The Washington Redskins may face their 2011 quarterback on Monday — Philadelphia’s Michael Vick.
The Redskins appear ready to ditch Donovan McNabb after this season, though a few more wins could change that. But if coach Mike Shanahan really wants a new quarterback, the options are slim.
Washington probably will wind up picking somewhere between 13th and 20th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, where there’s no guy like Sam Bradford coming to the rescue. The Redskins don’t have their third- and fourth-round picks, so they can’t easily package a deal to move up high enough to get a top arm. Oh, they can find someone late in the first round, but another Patrick Ramsey or Jason Campbell won’t be ready for instant success. Then again, neither was Heath Shuler — taken third overall in 1994.
Trading for a quarterback for a second straight year also is unlikely. After swapping two picks for McNabb, fans would balk if Washington tries it again. Since the Redskins don’t have many draft picks, Washington would need to send a player. Another cornerback Champ Bailey for running back Clinton Portis deal? The Redskins still regret that one. Maybe Albert Haynesworth will be better trade bait in 2011 than 2012.
That makes free agency the final resort. That is, assuming Rex Grossman isn’t simply promoted. That would be a harder sell to fans than conditioning tests.
Starting quarterbacks rarely become free agents. They’re simply too valuable, and teams retain them. That is, unless there’s something wrong.
The list of 2011 free agent quarterbacks is thinner than Gwyneth Paltrow’s vocal range. Matt Hasselback, Alex Smith … stop me when you see one you like … Trent Edwards — this is a list of offenders, not contenders.
Vick is clearly the best option after a two-year redemption tour in Philadelphia. No more humane society picketers. Americans forgive and forget — or simply forget — and Vick would be welcomed locally.
The Redskins passed on Vick in 2009 when he returned from prison — and with fair reasons. Not only did Washington not want the drama, but Campbell was still considered the future. But the front office and coaching staff have since been overhauled, and Shanahan seems intent on replacing McNabb. Vick suddenly seems more appealing — or at least less offensive.
Many things can change in the next eight weeks. If Washington finishes strong and reaches the playoffs, owner Dan Snyder will be forced to re-sign McNabb. If Vick leads the Eagles to the postseason — a seemingly safer bet — then Philadelphia likely will be forced to overpay to keep him.
But if the stars align and Washington gets a second chance at Vick, the Redskins are bound to pursue him. Vick’s mobility is a must behind an offensive line that can’t be fixed in one offseason.
Fans will watch the quarterback Monday night. It’s just curious as to which one.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
