The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of quarterback Robert Griffin III, and the numbers are already leaking out. According to multiple reports, RG3 has signed a two year contract initially worth $15 million, with incentives that could bump it up to $22 million with $3.5 million each year in various performance incentives . The deal includes a $3.5 million signing bonus, and a guaranteed 2016 salary of $3.25 million.
This deal would seem to mean Josh McCown is not long for the Browns. I could see him sticking around to compete, but I would not be surprised to see him traded sooner rather than later. The San Francisco 49ers are certainly an option given their potential need for more depth if they trade or release Colin Kaepernick. However, if I'm Jerry Jones, I would put in a call to the Browns about McCown. Jones has said Dallas will not take a QB in the first round. If he's serious, McCown would be a great backup option for a Cowboys team that has dealt with numerous Tony Romo injuries.
This deal removes the Browns from the Colin Kaepernick sweepstakes. The Broncos are the only other team formally connected on this front, so for now, it's a stare-down between Trent Baalke and John Elway. If the 49ers are willing to hold onto Kaepernick after his salary becomes fully guaranteed, they might gain a little leverage with Elway. It would seem for now like Elway figures they will fold, unwilling to carry Kaepernick past April 1.
This leaves Kaepernick and Ryan Fitzpatrick as the two big names remaining in the free agent market. I would think there will be some kind of resolution for both quarterbacks before the draft distributes another group of quarterbacks around the league.