4 viable backup QBs NY Giants should consider in 2020

Robert Griffin III

Sticking with Baltimore Ravens’ quarterbacks who aren’t named Lamar Jackson, Robert Griffin III is an out-of-the-box option the Giants would be wise to consider.

Griffin could bring all kinds of experience to the Giants, and particularly to Daniel Jones. He won the Heisman before being selected second overall in 2012. In his rookie campaign, he was a Pro Bowler and started a playoff game.

But more recently, he’s been on the Ravens’ sideline, watching and helping facilitate the growth of Lamar Jackson.

Jackson and Jones are slightly comparable quarterbacks. In 2019, both threw for more than 3000 and were second on their team in rushing attempts. The difference there being that Jackson also rushed for 1000+ yards while Jones rushed for 279.

While no one can argue that they’re on the same talent level, Jones could improve his own game by seeing how Jackson improved. And that’s where Griffin comes in.

Quarterbacks, especially backup quarterbacks, learn as much on the sideline as some players do on the field. The Giants’ offense coordinator, Jason Garrett, was a backup to Troy Aikman. Arizona’s head coach Kliff Kingsbury was drafted by the Patriots and watched and learned under the leagues best head coach in Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Griffin has watched the ascendance of Lamar Jackson, and how head coach John Harbaugh has helped coach him up. It could be worth having someone who knows what works in today’s NFL, with today’s kind of quarterback, on the bench to help develop your franchise player.

Griffin hasn’t started more than one game in a season since he went 1-4 as a Browns starter in 2016. He knows his role on an offense is to help get a young starter ready, which is what he’s done for the last three years with the 2019 NFL MVP.

Further, Griffin was a part of an early wave that had teams taking their chances on college quarterbacks inclined to use the run/pass option. He could be a veteran voice to help teach Jones when it’s a good time to use his legs, and when it’s not.

He’s also one of the cheaper options out there for someone with applicable experience. Griffin’s last contract with the Ravens came in 2019, when he signed a two-year, $4 million deal. And he should be a more appealing backup after seeing what the Giants can get from Colt McCoy for more per year.