Around the North: Ravens sign RGIII

After not being in the league in 2017, Robert Griffin III has signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III was selected by the Washington Redskins at second overall in the 2012 draft expecting to be the long-term solution. The former Baylor product looked to be a star at the next level when he was drafted and his rookie season was a big success as he led the Redskins to an NFC East title. He put up 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions during the 2012 regular season.

Everything looked promising for Griffin until he suffered his first knee injury in the postseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. The following season coming back from injury Griffin’s playmaking abilities fell tremendously. Between his regressions and being unable to stay healthy, the Redskins decided to move on to quarterback Kirk Cousins who was drafted in the fourth round in the same draft. Griffin went on to Cleveland in 2016 to post even more troubling numbers before sitting out the 2017 season.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to sign Griffin to a one year deal as a backup role. Seeing as the Ravens former backup to starting quarterback Joe Flacco in Ryan Mallett has hit free agency, there was a spot to fill in case Flacco were to go down in 2017. If Griffin can stay healthy and get back some of his playmaking abilities then he could be a good signing as a backup role just in case with little risk.

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Griffin will have to become a better pocket passer if he wants to have any success in the NFL. His running days are over as it has proven to make him injury prone. He looked hesitant after even the first injury but following the second knee injury, it seemed that Griffin was constantly second-guessing himself. If the Ravens can gain some of his confidence back maybe he can become a solid backup quarterback in the league.