We can add the Washington Redskins to the list of teams that will be in search of a starting quarterback this offseason. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Washington is planning to be without starter Alex Smith for the entire 2019 campaign.
One storyline to follow for 2019: The #Redskins are planning as if they won’t have QB Alex Smith next season, sources say. They believe he’ll miss the entire season with his broken leg issues and are acting accordingly. If he’s ready, they will be pleasantly surprised.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2019
Smith, 34, suffered a devastating leg injury back in November. Complications from surgery immediately put the three-time Pro Bowler’s career in jeopardy.
If Smith is unable to go for next season, the Redskins are going to have to find an upgrade over the combination of Mark Sanchez and Josh Johnson — a duo that finished out the 2018 season.
Here’s what this all means.
Smith’s career is certainly in jeopardy: Even if the veteran were able to return next season, Washington would be smart to add a long-term replacement.
- Reports following Smith’s injury were not good. He had an extended stay in the hospital and was just recently seen wearing a contraption that suggests a long-term injury.
- Not only will Smith need extensive rehab, he’s going to have to learn to use his leg again. That makes it questionable that he’ll ever return to the field.
- At 34 years old, Smith was already seemingly a stopgap option under center in D.C.
There are options: Now that Washington isn’t expecting Smith to play next season, it can start the offseason anew at quarterback.
- Veteran options to replace Smith could potentially include Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, Ryan Tannehill, Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown. Not a tremendous list, but there are options here.
- Selecting 15th overall, there’s a minimal chance that the likes of Kyler Murray and Dwyane Haskins will be available. This leaves second-tier options for the Skins. That includes Missouri’s Drew Lock and Duke’s Daniel Jones.