If Cousins leaves, should Redskins sign Christian Hackenberg?

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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Christian Hackenberg #5, Josh McCown #15, and Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets huddle before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Hackenberg is far from a perfect quarterback, but he has traits that simply can’t be ignored.

At 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, Hackenberg is the perfect size for a prototypical NFL quarterback, and he has traits (4.78 40-yard dash, good avoidance skills) that would favor him in the Redskins’ west coast offense. He has undeniable arm talent, having the capability to throw with heat and touch on the ball. Too many quarterbacks are one-speed passers. Hackenberg can do it all when he has an offensive line. In Washington, he would certainly have one of those.

Not only does Hackenberg have the talent, but he’s also been recognized as a leader. At Penn State, he was a two-time captain in his three years playing, and throughout his disappointing bench warming spree in New York, he’s been “a true pro when lesser guys might have cracked”, per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.

Hackenberg, however, does have his drawbacks, and I’m sure that’s how you’ve come to know him. He has alarming issues with accuracy, and it was these issues that led to him being relegated to the third string role in his second year with the Jets. He remained there for the entire season, even when Bryce Petty made football hard to watch late in the year. The Jets were stubborn in their maintenance of Hackenberg’s role, but yet, they remain resolute in keeping him on the roster. At least, for now.

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Pressure is mounting for the Jets to release Hackenberg. He has no future there, and a change of scenery could bode well for him. If he’s let go, the Redskins should at least consider signing him. Why? Well, first and foremost, he has to come cheap. He may only be 22, but his name has become one of the many unfortunate names to grow synonymous with the word ‘bust’. Most teams don’t need a quarterback like Hackenberg, and those that might will favor other options.

The Redskins wouldn’t have to pay much to outbid the competition, whoever it may be. And Hackenberg, who almost certainly developed under stout offensive coordinator John Morton in year two, would have a proven developmental staff with Jay Gruden, Matt Cavanaugh, and Kevin O’Connell showing him the way forward. There’s always a learning curve when a player gets relocated, but unlike incoming rookies like Rudolph and Jackson, Hackenberg has been a pro. He knows the process.

To summarize, the Redskins could do worse than bring in Hackenberg. He has a starter’s upside, and he could sit behind Colt McCoy for a little bit until the Redskins think he’s ready to be given a shot. Keep in mind that Hackenberg is only 22 years old. After two years in the league, he’s younger than Kirk Cousins was in Cousins’ rookie year. Hackenberg is essentially Montae Nicholson on offense. Nicholson’s tape in college was awful. But the Redskins took a chance on him for his traits, and look how he’s turned out so far. Hackenberg could end up being the same way. Or he could not. There’s too little information to say at this point.

Next: Simulating the Redskins' entire 2018 offseason: Keeping Kirk

The book is not written on Hackenberg just yet, contrary to popular belief. The Penn State product still has a full tank, and a treasure trove of untapped potential. If the Jets do release him, which could very well end up happening, the Redskins would do well to take a chance on Hackenberg. He could give them more than they bargain for.

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