Browns Sign Quarterback Robert Griffin III
TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Robert Griffin III is getting a chance to revive a career that once seemed unstoppable.
One of the NFL's brightest and flashiest stars just a few years ago, Griffin signed Thursday with the Cleveland Browns, a franchise on a perpetual mission to find a quarterback to bring it back to glory.
Griffin hasn't been the same since his dazzling rookie season in Washington in 2012, but the Browns are taking a chance he can still lead on and off the field. Griffin met with the Browns last week and they will now give him a chance to resurrect his career and win their starting job.
"We are excited about Robert joining the Cleveland Browns," new coach Hue Jackson said. "He brings starting experience to our team and organization. He's a young, athletic, talented passer and he's really just starting out in this league. Just like every player on our team, Robert will have to earn every opportunity he gets. 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."
"We are looking forward to working with Robert, as well as the rest of the quarterbacks on our roster. We have a lot of work to do to prepare to be the best QB room in the NFL and we look forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Cleveland has started 24 quarterbacks since 1999 and the team is expected to take one with the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft. That rookie — possibly California's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz — will compete with Griffin, the second selection in 2012. Jackson and other members of the Browns attended Wentz's pro day Thursday in North Dakota.
The Browns recently released quarterback Johnny Manziel, a player they once thought would solve their problems.
A dual threat with his arm and legs, Griffin led the Redskins to the NFC East title in his first season before seriously injuring a knee in the playoffs. He also had a falling out with Washington's coaches and he was demoted all the way to third string last season before the Redskins released him March 7.
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