Washington Redskins release Robert Griffin III

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There was a time not so long ago when was considered the brightest young star in football. Now Pat Neshek Jersey his departure from the feels like little more than paperwork. The announced 's release Monday afternoon. The only surprise regarding the news was that it took so long for the to finalize, but they wanted to make sure that starter was under contract for 2016 before making anything official. Cousins signed his franchise tag tender last week.Griffin didn't play a single snap last season for the . In theory, Larry Andersen Jersey this was to ensure their quarterback's health in an effort to maintain his trade value. In reality, Griffin played like the third-best quarterback on the team the last two seasons behind and . He was due $16.1 million in 2016 as part of the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. goes down as a new CBA footnote, the first player to be released after having his fifth-year option picked up. The start of Griffin's career was anything but a footnote. A standout rookie campaign in 2012 made a superstar after being drafted No Robin Roberts Jersey . 2 overall, culminating in a playoff berth and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors over . His career was never the same, however, after tearing his ACL and MCL in the ' playoff lo s to the .Griffin wound up getting benched under two coaches: Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden. Griffin was named the team's starter last offseason by Gruden, but never got his job back after suffering a preseason lo s to the last August 20. Griffin was one of the least effective starters in the league in 2014, with four touchdowns and six picks Tommy Joseph Jersey in seven starts. He did not appear comfortable in Gruden's offense and didn't use his mobility as a weapon nearly as much as he did as a rookie.Griffin will have a market as a free agent, but it should only be as a backup for now. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported last week the , Tim McCarver Jersey and each would be interested in the 26-year-old quarterback once he hits the open market. Playing behind an established starter where Griffin's big name is le s of a story could be his best route.Then again, we know that Griffin will be a big story wherever he goes. Once one of the faces of the league, Griffin now will be battling just to prove he belongs in it.