Riggo's Rag
FanSided

What Zack Martin’s contract means for Brandon Scherff and the Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 04: Offensive guard Brandon Scherff #75 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

What comes next?

So, the big question surrounding these extensions is about which will come next. It’s highly likely that the team will extend Scherff, but given that they have exercised his fifth-year option for 2019 (a no-brainer) they may put a long-term deal on the back burner momentarily. It may behoove them to first negotiate with Smith and then use the 2019 offseason as a time to re-up with Scherff. But if they’d prefer to tackle the Scherff extension first, that would also make a great deal of sense.

Regarding Crowder, it’s possible that the Redskins could elect to part ways with him following the 2018 season. Crowder has been a solid receiver, but if Josh Doctson shows growth and a young backup like Robert Davis or Trey Quinn shows enough to get a chance as a starter, they could let Crowder walk. Of course, it’s just as likely that the Redskins would cut Norman or Reed to free up space to keep Crowder, especially if he has a good season.

The Martin contract mucks things up a bit for the Redskins cap room. But this was always going to be the case for the squad. Scherff was going to get a big deal and become one of the highest paid players at his position. That’s the price you pay when you get a quality player, even at the guard position.

Next: Why Jay Gruden deserves more respect that he gets

Locking up Scherff will be key for the Redskins’ offensive line and continuity up front. It would be a major surprise if they don’t get a deal done at some point. Over the course of the next calendar year, keep a close eye on Scherff. He seems to be the next critical building block for the Washington offense to lock up.

Home/Commanders News