It sure looks like the Washington Redskins are ready to bet their future on Robert Griffin III.
The Redskins reportedly agreed in principle to a trade with St. Louis for the Rams’ second overall pick in the NFL Draft, trading away three first-round picks in order to move up the board.
The Rams are getting Washington’s first and second round picks this year, as well as first-round picks in 2013 and 2014, according to reports. St. Louis now holds the sixth selection in the upcoming draft.
Rams general manager Les Snead and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen confirmed the trade in a joint statement Saturday morning.
“In order to execute each of our club’s plans for free agency and the upcoming draft, we have agreed to a trade between our two teams for the second pick in the 2012 draft. We will submit this trade to the NFL for approval,” the statement read.
The deal can’t be approved until the new league year starts at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
By moving up four spots, the Redskins have put themselves in position to select one of the two quarterbacks expected to be taken with the first and second picks. The Indianapolis Colts are expected to take Stanford stud quarterback Andrew Luck first overall.
The Redskins gamble allows them to get that franchise quarterback they’ve desired for years. Washington was also rumored to be among a long list of teams interested in signing Peyton Manning, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week.
The Rams were in the perfect position to trade down in the draft since they believe they already have a franchise-type quarterback in Sam Bradford, drafted first overall in the 2010 draft.
The Redskins (5-11) finished last in the NFC East behind the arms of Rex Grossman and John Beck. Donovan McNabb took snaps for the Redskins in 2010.
Robert Griffin III, out of Baylor, is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, and has the unique ability to make plays with his arms and his legs. He racked up more than 10,000 yards passing and 2,000 yards rushing during his impressive college career.
-With Associated Press
