The Redskins gave Pete Kendall what he needed: a fresh start and a new contract. Now he must provide what they need: a starting left guard.
The Redskins traded a draft choice to the New York Jets for Kendall, hoping they’ve finally filled a gaping hole at left guard. The choice could either be a fourth-round pick in 2009 or a fifth-rounder in 2008 depending on how much he plays.
“They get a solid player,” said one longtime NFL talent evaluator, “which they were lacking there. It looks like they’ve upgraded.”
They gave Kendall a new two-year contract worth approximately $5 million, a hefty sum for a 34-year-old guard who wasn’t guaranteed to start with his former team. Kendall was vying for the starting left guard there while also filling in at center. He wanted a new contract, leading to a contentious offseason and summer.
Here, he’ll become the starter as soon as he’s caught up on the offense.
“Everyone likes to be wanted,” said Kendall, who won’t play Saturday against Baltimore. “I sensed genuine enthusiasm from everyone I’ve talked to about having me here.”
There’s a reason: they had problems at this position all summer.
The Redskins have been unable to develop quality backups since Joe Gibbs returned. That became a glaring weakness when Derrick Dockery fled to Buffalo via free agency.
Todd Wade tried, but failed, to move from right tackle to left guard. Mike Pucillo, who started at left guard last weekend and will do so again Saturday, is considered a backup.
Kendall, entering his 12th season, has started 156 games, most of them at left guard. He started 10 games at center for New York two years ago. He’s also played with Seattle and Arizona.
“He’s proven he can start,” Gibbs said.
“Pete’s a good player, a smart player,” said Redskins offensive lineman Jason Fabini, who played next to Kendall for two seasons in New York. “Pete’s a vocal guy. He’s a good guy to have in the locker room.”
Redskins end Phillip Daniels played with Kendall in Seattle.
“He’s a great player,” Daniels said. “He has good footwork, good handwork. He did a good job moving people around.”
Kendall hasn’t played in this system, but he’s more concerned about developing rapport with his new linemates.
“That may be a bigger challenge,” Kendall said, “than learning the assignments and Xs and Os. The schemes and assignments are the same from system to system. It’s a matter of how do you communicate with guys around you.”
