Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said the team has not yet reached a decision regarding quarterback Robert Griffin III, nor is it in a hurry to make a move with him. But McCloughan did reiterate that he would like to keep his other quarterback, Kirk Cousins, around on a long-term deal.
McCloughan, speaking to reporters Wednesday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, said he still wants to meet with his coaching staff about Griffin before making a final decision. There doesn't appear to be a legitimate way for Griffin to return, but McCloughan wanted to avoid making a definitive statement Wednesday.
"He's a good player, and he's a really good person, and he's under contract," McCloughan told reporters about Griffin. "That's where we're at right now."
But Griffin would count $16.2 million against the salary cap if he is still on the roster when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. on March 9, unless he has renegotiated by then. That's among the reasons his return is highly unlikely. Griffin was the No. 3 quarterback last season, and that isn't likely to change, assuming the coaches would want him back. There did not appear to be any sentiment regarding a return at season's end.
As for Cousins, he said he views free agency as "a great opportunity," but McCloughan again made it clear he wants to re-sign him.
"I thought Kirk did a really nice job, but it wasn't all about him," McCloughan said. "It was about the guys around him, the defense was playing well, the special teams was playing well. ... But we saw improvements as the season went on. Of course we'd like to have him around. [But] our philosophy with me and the organization is that we won't talk contract stuff with the media, but we want him as part of the Redskins."
One option with Cousins remains the franchise tag.
"You'd rather not," McCloughan said. "You'd like to get a long-term deal done, but we have options, and that's one of them."
Cousins acknowledged the franchise tag is a possibility.
"The team has that option, so the ball is in their court," he said. "We'll see if they choose to do it."