Hue Jackson named Robert Griffin III starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, sweeping away any speculation that veteran Josh McCown might nail down the No. 1 job in training camp.
Jackson said at the outset of training camp that he would name a starter before the first preseason game Friday, but the first-year Browns coach made his decision well before that deadline.
“It’s time. Robert has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns,” Jackson said. “Since he was signed back in March, Robert has made it clear through his actions that he is willing to do everything that has been asked of him to earn this role. Throughout this process he has gained the respect from his teammates, the coaching staff and the entire organization that is necessary for him to lead our offense and really the entire team. Pep (Hamilton) has done an outstanding job with that room to get us to this point so we can make this decision at what I feel is the optimal time which enables us to best prepare for the regular season.
“It’s now on Robert to show the organization and our fans that this is the right decision. Throughout the offseason program and training camp, Robert has shown improvement every day and we expect him to continue to ascend as he becomes more and more acclimated to the offensive system we will employ this season. I’ve been crystal clear on what we expect from Robert. He fully understands the responsibility and I feel he is ready to handle this role.”
Griffin was released by the Washington Redskins, who drafted him No. 2 overall in 2012, in March rather than pay his 2016 salary of $15.6 million. That total can be recouped by Griffin over two years in Cleveland if he hits all incentive marks.
After earning Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Redskins, Griffin’s time in Washington was marred by injuries and drama with teammates and coaches.
Jay Gruden surprisingly turned to Kirk Cousins as his starter in Washington in August 2015, and Griffin’s fate was sealed as Cousins led the Redskins to the NFC East title.
With the Browns, Griffin gets a new start with a team working on another rebuild with Jackson and first-time personnel boss Sashi Brown at the helm. Cleveland has used more than 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999.
Griffin has started 35 games in the NFL but was inactive for 15 games last season.
“Josh in particular has been outstanding throughout this process and all of our quarterbacks have worked well together,” Jackson said Monday, without declaring McCown or rookie Cody Kessler the No. 2 quarterback behind Griffin. “Their play, professionalism and work ethic has pushed the room to really improve the level of play at the position for our team.”