WASHINGTON -- In the end, Robert Griffin III was just another name on a list, one of four players released by the Washington Redskins on Monday to create salary-cap space.
The move, expected for some time, brings an end to the quarterback's sudden-rise-and-stunning-fall saga with a team that traded a bevy of draft picks to acquire him -- and now receives nothing in return as he departs. The move gets Griffin's 2016 contract, worth about $16 million, off the payroll before Wednesday, when the new league year begins and free agents can be signed.
It also closes the book on RG3's tumultuous tenure in Washington. He arrived as a Heisman Trophy winner and the No. 2 overall choice in the 2012 NFL draft -- a pick that came from the Rams at the high price of three first-round selections plus a second-rounder -- and immediately became a star and national sensation. He leaves having spent all of last season on the sideline, never allowed to take so much as a single snap during a game.
As a free agent, he can sign anywhere (see full story).
Steelers: Heyward-Bey, Robert Golden signed
PITTSBURGH -- Robert Golden made it in the NFL by turning himself into a special teams ace. Darrius Heyward-Bey remained in the league by doing the same.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded their hard work with new contracts. The team signed Golden, a safety, and Heyward-Bey, a wide receiver, to three-year deals on Monday before the two hit the open market as free agents.
Golden set career highs in tackles (36) and passes defended (four) while adding his first NFL interception in 2015. The 25-year-old Golden made the Steelers in 2012 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Arizona and quickly made a name for himself on special teams. He appeared in 63 games, with three spot starts in the secondary and served as the special teams captain each of the last two seasons.
NFL
Bills: Jahri Evans visits team
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills are turning their attention to veteran offensive guard Jahri Evans in the event they lose starter Richie Incognito in free agency.
The Bills announced they were meeting with Evans on Monday, not long after the unsigned free agent posted a picture of Buffalo's downtown harbor on his Twitter account.
Evans was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round in 2006 and spent 10 seasons in New Orleans before being cut last month. He has 153 career starts (see full story).
Colts: QB Josh Freeman released
INDIANAPOLIS -- Now the Indianapolis Colts are in the market for a backup quarterback.
On Monday, one week after 40-year-old Matt Hasselbeck said goodbye to fans in a Twitter post, the Colts released his presumed successor, Josh Freeman. The move leaves only two quarterbacks, starter Andrew Luck and untested Stephen Morris, on Indy's roster.
Team officials did not say why the move was made.
Freeman and Ryan Lindley were both signed as free agents Dec. 29 when Luck, Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst were all battling injuries. Freeman had not played in the NFL in two years, but he and Lindley teamed up to beat Tennessee in the finale -- a win that prevented Chuck Pagano from enduring his first losing season as head coach and may have saved his job.