Browns Continuing Robert Griffin III Talks; Colin Kaepernick Trade Unlikely

The Cleveland Browns sound like they’re toying with the possibility of replacing Johnny Manziel with another former first-round pick who hasn’t yet lived up to his potential.

Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown told reporters Monday morning that the club is moving forward with the idea of signing former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, per Cleveland.com. The former No. 2 overall pick spent the weekend meeting with the Browns.

Brown stressed, however, that a signing is not imminent.

The focus on Griffin might show a change in focus for Cleveland. Brown also said the team has broken off trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers centered around a possible Colin Kaepernick trade. Brown even said any interest in Kaepernick was “over-reported” and the club doesn’t expect to become “engaged” in further discussions.

The Browns finally released Manziel on March 11, shortly after the 2016 NFL league year opened. Manziel’s release came a few days after Washington cut ties with Griffin.

Manziel’s issues centered mostly on his inability to avoid trouble off the field, whereas Griffin struggled to stay healthy. When healthy, however, Griffin at least would represent an upgrade over Manziel.

Griffin’s best season was his rookie campaign in 2012 when he led Washington to a 9-6 record in his 15 starts, completing 65.6 percent of his throws with 20 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. In fact, Griffin’s 1.3 interception percentage was the lowest in the NFL among all qualified quarterbacks.

Thumbnail photo via Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports Images