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Robert Griffin III signs with Ravens to make NFL return

RGIII could have an opportunity to shine if Joe Flacco's 2017 struggles resurface.
Credit: Ken Blaze, USA TODAY Sports

USA TODAY — After spending 2017 in NFL exile, Robert Griffin III is going to get his third NFL shot.

The former Heisman Trophy winner and second overall pick of the 2012 draft agreed to a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced Wednesday. RG3 steps into the backup role behind longtime starter Joe Flacco, who’s set to enter his 11th season. It could make for an interesting arrangement given Flacco’s game revolves around operating from the pocket, whereas Griffin’s greatest asset has always been the threat of his mobility.

Griffin parlayed that athleticism into offensive rookie of the year honors in Washington, when he produced a dazzling array of highlights in an offense coach Mike Shanahan tailored to him. But a knee injury late in the season proved a major setback for Griffin, who was never the same player.

Per multiple reports, he demanded that Shanahan recalibrate the offense to keep him in the pocket and minimize his exposure to injury. However Griffin continued to get hurt and never approached his initial efficiency. Shanahan was eventually fired, Griffin ultimately lost his job to Kirk Cousins and then washed out after another injury-curtailed campaign in Cleveland in 2016.

Now healthy, he gets another shot for a team that could help him rehab his game and perhaps afford an opportunity for him to shine if Flacco’s struggles from 2017 resurface.

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