Will Donovan McNabb play quarterback for the Washington Redskins this fall? It’s as likely as any scenario.
McNabb might be forced (if someone actually can be “forced” to take $16 million) to remain in town if Washington doesn’t draft a quarterback or re-sign Rex Grossman. Otherwise, the Redskins have only third-stringer John Beck on the roster.
With the NFL likely shutting down or locking out or whatever it’s called when the labor agreement with the NFL Players Association ends Friday, the Redskins are looking awfully empty at quarterback.
Coach Mike Shanahan recently said McNabb’s future with the team will be decided after the April 28-30 draft. That indicates the Redskins want to draft a quarterback before letting McNabb go. That’s certainly the smart move.
But what if Washington doesn’t get a quarterback in the draft? It’s very possible the best ones are gone by the time the Redskins pick at No. 10. They could take one in the second round, but who really thinks someone that far down can contribute this fall, especially without the benefit of offseason camps?
No, the Redskins need a better insurance plan than a potential draft pick. Washington should re-sign Grossman before Friday — when a labor shutdown prevents any roster moves until a new collective bargaining agreement is signed. Given that might not happen until September, the Redskins are gambling by not re-signing Grossman.
Grossman certainly was mediocre in three games last season. The more he played, the worse he became. But Grossman at least knows the system well enough to be a one-year stopgap in a season that looks lost anyway.
A really wild thought: Someone else could sign Grossman. Crazier things have happened — like Buffalo overpaying Washington guard Derrick Dockery a few years ago (Dockery, by the way, was released by the Redskins on Tuesday). With free agency possibly condensed into a few weeks, anything is possible. Washington should sign Grossman to an incentive-laden deal, so if he starts the money is there and if he’s a backup then it’s not fiscally foolish.
The chance Washington signs a free agent quarterback who can contribute without the benefit of offseason camps is nil. No one can learn a system in a couple weeks. Better to play Beck for a year than bring in a free agent.
Of course, if Washington takes a quarterback in the first round, then McNabb is released and anyone can be the backup because the rookie will play. Otherwise, it comes down to taking a defensive player in the first round and waiting until next year for a quarterback.
But there is a scenario where McNabb stays, and Shanahan will have to wear a mouth guard to prevent serious dental problems from gnashing his teeth if that happens. McNabb will say everything’s fine because $16 million goes a long way toward glossing over how he was treated last year.
For an offseason where little will happen, the Redskins have a lot of work at quarterback. McNabb, Grossman, Beck, a rookie or a free agent could start whenever football returns.
Good thing Washington has a proven running game to lessen the pressure on the quarterback. Oh wait, they don’t. Well, maybe the offensive line can compensate. Uh, that’s unlikely.
It’s going to be a long offseason.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected]
