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Redskins 53-man roster projection: New-look ‘Skins rely on youth, upside

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins communicates during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Kelvin Harmon #13 of the Washington Redskins communicates during their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 22: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Quarterback (2)

Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen

The Washington Redskins keeping three quarterbacks was a no-brainer last season. They had veterans Case Keenum and Colt McCoy on expiring contracts along with Haskins in his rookie campaign. It stood to reason that Keenum and McCoy would do battle for the starting job and eventually make way for Haskins when he was deemed ready.

That’s exactly what happened. The ‘Skins did keep all three quarterbacks on the roster for the season. But will they do it again in 2020? The answer isn’t as simple.

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Haskins and Allen are likely roster locks. Haskins will enter the season as the favorite to start while Allen had some success with the Panthers last season and looks like a rock-solid backup with upside. The only reason that Allen could start over Haskins would be if the offseason is significantly shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic and Haskins doesn’t get a chance to learn enough of the offense. But that seems like a stretch at this point.

Beyond those two, the questions lie with Alex Smith and Montez. Smith is still attempting a comeback from a brutal leg injury suffered during the 2018 campaign. Given the severity of the blast-wound like injury, he may never play again. Stranger things have happened, but it seems more likely that he’ll find himself on one of the injury lists once again barring a surprise.

As for Montez, the undrafted Colorado product undeniably has upside. And with the Redskins not having a sure-fire answer at quarterback, though Haskins will get his chance, it could behoove them to keep the 23-year-old around as a developmental option.

Might he be better served to season a bit on the practice squad? Sure. But what if he performs well enough that a team wants to scoop him up and roster him as a developmental project? That’s when the Redskins may have to consider opening a roster spot for him.

We’ll keep Montez on the practice squad so the Redskins can carry extra weapons around Haskins on offense. But his progression and candidacy as a roster dark horse will be something to watch.

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