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What Colt McCoy’s extension means for Kevin Hogan, Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Kevin Hogan #8 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles out of the pocket against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 15: Kevin Hogan #8 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles out of the pocket against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Colt McCoy signed a one-year extension with the Washington Redskins when training camp opened. Now on the books through 2019, this move makes Kevin Hogan’s path to a roster spot a bit more difficult.

When the Redskins added Kevin Hogan prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, the move was generally well-received by fans and analysts alike. The Redskins only moved down 17 spots in the sixth-round of the draft to add Hogan. That meant they didn’t have to utilize a pick on a developmental passer, and instead they were able to focus on defense in the last few rounds of the draft.

However, there may have been a bit too much optimism with Hogan. Realistically speaking, the Redskins got him on the cheap because Browns GM John Dorsey was looking to get rid of him and create his own plan at the quarterback position. In limited NFL action, Hogan looked good as a scrambler, but his career numbers as a passer, 59.4 percent completion rate, four touchdowns, seven picks, left a lot to be desired.

There’s no questioning that Hogan has upside, but it’s clear that he’s very raw as a prospect and still needs time to develop as a passer. That’s why the Chiefs, who drafted him in the fifth round in 2016, were willing to waive him prior to the start of his rookie season. That’s why the Browns didn’t give him more of a chance to start over the woeful DeShone Kizer. Hogan just needs time, so he’s better off as a project guy for the moment.

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That sentiment was confirmed on Thursday afternoon when the Redskins announced that they had agreed to a one-year extension with Colt McCoy. While very few thought that Hogan would actually usurp the starting role from McCoy, there still was a small contingent that thought McCoy could be cut if outplayed by Hogan in training camp. With McCoy signing this extension, it’s abundantly clear that he is going to continue on as their primary No. 2 quarterback for the next couple of seasons, though the deal is uniquely structured to have a void and buyback provision if he meets certain criteria.

For Hogan, this move will make his path to a roster spot more difficult. While the Redskins, and other NFL teams, have kept three quarterbacks for a good chunk of the past few seasons, they didn’t do so in 2017. Before the season started, they parted ways with Nate Sudfeld, who was thought of as a developmental backup who could be a future asset. Few saw the release of Sudfeld coming, but the Redskins decided that they needed depth elsewhere on the roster. So, the cut was made.

The scary part of the for Hogan is that last year’s roster is perceived to be weaker than this year’s unit. The 2018 roster looks extremely deep, on paper, and the Redskins are going to be faced with many tough roster decisions. One of them will be regarding Hogan’s future, and whether or not they can realistically afford to keep three quarterbacks on their roster.

If Hogan impresses at camp, the Redskins will almost certainly keep him given the premium placed on the quarterback position in the current NFL. But, if he doesn’t show much growth or upside, he will probably be cut in favor of a player at a different position. Then, the Redskins might try to stash him on the practice squad, but even that wouldn’t be a guarantee.

If Hogan’s grasp on a roster spot was tenuous before the McCoy extension, it now looks like an even more difficult battle. Hogan will have to be ready to prove himself, and it will be interesting to see what he can do with the pressure ratcheted up a notch.

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