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Redskins: 3 options for their quarterback situation in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Sign a veteran passer in free agency

On the surface, this idea sounds great. If Smith is unable to play, the team could be in perfect position to nab a veteran passer in what is sure to be a busy offseason for quarterbacks. With many vets displaced by talented rookies in 2018, there will be plenty of solid names available.

Among the top quarterbacks expected to hit free agency (or be traded) are Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, Nick Foles, Teddy Bridgewater, and Blake Bortles. Not all the names on the list are inspiring (especially Bortles) but the fact is that as a year-long stopgap, one of these players could help get a stronger Washington team to the playoffs.

Realistically, Flacco would be the best fit to guide the team for a year. He’s a veteran with playoff experience who can operate a short to intermediate type passing game and get the ball in the hands of the Redskins weapons. Unfortunately, he may end up being traded, and his contract wouldn’t fit on the Washington roster.

Speaking of contracts, that is the one major factor that will downgrade this potential strategy for the Redskins. As long as Alex Smith is still making over $20 million, it will be cost-prohibitive to have two veteran starters on the roster. Other teams would likely outbid Washington for the service of guys like Flacco and Tannehill, though an oversaturated market could work out in the favor of the ‘Skins. Still, even if they sign one of these guys, it might not be enough to get them over the hump.

This strategy does have its merits, especially if it involves attempting to rehabilitate a younger passer that has struggles at the NFL level. That said, it definitely seems like the least likely option for the team — unless they can somehow figure out a way to mitigate the effects of Smith’s cap hit in the coming months.

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