It’s well within the realm of possibility for the Washington Redskins to trade up for a quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft. Here’s a look at their most logical trade partners.
The Washington Redskins are going to target quarterback help at some point during the 2019 NFL Draft. And as the first round draws nearer, it’s becoming increasingly likely that they will give strong consideration to the options available in the first round. While there had been some debate over whether they would wait until Day 2 to pick a passer before targeting a top quarterback in the 2020 class, the scales currently seem tipped in favor of taking a quarterback at 15.
Of course, it’s possible that the ‘Skins may have to make a move in order to get a quarterback. They have some competition in the top 15 picks, and though there are four potential first-round quarterbacks, the team may have to move up if they favor one of the options over the other.
The teams that could target a quarterback ahead of the Redskins include the Cardinals, Raiders, Giants, Broncos, Bengals, and Dolphins. It’s unlikely that all will target one, and the Giants and Broncos, in particular, seem to be focusing elsewhere, but the possibility of a team taking one can’t be discounted. Additionally, the Giants possess the 17th pick in addition to the sixth pick, so they could be interested in moving up from that spot to leapfrog Washington and grab a passer.
With that said, the ‘Skins will certainly consider trading up if they like either Dwayne Haskins or Drew Lock enough to warrant a move up. Here’s a look at which teams they could talk with in a potential move up.
3. New York Jets (No. 3 pick)
The Jets would represent the highest that the Redskins would move up to get a quarterback. Moving into the top three isn’t exactly a likely proposition, but there is one thing that could make an impact on them there.
With the No. 1 pick, the Arizona Cardinals have long been connected to Kyler Murray. The Heisman-winning Oklahoma quarterback has been expected to be the top pick by most since the NFL Combine. However, there are some rumors that the team may not actually be interested in Murray and that it could be a smokescreen. Conversely, their lack of interest in Murray could be a smokescreen as well.
But, in any case, the Cardinals may end up passing on Murray at No. 1 overall. If that happens, Josh Rosen would be off the table, and that would eliminate the possibility of the team trading a second-round pick for him. Additionally, it could cause Murray to slip — provided that another team doesn’t trade up to the top spot to get him.
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The Raiders, picking fourth overall, are the team that would most likely target Murray if the Cardinals can’t get him. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock both may like his skill set, and since they are a new regime, they could opt to take him and try to trade Derek Carr. But first, they would either have to move up to the top spot to get Murray or hope he falls to the No. 4 pick.
If the Raiders don’t move up to the No. 1 pick, it would open up a chance for a team like the Redskins to leapfrog them at No. 3. The Jets need a second-round pick after trading theirs in last year’s Sam Darnold trade. So, that could motivate them to move down while still targeting pass-rushing help or offensive line help in the middle of the first round. The Redskins could swing a deal there, and that could be a way for them to land Murray.
As for trading up to the No. 1 spot, I think it would be hard for them to do that. If the Cardinals do ultimately move the top pick, the Redskins will have to compete with the Raiders for it. Given that the Raiders have three first-round picks, the elder Gruden could outbid Jay Gruden if he truly likes Murray. If the ‘Skins do move up for Kyler Murray, the only way they could get him is if the Cardinals stay put at one and they’re able to trade ahead of the Raiders. That’s why this is the least likely of the potential trade-up spots.
2. Buffalo Bills (No. 9 pick)
The Bills’ pick at No. 9 represents the last chance for the ‘Skins to get ahead of the Broncos and the Bengals. While neither team is guaranteed to get a quarterback, they both could at least consider one, and that would motivate the team to move up.
The Bills make sense as a potential trade-down candidate. They have extra needs they could stand to address and may still land a quality player in the 15 range, especially if rising quarterbacks push other top players down the board.
I had the Bills as a potential trade-up partner for the Redskins earlier in the offseason, and here’s what I said about them at the time.
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"While both of these positions, [offensive line and defensive line], could be on the board when the Bills are picking, it may behoove them to trade down. Essentially, the only positions they don’t need help at come at quarterback, in the secondary, and at linebacker. They could add as many as three quality blockers on the offensive line and will need a couple more receiving threats as well. If the Bills don’t see any superior value at the No. 9 spot, they may opt to trade down to add another Day 2 pick to their arsenal. They could still be in position to land one of Jonah Williams, Cody Ford, or another tackle prospect they like. Additionally, there will be plenty of defensive players available and the 15th spot will be a better fit for D.K. Metcalf than the No. 9 spot."
I’ll maintain that Metcalf is a better fit at 15 than at No. 9, but I will concede that this trade-up may be a bit less realistic than before. The main reason? The Bills addressed their offensive line heavily in free agency, so they are unlikely to spend a top selection at the position.
Still, if the Bills want a guy like Metcalf or one of the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, they could move down, pick up some extra picks, and grab a true No. 1 weapon. Additionally, there should still be some quality defensive linemen on the board at 15, so Sean McDermott could find an upgrade for his team and pick up extra Day 2 capital. For that reason, Buffalo seems like a solid trade partner.
1. Detroit Lions (No. 8 pick)
The Lions are one of the teams that have seemingly been desperate to move down for the better part of the last month. And this makes sense. General manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia come from the Patriots organization, so they may want to try and capitalize on Bill Belichick’s strategy of moving down and hoarding picks to control future drafts.
Additionally, the Lions could be targeting some players that will be on the board in the mid-teens. They are certainly interested in both of the aforementioned Iowa tight ends, and they also could be looking for help on the defensive line. While they could land a quality edge rusher at No. 8, they may be content to move down and target a guy like Clelin Ferrell or Brian Burns while stockpiling extra picks.
If the Lions truly are desperate to move down and the ‘Skins really want to move up for Haskins, a deal between the two sides would make sense. The Redskins would successfully jump over the primary quarterback threats and the cost wouldn’t be ridiculous. That is, unless the Lions get the Redskins into a bidding war with another team like the Giants. That’s the only point at which it could become an issue.
For the time being, Detroit represents that best trade-up spot for Washington. If they are to move up to grab a passer, keep a close eye on the No. 8 pick.