Should Robert Griffin III be a Backup QB Option for Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys may have Dak Prescott back in 2021 but lost backup quarterback Andy Dalton to the Chicago Bears. If the team wants another experienced veteran behind Dak going forward, could Robert Griffin III be a good option to consider?

Griffin has spent the last three years as a backup with the Baltimore Ravens. He only has two starts during that time; one in a meaningless 2019 Week 17 finale with multiple starters sitting, and another when the Ravens were nearly wiped out by COVID-19 during the middle of 2020.

These limited and sporadic opportunities have left RG3 with an unimpressive stat line with Baltimore. But with so many mitigating factors at work, could there still be a quality backup QB here who could improve the position for Dallas in 2021?

While Ben DiNucci, Garrett Gilbert, and Cooper Rush could make for an interesting competition at training camp, how much confidence can you have in any of them if extended playing time is needed? Prescott is still coming off a major leg injury and his backup can’t be taken lightly.

Many are hoping for Alex Smith sign with Dallas as QB2 and that is still a possibility. But after helping lead Washington the playoffs last year, Smith may be hoping for at least puncher’s chance at a starting role with his next team.

Robert Griffin probably isn’t aiming so high at this point. Unlike Smith, he hasn’t had a chance to really show what he can do in several years.

Still, this is the guy who put up one of the best rookie season for a quarterback in NFL history in 2012. He’s still mobile at 31 years old and would be a good compliment to Prescott as a relief option.

In his two starts, RG3 has had 50 and 68 rushing yards in each of those games. Preserving the threat of the run from the QB position would be valuable for Dallas’ offense.

Like last year, the Cowboys may be waiting to pull the trigger on a free agent QB until after the 2021 NFL Draft. They didn’t sign Dalton until about a week after the draft last year and could be holding off on Griffin, Alex Smith, or any other veteran options until they see how this draft unfolds.

Waiting is a dangerous game, of course, with 31 other teams to worry about. If Dallas doesn’t strike soon on one of these veteran passers, they may be stuck hoping for the best from their in-house options.

Only Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore can say for sure how much value is seen Robert Griffin III for the Cowboys. But as long as he’s seen as a scheme fit, Griffin’s experience and mobility make him one of the more attractive options left in free agency. Bringing the former Baylor star back to Texas could be a smart move for Dallas in 2021.