What Will It Take for Washington Redskins to Trade Up to Get Robert Griffin III

The Washington Redskins have drafted six quarterbacks in the past 10 years, two of them in the first round. If the Redskins are going to pursue Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL draft, they likely won't have to draft another one for awhile.

But that, of course, will come at a price. RG3 boosted his stock throughout the combine, and the price to buy went way up as a result. The willingness to pay that price, though, hasn't faded in the least.

According to Nate Jones of the Washington Post, the Redskins are prepared to yield a king's ransom to land the heir to the long-vacated throne at quarterback.

"

The Rams are said to be seeking compensation similar to the kind the San Diego Chargers received from the New York Giants in exchange for Eli Manning in 2004. That year, the Chargers drafted Manning first overall. The Giants then sent their fourth overall pick, the following year's first-round pick, and their 2004 third- and fifth-round picks to San Diego for the quarterback that has since led New York to two Super Bowl victories. 

The Redskins believe Griffin, who last fall won the Heisman Trophy after passing for 4,293 yards, 37 touchdowns and only six interceptions while leading Baylor to a 10-3 record, is worthy of such a price.

"

It was no surprise when St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher announced that the pick was on the block, but with whom and just how much are the other questions. 

The Redskins would likely get much more for the pick if they waited until draft day; the problem with that, though, is the fact that two of the three teams in the running—the Redskins, Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins—will likely have filled their need at quarterback by the draft. Thus, they may not get nearly as much value.

Thus, it might be in their best interest to get the deal done for the pick before free agency opens. And according to Bear Heiser of National Football Authority, it looks like that may very well happen, as teams have begun making offers for the pick.

"

The Cleveland Browns have been the favorite to land the pick, given they arguably have the most ammunition. Per the league source, Cleveland has offered the No. 4 overall pick, two second round picks (one in 2012 and one in 2013) and a fifth round pick, but not the No. 22 overall pick. However, if the No. 22 overall pick is a must for the Rams, while reluctant, the Browns would likely be willing to include it.

Another team with an offer on the table is the Washington Redskins. According to the source, Mike Shanahan's team has offered the No. 6 and No. 39 overall picks, along with a third round pick and a second round pick in the 2013 draft.

"

So, in summation:

• Rams want similar haul to Eli Manning in 2004 (2004 first-, third- and fifth-round pick, 2005 first-round pick).
• Browns offered first-round pick, two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick in 2012 for second-overall pick.
• Redskins offered first- and second-round pick in 2012, third-round pick and second-round pick in 2013 for second overall pick.

If it comes to a trade bidding war, the Browns are likely the front-runners; as Heiser mentions, they have an extra first-round pick in their front pocket for leverage, and though it might seem like that's overspending for the pick, the end result is likely to have someone overspending regardless.

It's on the team trading the picks to determine whether or not it's worth it to pull the trigger.

Whether or not it's worth it? That's on Griffin.

Follow @ErikFrenz