Remember when Matt Cassel was at USC? Don't worry, I don't either. He sat behind some pretty good QB's, and barely saw the field. He was drafted late, by a team that already had a star, as was able to watch and learn the game from one of the best. Then one day, he got his opportunity; and damn if he didn't make the most out of it. Result: Trade value soared, and his team benefitted by trading him, and OLB Mike Vrable to the Chiefs for a 2nd round pick.
This scenerio is a little different, but shares a similar story. Matt Flynn spent his time at LSU behind some other talented headcase QB's. He finally got his chance to shine as a senior, and ended up leading his team to a BCS National Championship over Ohio St., while going on to be named the games offensive MVP. Like Cassel, Flynn was selected in the 7th round by a team who already had an established QB, but when he did get his chance, he made the most of it, first, by beating out a much more highly touted Brian Brohm(a 2nd round draft selection) for the backup job to Aaron Rodgers, and second, when he was inserted as the starting QB for an injured Rodgers vs the Patriots, where he threw 3 TD's, and completed 23-37 passes, for 254 yards, in a last second loss that saw him get sacked, and fumble while at the Patriots 15 yard line.
It's no secret that the Redskins are in need of a new signal caller. They are actually in need of a few new signal callers, and Flynn could be an option. He is scheduled to become a free agent in 2012, and may be looking for an opportunity to creep out from under the shadows of Aaron Rodgers, and get the opportunity to start somewhere. Does he have what it takes? That I don't know, but I can tell you his price tag would be no where near what the Chiefs gave up for Matt Cassel.
A 4th round pick could be an enticing option for Packers GM Mark Murphy. He likes, and believes in the draft, and that extra 4th rounder, and a possible conditional later round pick based on performance, could lure Flynn to the Redskins. I can't see the Packers using a franchise tag on Flynn next year, as the Patriots did on Cassel, so in all likelihood, he could walk away as a free agent in 2012, and the Packers could end up with nothing.
Two thinks I know about Matt Flynn: 1) He is very smart, and is a student of the game. He will have no trouble picking up an NFL offense. 2) He is a competitor, and will give his all 100% of the time. He also possesses good leadership skills, both on and off the field.
Matt Flynn profile:
http://www.nfl.com/player/mattflynn/367/profile
Would Matt Flynn be worth a look for a modest price in DC? Is he an upgrade to Grossman and Beck?