The Washington Redskins’ two-decade quest for a franchise quarterback might make even Don Quixote turn around in despair. It really has been the impossible dream. Maybe the search results in taking Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck in the coming draft. It could end with Matt Flynn or Peyton Manning arriving via trade or free agency. Or Rex Grossman could re-sign and open the 2012 season as the starter.
None may be a perfect fit.
Coach Mike Shanahan has spent weeks studying quarterbacks, and that’s just the start. The Redskins will use the NFL Combine on Feb.?22-28 to gauge their options in the draft. Maybe Griffin is 5-foot-11 as some say or 6-3 as others claim. It makes a big difference. While college programs often embellish heights and weights, there’s no escaping the tape measure in Indianapolis.
Shanahan must decide whether Luck or Griffin are worth getting into a bidding war with Miami and Cleveland — even if Indianapolis keeps Manning over a successor. Giving up at least two first- and two second-rounders seems hefty. Then again, Washington has drafted three passers in the first sound since Mark Rypien was the quarterback in 1993. Would it be worth a fistful of picks to find a quarterback for the next decade considering the Redskins already have spent so many selections in vain?
Shanahan will leave the combine with a Plan B — a quarterback Washington can take in the second round should it fail to trade up for Luck or Griffin — such as Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill. If that happens, Shanahan needs to consider taking Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon with the sixth overall pick.
So Shanahan needs three options at quarterback plus a backup plan for the first-round pick should those fall through. And Plan C should be moving down in the first round like last year to garner more picks.
Free agency follows March 13. If the Colts don’t retain Manning, Washington could gamble a massive money move on the future Hall of Famer. But after Manning missed the entire season with a neck injury, there’s a real chance he may only be around for a year or two. The gamble’s too big for a team not close to the playoffs.
Flynn upped his worth by throwing for 480 yards in Green Bay’s finale, but the Packers’ offense could make Grossman look good. Still, Flynn is the only legitimate free agent quarterback available. It’s too bad he’s not a solid fit for the Redskins’ offense. The Redskins could sign Flynn and still draft a successor.
Washington’s brain trust will meet in early April to discuss its options. That includes Plan D: Grossman likely won’t be pursued by other teams after throwing 20 picks in 13 games, so he could be signed after the draft should the other options fail.
Suddenly, Shanahan’s offseason looks as busy as the regular season.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
