Grading the Redskins 2019 offseason: Washington deftly salvaged its QB situation
The Redskins looked like a playoff team before injuries took out most of the offensive line and Washington’s quarterback room. The front office had two goals heading into the offseason: Find a cheap replacement for Alex Smith, who may never play another down for the Redskins, and shore up the backend of its defense. It certainly accomplished that first goal. We’re not so sure about the second one.
Notable draft picks: QB Dwayne Haskins, OLB Montez Sweat, WR Terry McLaurin, WR Kelvin Harmon
Key acquisitions: S Landon Collins, QB Case Keenum, RB Adrian Peterson*
Losses: WR Jamison Crowder, OLB Preston Smith, OT Ty Nsekhe
*Re-signed with team
Washington went from having no good options at quarterback — no, Colt McCoy does not count — to having two. Even if Dwayne Haskins, whom Washington was able to land on draft day without having to move up from the 15th pick, isn’t ready to start in 2019, Case Keenum, who came over from Denver in a trade, isn’t a bad short-term option and was acquired for next to nothing. Haskins and Keenum will cost Washington about $7 million in 2019 cap space … combined. Not bad.
Washington’s offensive needs were not confined to the quarterback position. The Redskins needed receivers and they found two good values in the draft. Second-round pick Terry McLaurin has 4.3 speed and runs good routes. He’s not going to give you contested catches downfield, but he will be a cheap replacement for free agent departure Jamison Crowder. Sixth-rounder Kelvin Harmon looks like one of the steals of the draft. He slid because of speed concerns (4.6 40-yard dash) but he’s a professional route-runner who just devours 50/50 balls.
The front office also found a top-10 talent in Montez Sweat, a replacement for free agent Preston Smith, late in the first round. He’ll help the pass rush, but the secondary still looks like an issue, even after Washington overpaid for S Landon Collins. The former Giant is better in coverage than he gets credit for, but he’s not a true impact player in the passing game, and that’s what Washington is paying him to be. This isn’t unlike the Josh Norman signing, which looks worse and worse by the year.