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We saw Alex Smith at a Wizards game a week ago wearing a massive brace/external fixator for his broken leg. Questions came up again about his chances of playing football this year, or ever again. Most outside observers said he had almost no chance of seeing the field in 2019. Shocking no one, Ian Rapoport reported today that the Redskins are planning to be without Smith this year.
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
There’s a reason we’ve been saying Smith is a longshot this season. Has been stated concerns about his career let alone 2019. https://t.co/FBjk0ZLE0z
— John Keim (@john_keim) January 27, 2019
The Redskins will enter the offseason with Smith destined for PUP/IR, and Colt McCoy the only other QB under contract. McCoy also broke his leg last year, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Smith's injury. He will be ready for offseason activities, but who else will the Redskins bring in to compete?
Fans have been in open revolt over Bruce Allen's continued employment, and consolidation of power in the front office. Attendance is way down, and the team was actually honest about the numbers and waiting list for almost a whole year. The team started off 6-3, but the injuries to Smith and others tanked the season.
Dan Snyder needs a spark and that could come from signing/trading for a Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, or Nick Foles kind of veteran. They could also trade up in the draft to get one of the top QBs this year, maybe another Heisman winner. Either option is going to cost a lot in draft capital, and potentially salary cap if they go for another pricey veteran band aid.
It's going to be an interesting and scary offseason for fans who want to see the team built the right way and not sold out for the chance to be average again. The Redskins kept Head Coach Jay Gruden after another 7-9 year. He's coaching on borrowed time, and needs a winner next season, but what will that cost?