Robert Griffin III will take on the NFC East
Late Friday, while some were sleeping, a trade that may shape the future of two teams was constructed. The Washington Redskins have agreed to send picks 6, 39, a 2013 1st, and a 2014 1st to the St. Louis Rams for the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The trade doesn’t become official until the new league year begins on Tuesday.
Jay Glazer of Fox Sports broke the story last night with Adam Schefter of ESPN adding details.
Major scoopage: Redskins have agreed to a trade w Rams for #2 pick of draft. Rams and Skins swap (cont) tl.gd/gbhvr8
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 10, 2012
It’s safe to say that the first two picks (most likely three) picks in April’s draft are already made. Robert Griffin is the apple of Washington’s eye as they hand over a king’s ransom to secure his services. The Redskins were comfortable giving up the bounty with Rex Grossman and John Beck manning the QB position in D.C.
Adam Schefter opined that the Cleveland Browns were in on this deal offering up No. 4, 22, and a future first round pick. The Rams opted for the Redskins deal for unbeknownst reasons.
For the Redskins they have mortgaged future drafts for the Heisman-winning QB, but this is a team without a headline QB since Joe Theismann donned a Redskins No. 7 jersey. Griffin will join a loaded NFC East arms race with Eli Manning, Michael Vick, and Tony Romo in the fold. The timing of the deal works out perfectly for the ‘Skins as they should be able to lure free agents to town with the addition of RGIII.
Giving up three firsts and a second will require the Redskins front office to be aggressive in free agency. The Redskins are lacking a playmaker at wide receiver and have nearly $40 million in cap space. They should and most likely will be in on a big ticket wide receiver such as Vincent Jackson. The ‘Skins could also use some depth on the offensive line and defensive backfield. I would fully expect Dan Snyder to open up his checkbook this free agency season.
This deal shapes the top of the 2012 NFL Draft and the future of two organizations. The St. Louis Rams have positioned themselves with a boatload of future picks and three picks in the top 40 of this year’s draft. They will have options in the 2012 NFL Draft which could include adding a wide receiver such as Justin Blackmon.
The biggest and most obvious loser is the Cleveland Browns. They are in need of a future franchise signal caller and appear to be on the outside looking in at this point. The Browns won’t be a player for Peyton Manning and their conservative nature may allow them to be outbid on the services of Matt Flynn. The Browns could be looking at starting the 2012 season with Colt McCoy, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden or some other unproven commodity.
