The Johnny Manziel era in the Cleveland Browns locker room has finally come to an end. In a decision that delighted the majority of the football community, the NFL team showed that a lack of discipline can get anyone - even the best player - booted out from the group. While the Cleveland Browns made a commendable move, another problem crops up following the exit of Manziel. Who will be the next quarterback for the NFL team?
Some names were thrown into the mix which initially included ex-Denver Broncos star Brock Osweiler, Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers and even the widely popular Tim Tebow. However, one quarterback stood out and is now reportedly under serious consideration for the Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III. The former Washington Redskins star, who was dismissed earlier this NFL offseason, is currently the frontrunner in the battle for Manziel's vacated position.
Although the Cleveland Browns have yet to officially confirm whether RG3 finally landed the Manziel job, the NFL team is more open to the possibly deal now. In fact, Hue Jackson shared the sequence of events awaiting Griffin if he does land a quarterback deal with the football team. According to the Cleveland Browns head coach, RG3 will have to prove his mettle in the gridiron. That is, the former Washington Wizards quarterback will need to battle other aspiring starters - newly drafted stars included.
"I have told RG III, whatever we decide to do is what we do,'' shared Jackson of the challenges awaiting Griffin in the Cleveland Browns. He added, "If it did [happen], to me, he would have to compete and I don't ever worry about that. The cream always rises to the top, and if a guy is afraid of competition, then you have the wrong guy anyway. We'll be fine regardless of how it goes, whether it goes that way and we draft somebody else or it doesn't go that way and we end up taking two quarterbacks. You never know.''
Despite his warning of the possibility that Griffin might not end up as a starter, Jackson highlighted the accomplishments of the quarterback. Citing his awards, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and being a Pro Bowler, the Cleveland Browns head coach shared that the football team would be "remiss" if they simply disregard these. Nonetheless, Jackson clarified that they will be on the lookout for young stars who have the potential to become the next Joe Flacco.
Meanwhile, Jackson revealed he and RG3 already discussed the issues that hounded the NFL star in Washington. With the said talk, the Cleveland Browns head coach shared his confidence that Griffin has turned over a new leaf this time around. Noting that RG3 acknowledged his hand in the turn of events in his previous NFL team, Jackson said the quarterback aims to resolve his concerns.
"I heard the truth,'' responded Jackson to the question on his talk with RG3. He added, "I mean, he takes responsibility. He knows there's things he could have done better. And that's where he is. To me that showed the humbleness. Because that's what it's all about. In this league you don't grow if you don't admit that you've made some mistakes."