Bill Polian would be interested in RG3

Ever since Robert Griffin III was demoted to second (or third) on the Redskins' quarterback depth chart on Monday, the critical voices surrounding his NFL future have risen in size and stature.

In times like these, a fella could use a friend. On Wednesday, he found one. Sort of.

Hall of Fame former NFL general manager and current ESPN commentator Bill Polian, speaking with Mike and Mike Radio, said were he still the head of a franchise, he would have his people looking "awfully hard" at acquiring him.

The caveat: keep him out of a West Coast offense.

Polian said the unique style of play in which Griffin excelled at college was bad training for what was to come in the professional ranks, "never having had a playbook, never having had to go through a progression, never having to play in the pocket and go through a third or fourth progression."

Then there were those injuries.

"There was a huge learning curve and that was exacerbated tremendously by the injury," Polian said. "[Former Redskins coach] Mike Shanahan smartly adjusted his offense to that which RGIII could handle in his rookie year. None of that has happened since and therefore he doesn't fit. I would say this: if I were running a club, I'd have my scouts looking awfully hard at what he might be able to do for my club."

Even though Griffin is not a pure pocket passer that likely could not manage a West Coast playbook, Polian seconded the universal consensus that Griffin possesses a rare, natural athletic talent.

"He does still have that unique skill set that's tempered greatly by the injury history," he said. "The injury one has to bother you a great deal, but the bottom line is he's still a supremely talented athlete."

But, as usual, such a deal would come down to money. In particular, the $16.15 million option for next season, fully guaranteed for injury. 

"That's a lot of money to gamble [on a player] who has a significant injury history going all the way back to college," Polian said.