm, Griffin took the NFL by storm. He led the Redskins to the NFC East title as a rookie before sustaining a serious knee injury in the playoffs. He was never the same player again and his career has been in steady decline.
The Browns could offer a chance for a revival. Cleveland's quarterback situation has been in shambles for years. The team recently waived Johnny Manziel, a former first-round draft pick whose off-field antics overshadowed any progress in two seasons. The Browns have the second pick in this year's draft and are considering California's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz.
But if the team doesn't want to go in that direction, Griffin could be a plug-the-gap quarterback while the Browns develop a younger player. Josh McCown is currently the leading candidate to start at QB for the Browns in 2016.
Griffin went 14-21 as a starter for Washington. He passed for 8,097 yards with 40 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,480 yards and eight TDs.
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