Redskins Twitter went into an uproar early Thursday morning thanks to a rumor from ESPN’s Booger McFarland.
McFarland tweeted Wednesday that suggested the Redskins could be pursuing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston as a backup.
Winston is available as the Buccaneers are moving on from the inconsistent quarterback after five season. Tampa Bay is reportedly landing a deal with six-time Super Bowl winning QB Tom Brady.
Adam Schefter reported Winston isn’t expected to land a starting quarterback job. While that may be so, it won’t be in Washington.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, there is “no chance” the Redskins will pursue Winston.
Since being hired to be the Redskins head coach, Ron Rivera has repeatedly mentioned he wants a competition for starting quarterback. That’s despite the team drafting Dwayne Haskins in the first round of last year’s NFL Draft.
The injured Alex Smith has been mentioned, despite his playing future being uncertain due to his leg injury in 2018. Rivera has also mentioned Case Keenum, who has already signed with the Cleveland Browns. The Redskins recently have been linked to considering drafting Tua Tagovailoa with the second overall pick thanks in large to the wordplay of Rivera at the NFL Scouting Combine.
It’s unclear if Rivera is serious about competition for Haskins or if he is trying to motivate the soon-to-be second-year quarterback.
Winston would be an ideal candidate for competition, if that’s what the Redskins want. The 2015 first overall pick has a lot to prove after being displaced from Tampa. He led the NFL last year with 5,109 while tossing 33 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he also led the league with 30 interceptions, becoming the first 5,000-yard passer with 30 picks and the first member of the 30-30 club.
There are other available quarterbacks, but Winston may have be the best of those willing to compete for a starting role. That’s something that other linked names such as Cam Newton and Andy Dalton may not be inclined to do.
Winston is sure to get a second chance but it appears it will not be in Washington at the expense of Haskins.
