NFL roundup: RG3 may be back for opener; Sanchez gives Tannebaum regret
While one quarterback has a team optimistic, another has left his former general manager with regret.
Nearly a little more than a month after Robert Griffin III underwent reconstructive knee surgery, Washington Redskins officials feel he can start the 2013 regular-season opener, according to an ESPN report.
Griffin has been rehabbing in Washington. People who know him compare him to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who returned to the MVP award the season after major knee surgery.
Griffin was named The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after setting an NFL record for best passer rating by a rookie quarterback. He also led the Redskins to its first NFC East title in 13 years.
He tore his ACL and LCL ligaments in the wild-card playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Meanwhile, former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum regrets signing quarterback Mark Sanchez to the contract extension that ultimately cost him his job.
Thinking he was the team's franchise QB, the team offered Mark Sanchez an extension that made his contract worth more than $58 million over five years. Sanchez followed with one of the worst seasons in the NFL last year.
"I don't think I would have signed a quarterback to an extension knowing that he'd have 26 turnovers," Tannenbaum told NFL AM. "That might be one of the reasons I'm right sitting here with you guys."
Sanchez threw for 2,883 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions, earning a QB rating of 66.9, barely ahead of Matt Cassel (66.7) for second-worst in the league.
---Quarterback Dennis Dixon signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting the former Oregon star with head coach Chip Kelly.
Dixon, 28, spent the 2012 season on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. Selected in the fifth round in 2008 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dixon has played in four games, including three starts. He has thrown for 402 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 56 yards and a score.
---Cornerback Terrence McGee was released by the Buffalo Bills. McGee is the third noteworthy veteran to be let go since Doug Marrone was hired as head coach.
McGee, 32, didn't start and played in just seven games last season because of a knee injury. He had only nine starts in the past three seasons combined in just 22 games played (out of 48).
The Bills also announced the signing of two free agents, quarterback Aaron Corp and offensive linemen Hutch Eckerson.
---Defensive tackle Ron Brace signed with the Washington Redskins. Terms of the deal weren't immediately available.
Brace, a second-round pick (40th overall) in 2009 of the New England Patriots, was released on Dec. 29, 2012. He started just seven games and played in 39 with New England.
---The Atlanta Falcons could move to the suburbs if they fail to land a new downtown stadium, according to a Fox Sports South report.
Team CEO and president Rich McKay told the Atlanta City Council Wednesday that the franchise will explore another location in the metro Atlanta area if they're unable to secure a $948 million for a new retractable-roof stadium.
The Falcons have called the Georgia Dome home since 1992, and their lease expires at the end of 2017. McKay doesn't think it makes sense to sign another lease.
