5 quarterbacks Washington can fall back on if masterplan goes awry

1. Jameis Winston

In terms of long-term potential, Winston has the greatest of any quarterback on this list. However, the former No. 1 overall pick still makes sense as a one-year rental option for Washington if they choose to draft a QB.

Yes, Winston has an extensive turnover history. In 2019, his last year with the Buccaneers, he became the first quarterback in league history to throw for at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a single season. He also set the record for most pick-sixes in a single season with seven.

However, Winston showed real maturity as a free agent in 2020 by signing with the Saints to study under then-starter Drew Brees. After Brees retired the following offseason, Winston was promoted to the starting job and to say he looked like a different player would be a gross understatement.

Despite not having all-world wideout Michael Thomas, Winston threw for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns to just three interceptions in seven starts as a newly-minted game manager before a torn ACL ended his season.

Regardless of the injury, he showed enough (his 102.8 passer rating was easily a career high) to generate interest as a free agent. We obviously wouldn’t overpay for Winston, who famously threw for four touchdowns in Washington back in Week 5, but we love the idea of signing him if all else fails.

With effortless arm strength and a newfound soundness in the pocket, Winston could make Washington a darkhorse playoff team in 2022…and help Terry McLaurin get the respect he deserves, but that’s just an added bonus.