The Redskins added another first-round quarterback to the roster Wednesday, signing former Chicago Bears starter Rex Grossman. For now, he replaces the spot occupied by former backup Todd Collins.
But Grossman’s arrival leads to more questions about the future of this position. Washington signed Grossman because he’s familiar with Kyle Shanahan’s offense, having played last season for him in Houston. It’s always beneficial to have a veteran QB who understands the offense and can help others get up to speed, whether on the field or in meeting rooms.
However, it’s likely that the Redskins will draft a quarterback, which could mean the end for Colt Brennan — or even Jason Campbell. Perhaps the most likely scenario, right now, is that the Redskins would go with a rotation of Campbell, Grossman and whatever quarterback is drafted. Campbell’s grip on the job is tenuous at best.
There’s a strong belief among some players that the Redskins will use the minicamps to gauge Campbell’s progress in the offense, and for Mike Shanahan to see if he can mold something out of him. And that could still lead to Campbell’s ouster in June or July. Also, if the Redskins do draft a quarterback — say they get Sam Bradford — then will Campbell want to stick around knowing he’s just keeping the seat warm for someone else? He might not have a choice, of course. Still, it was bad enough for him last year getting beaten up by opposing linemen; if he struggled under this scenario fans would clamor for the new kid. Fun times.
One GM has a hard time believing they’ll unload him at all because, he said, “I’m looking at the same list they are. There are no options with hope.”
But one choice is to draft a rookie and start him, using Grossman as the temporary fallback guy. Though he stumbled in Chicago, it wasn’t his fault alone some say. And say some more. And if he comes here as a backup, there’s no harm done whatsoever (of course, Gator QBs have not fared well here in the past, have they). Bears insiders also say Grossman did not deserve the amount of criticism he received and that it eventually shot his confidence. He did not have a lot of talent around him in Chicago, which tried to win with defense and special teams. Grossman is not a caretaker and will try to make plays. Too often he tried to do so while throwing off his back foot, leading to interceptions. He also suffered injuries in 2004 and ’05 that stunted his growth.
By the end of his time in Chicago in 2008, this once affable and engaging personality had become less outgoing. A change of scenery, plus good quarterback coaching, could turn him into a viable backup and spot starter.
Whatever happens, either Campbell or Brennan is unlikely to return.
And this position continues to be cause for debate in Washington. That, of course, explains why the Redskins haven’t done anything since 1991.
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