Robert Griffin III closer to release after passing Washington Redskins exit physical

The Robert Griffin III era for the Washington Redskins is one step closer to being over after he passed his exit physical.

The second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, once the toast of Washington, passed the last hurdle without any issues, according to NFL Media's Albert Breer.

Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said last month that Washington might wait until the new league year begins on March 9 before releasing RG3, who turned 26 on Friday.

"The thing that's good about where we are right now is, we have until March 9," McCloughan said. "That's why I want to sit with the coaches -- and not just the coordinators, position coaches; everybody -- and get a feel for it, because (Griffin) is a good football player, he's a really good person, and he's under contract. And that's where we are right now."

Griffin was active for just one game out of 17 this season. The Redskins hold a $16.2 million option on Griffin's contract for 2016, but Kirk Cousins posted a breakthrough season as the starter, leading the team to the NFC East title and the playoffs.

After leading the Redskins to the playoffs in his rookie season of 2012, Griffin struggled because of injuries and poor play. He has career totals of 8,097 yards, 40 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.