The reality of the Washington Football Team QB situation

The Washington Football Team is in desperate need of a better quarterback. Unfortunately, any upgrade they get may not be the quality QB fans want.

This weekend, a report from Michael Lombardi of The Athletic reported today that the Washington Football Team is very interested in Raiders QB Marcus Mariota. In response, many Washington fans were up in arms. This is understandable.

In an offseason where Matthew Stafford has already been traded, Deshaun Watson wants out of Houston, Russell Wilson is frustrated with the lack of investment in his offensive line, Dak Prescott may become a free agent and a draft that features four quarterbacks with the potential to become great, settling for a Marcus Mariota is underwhelming.

But here is the reality of the situation the Washington Football Team is in. They won’t be able to acquire Deshaun Watson without mortgaging the foundation the team has already put in place. Too many teams can offer too much for that to be realistic.

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Russell Wilson is not getting traded. Dak Prescott will need to become a free agent to go to Washington. He will most likely be franchise tagged. And Derek Carr, who has been rumored to be available, most likely won’t be available for trade. Or, at least, the Raiders seem to prefer trading Mariota instead of Carr.

Should this deter Washington from trying to get these star quarterbacks? No, it shouldn’t. But the expectation should be set that acquiring any of these quarterbacks is very unlikely. Too many teams are in need of a quarterback. And they have more to offer than Washington does.

Trading up in the draft for a quarterback should be very much in the cards for the Washington Football Team. But, as previously stated, there are many teams with more to offer that want a quarterback as well. So, banking on getting the quarterback you want in the draft in a trade, in this climate is walking a thin line.

That is why fans shouldn’t be so dead set on get a star veteran or trade up in the draft. The Washington Football Team quarterback situation is probably the worst in the NFL. Alex Smith, if he does not retire, is too unreliable with his injury history.

Taylor Heinicke, while his playoff performance was inspiring, has gotten hurt in all three of his NFL appearances. Plus, going with someone off five quarters of good play is foolish.

Kyle Allen is a decent backup but not much more.

No, just sticking with the projected three quarterbacks on the roster should not be an option. Trading a mid-round pick for Marcus Mariota and restructuring his $10 million contract, which can turn into $20 million with incentives, as Lombardi says, is an improvement at the quarterback situation.

Taking a chance on a reclamation project in Sam Darnold for reasonable compensation is an improvement. Selecting Mac Jones, who is the epitome of a high floor, low ceiling QB prospect, at 19 is an improvement. Trading a mid-round pick for Teddy Bridgewater is an improvement. Signing Cam Newton, although his upfront stats were horrible in 2020, is an improvement.

To keep it simple, the Washington Football Team needs at least someone new in the quarterback room in 2021. Relying on the current three most likely won’t end well.

With that said, acquiring the names just mentioned should not be the first or even second option for the Washington Football Team. They should continue to try to acquire a veteran star. And even acquiring one of the names mentioned above, should not deter Washington from trading up in the draft to select the guy they want.

Everyone wants Washington to acquire the guy this offseason. But here is the reality: Washington is in a disadvantageous spot when it comes to getting the guy. Acquiring someone like Marcus Mariota via trade is not the worst thing ever. This team won seven games with a revolving door at quarterback. They could win with a Mariota.

This is coming from the leader at Riggo’s Rag of the #Stafford2DC movement. Improvement of any kind at the quarterback position is needed, even if the improvement is not as big as some want.