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Why RG3 to the Browns is career suicide

The Cleveland Browns looked to start fresh at the quarterback position Thursday by signing former Redskins signal caller Robert Griffin III.

The Browns signed the former Heisman trophy winner Griffin to a two year contract worth $6.75 million in guaranteed money plus incentives according to Pro Football Talk.

The deal is a low-risk, high reward for the Browns because they get a QB who flashed superstar potential (before injuries derailed his career) and only have to pay him third string money.

It also gives them some depth at the QB position before the NFL Draft after the team finally released another former Heisman winner: Johnny Manziel.

But here's why Griffin is getting the short end of the stick.

In case you haven't heard, Cleveland has earned a reputation as a career graveyard for NFL quarterbacks.

Since the team returned to Cleveland in 1999, 22 quarterbacks have started under center for the "dawg pound." By comparison, the New England Patriots have used just three starting QB's since then (Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe, Matt Cassel).

You need at least an above average QB to win games in the NFL and the Browns haven't quite figured that out yet. Just look at Cleveland's division rivals in the AFC North. Its no coincidence the Pittsburgh Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger), Baltimore Ravens (Joe Flacco) and Cincinnati Bengals (Andy Dalton) expect to make the playoffs each season while the Browns are mired in mediocrity.

Another thing working against Griffin is that the team is in complete rebuilding mode. Now to be fair, the Browns always seem to be in rebuilding -- the team has had a top 10 selection in the draft 10 times since 1999 -- but its evident even more so this offseason.

The Browns leadership fired head coach Mike Pettine after two seasons and hired Hue Jackson to replace him.

In addition the Browns lost three key contributors on offense. The team loses two starters (Guard Alex Mack and Right Tackle Mitchell Schwartz) on the offensive line and its second leading receiver Travis Benjamin (68 catches, 966 yards, 5 TD's) left to sign a big contract with the San Diego Chargers in free agency.

Two things a quarterback loves is a good offensive line and big-play wide receivers yet the Browns are now lacking both.

What that means for Griffin is he will have less time to get rid of the ball and less talent to throw the ball to. That's a recipe for disaster for a guy trying to resurrect his career.

The latest report out of Cleveland says the team signed Griffin as an insurance policy behind a QB they plan to select in the draft, according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole.
It would be great for the Browns and the NFL if RGIII is able to recapture the glory from his early days in Washington.

But all signs point to more struggles in Cleveland for Griffin.
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