Washington Redskins fans have long wished for a franchise quarterback to bring the franchise back to it’s glory days. It appears former Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III might be the solution for the quarterback problems which have plagued the team over the past two decades.

This past season, Griffin threw for 4,293 yards while passing for 37 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. He led Baylor to their best record in decades with a 9-3 season, as well as a bowl record-setting 67-56 win over Washington in the Alamo Bowl.

After finishing another lackluster season with a 5-11 record, the Washington Redskins entered the off-season looking to fill many holes in their starting lineup and bolster their roster. Some of their needs include help on the offensive line and secondary positions as well as some play-making wide receivers. However, nothing seemed bigger than their need for a quality franchise quarterback.

“I think that their offense should be much-improved this year, as long as they can put together a quality offensive line to protect their quarterback,” junior Matt Stevens said.

After the Indianapolis Colts cut quarterback Peyton Manning, there were rumors that the Redskins were front-runners in the race to sign him. They also were in talks with the St. Louis Rams over a possible trade which would move them from the No. 6 pick in the draft to the No. 2 choice. The team elected to take the latter route, trading their first and second-round picks this year as well as two more first-round picks over the next three years in order to position themselves to pick Griffin with the second pick.

“I think it is a very risky move because we gave up a lot of our future draft picks, but overall I think it will be a positive move for the franchise,” senior Ryan Beamer said.

“With their lacking offense last season, I think Griffin’s athleticism and skills will help them a lot,” senior Cameron Steiner said.

The team also helped bolster their receiving corps in signing a pair of 4-year veterans: former Colts receiver Pierre Garcon and former San Francisco receiver Josh Morgan, a Virginia Tech graduate.

The signings of 5-year veteran and 2-time Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather and 6-year veteran cornerback Cedric Griffin have helped address the needs within the secondary.

However, it is the imminent acquisition of Griffin which provides the most hope for a franchise which has not reached the playoffs since the 2007 season.

“I think that he definitely was a great play-maker in college and will fit well in Coach Shanahan’s scheme,” senior Max Talley said.

“I think he should be able to carry them to the playoffs within a few years,” Steiner said. Maybe even a Super Bowl if we’re lucky.”