New Washington Football Team general manager Martin Mayhew held his introductory press conference on Wednesday. While Deshaun Watson was not mentioned by name, there was some indirect talk as it relates to the disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback.
Fresh off Washington making a play for Matthew Stafford in a blockbuster trade, conversation in the nation’s capital has turned to a potential Watson deal. Mayhew pretty much threw cold water on that idea.
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Washington Football Team unlikely to trade for Deshaun Watson
Meanwhile, new executive vice president Marty Hurney noted that Washington has a lot of work to do at quarterback after starting four different players at that position a season ago.
Slated to pick 19th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Washington Football Team reportedly offered up that selection and change to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford prior to his blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Rams.
Obviously, acquiring Watson would cost a whole heck of a lot. Reading between the lines, that would likely have to include stud young edge rusher Chase Young, who showed out big time last season after being the No. 2 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Washington is not going to do that.
Washington Football Team options at quarterback
Veteran Alex Smith, who made a tremendous recovery from a severe leg injury, finished last season as Washington’s starting quarterback. He’s contemplating retirement. Even if the 36-year-old Smith wants to return, there’s no telling whether the WFT wants to bring him back. It would save $13.6 million against the cap by releasing Smith.
One cheaper option could be Cam Newton after his struggles with the New England Patriots this past season. Both Hurney and Washington head coach Ron Rivera have a built-in relationship with Newton dating back to their days together with the Carolina Panthers. However, Newton’s performance with New England in 2020 seems to suggests he’s nothing more than a backup at this point in his career.
Washington is in a difficult situation in that it won the NFC East with a 7-9 record and will be selecting in the bottom half of Round 1 come April. The likes of Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and Trey Lance will all be off the board. Short of going with reigning Heisman finalist Mac Jones at 19, the Washington Football Team really doesn’t have options at quarterback on Day 1 of the draft.
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Based on the comments from both Mayhew and Hurney, it seems like Washington is looking for a stopgap option at quarterback this offseason. Someone like Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers could make sense. He’d come cheap in a trade and doesn’t have much guaranteed money remaining on his deal.
Either way, this is going to be the talk of D.C. during the offseason. Just don’t expect the Washington Football Team to acquire Deshaun Watson.