Breaking Down the Redskins’ Free Agent Options at Quarterback.
As discussed yesterday, the Redskins have several options when it comes to dealing with their upcoming issues at quarterback. They could draft a quarterback with the 15th pick, or later in the draft. They can make a trade with one of several teams (read our take on that option here.) Another option that could make sense for them is to sign a free-agent signal caller. We discuss their options below.
Nick Foles. Foles appears to be off the table as, according to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Foles is set to sign with the Jaguars once free agency begins. It seems likely that Foles may be out of the Redskins’ price range as they have limited cap space and are unlikely to want to have such a large chunk of money wrapped up in the quarterback position.
Tyrod Taylor. It is expected that Taylor will sign a contract between eight and ten million, which is within the Redskins’ price range. Taylor lost his job to Baker Mayfield early last year and never got another chance in Cleveland. Taylor is athletic and has a strong arm.He is a career 62% passer and takes care of the ball tossing only 20 interceptions against 53 touchdowns. He brings a veteran presence and leadership. The Redskins will need to determine whether or not he presents a big enough upgrade over Colt McCoy and Josh Johnson to justify spending more money on the quarterback position.
Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater has started only one game in the last two seasons mostly due to injury. Before his horrific injury, Bridgewater started 28 games for the Vikings posting a respectable 17-11 record. Bridgewater has completed 65 percent of his passes and has a 29 to 23 touchdown to interception ratio. Bridgewater is young at only 26 and has had successful seasons in the NFL. His biggest question mark, of course, is his health. With another injury-prone quarterback on the roster in Colt McCoy, the Redskins may be reluctant to take a chance on Bridgewater.
Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick spent last season trading starts with Jameis Winston for the Buccaneers. The Bearded One has been a very effective spot starter over the years for several teams and will likely be one in 2019, as well. Fitz is 23-26 as a starter and has a career 60% completion percentage. Fitzpatrick takes risks as a quarterback which can put up points, but is also a good bet to turn the ball over more than once per game. Ultimately, the Redskins are likely to decide that he simply isn’t better than what they already have, and the most they would offer is a chance to compete in camp.
Other, less likely candidates include Josh McCown, Geno Smith, and Trevor Siemian. Ultimately, it will come down to whether or not a potential signing can outperform what they have on the roster currently. Taylor and Bridgewater could fit that bill, if the price is right.
