Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III have both been major disappointments to their teams over the past two seasons, and it would appear that both former first-round picks are hoping to revive their careers in the same place.
Manziel’s off-field issues have been well-documented, and there’s a growing sense of belief that he is trying to get the Browns to cut or trade him. When you consider how badly Jerry Jones wanted to draft him, it’s no surprise that many believe Manziel will end up with the Cowboys.
Unlike Manziel, Griffin will almost certainly become a free agent this offseason when the Redskins decline his $16.2 million option. RG3 grew up in Texas, and Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports cites a source close to the former Baylor star who claims he would “love” to end up in Dallas next season.
Jones may not be the best general manager in football, but he still very much understands marketing. He has never let concerns about distractions get in the way of making a big splash, which he infamously proved when he signed this troubled defensive superstar last offseason. And we can all agree that acquiring either Manziel or RG3 would make a big splash.
To RG3’s credit, he did not appear in a single regular season game this season and never once became a problem for the Redskins. He sat on the bench quietly while Kirk Cousins led the Redskins to an NFC East title. Manziel, on the other hand, has been a one-man circus. It’s tough to say if the contrast in off-field behavior will inspire Jones to lean one way, the other, or neither.
If you haven’t followed the latest Manziel drama, you’ll want to read about how he supposedly went to Las Vegas over the weekend — the night before a game — dressed in a disguise. The 23-year-old also reportedly showed up to a recent practice looking like he had been on a bender.
Bringing in Manziel or RG3 would come with risks. But if Manziel is going to cost a draft pick, I’d rather take a chance on Griffin. At the very least, Griffin has shown an ability to be a professional. Manziel has been the furthest thing from one.
