Washington Redskins release Robert Griffin III

The Washington Redskins have reportedly released quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Washington Redskins have released quarterback Robert Griffin III, the team announced Monday.

Griffin became expendable last season after coach Jay Gruden named Kirk Cousins Washington’s starting quarterback. Cousins went on to start 16 games in the regular season before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC wild-card game.

Despite briefly winning back the starting job from Cousins at the end of the 2014 season, Griffin did not see any game time in 2015.

The 26-year-old tweeted a message soon after the news of his release became public. 

It was a blessing guys. I just want to say thank you. pic.twitter.com/wzHbsRMlhL

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 7, 2016

Griffin was drafted No. 2 overall in 2012 by the Redskins, who traded three first-round picks and a second-round pick to the Rams in order to move up and select Griffin. 

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The trade seemed to pay off in 2012 when Griffin led the Redskins to a 10–6 record and a playoff berth. Griffin threw 20 touchdown passes to only five interceptions his rookie season, posting a 102.4 passer rating. He also ran for 815 yards and seven touchdowns that season. 

Griffin was still hampered by a knee injury sustained during the 2012 playoffs as he entered the following season, when he played only 13 games and posted an 82.2 rating. Griffin played in nine games while dealing with an ankle injury in 2014. 

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Griffin has completed nearly 64% of his passes with 40 touchdowns, 23 interceptions and a 90.6 passer rating during his career. 

- Christopher Chavez