Robert Griffin III Suggests Contract Drives Watson's Browns Starting Role

Robert Griffin III, a former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has suggested that the team's decision to name Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback is driven by his substantial contract rather than coaching strategy. Griffin stated on social media that he believes the coaching staff, specifically mentioning offensive coordinator Todd Monken, might have preferred another player.

"There are $230 million reasons why Deshaun Watson is the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns," Griffin said, referencing Watson's fully guaranteed contract. He indicated that the ownership and executive groups are the likely forces behind the decision. Griffin recalled comments from Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who reportedly described the acquisition of Watson as a "huge swing and a miss."

Griffin, who played for the Browns in 2016, also commented on the dynamic between Watson and the team's fanbase. He pointed to an instance where fans cheered when Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last year, suggesting a strained relationship. Watson himself has characterized his relationship with Browns fans as "personal."

In contrast to the situation with Watson, Griffin praised the development of Shedeur Sanders, a player he believes should have been a first-round draft pick. Griffin noted that Monken speaks highly of Sanders when asked about him, suggesting a contrast in coaching enthusiasm. "How are you competing with a fifth-round pick?" Griffin questioned, referring to the disparity between Watson's contract and a developmental player. He expressed confidence in Sanders' ability to manage an offense at the line of scrimmage and suggested that Sanders is "golden" and poised to prove himself as an NFL starting quarterback when given the opportunity.

Griffin concluded that a competition between a $230 million player and a fifth-round pick should not be close, implying that Sanders' progress has outpaced expectations. He anticipates that Sanders will eventually have a chance to demonstrate his capabilities to the Browns and the NFL.