The Washington Redskins finally learned something from the Albert Haynesworth debacle — don’t guarantee big money.
Hours before Haynesworth was sprawled on the ground, not even bothering to finish the play while Michael Vick threw a touchdown pass in Philadelphia’s 59-28 victory on Monday, the Redskins signed quarterback Donovan McNabb to essentially a series of deals rather than one big lump sum.
The Redskins already have a big lump in Haynesworth. They don’t need another contract that could haunt them like a dozen others under owner Dan Snyder’s tenure. This time, the Redskins have an option.
Despite McNabb’s agent Fletcher Smith tweaking the numbers when he met with the media on Monday, the Redskins essentially owe McNabb $3.75 million. A career-ending injury this season would bring another $25 million.
But then the numbers game becomes fuzzy math as far as $40 million guaranteed is concerned. The Redskins have a $10 million option bonus for 2011 when McNabb would then receive a $2.5 million salary plus another $3 million in incentives — though $2 million is tied to the playoffs. McNabb then gets about $13 million annually from 2012-2015 if he’s still in Washington, plus incentives.
This is a great deal for both sides. The Redskins aren’t tied in completely should McNabb seriously deteriorate. After all, he’s turning 34 years old on Nov. 25 and is not having the best of seasons. This contract gives the Redskins time to decide whether to retain McNabb while still keeping him off the free agency market.
But Washington isn’t saddled with another bust like Haynesworth, who ended his modest three-game streak of fair efforts with a dud against Philadelphia. Not that the defensive lineman was alone in stinking up FedEx Field, but don’t lay on the ground during a blowout. Not when you’re being paid a king’s ransom.
The perfect deal for Washington is to groom McNabb’s successor for 2013. Maybe it’s reserve John Beck. Perhaps it’s a draft pick in the second round in 2011. The Redskins’ first rounder will probably be somewhere between picks No. 13 and 19 — too low for a top quarterback but good enough for an offensive lineman, receiver or running back.
The second rounder could be a quarterback that the Redskins can develop. The NFL is filled with quarterbacks drafted after the second round. This is why getting a real front office over the past year was so critical instead of watching Snyder and former vice president Vinny Cerrato rely on Mel Kiper’s top 10 list.
Meanwhile, McNabb gets more money than he would have earned as a free agent. He just has to prove he’s worth it rather than leaving the Redskins with no leverage like they have with Haynesworth. McNabb also can leave if he decides life with coach Mike Shanahan or an awful offensive line isn’t worth any amount of money.
Both sides should be happy. It’s a smart business move for once.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
