Embed from Getty Images
Hours after losing quarterback Kevin Hogan on waivers, the Washington Redskins have signed another quarterback for the practice squad. Washington has signed Nic Shimonek, who was waived by the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday.Ā The Redskins also signed defensive tackle Caushaud Lyons to the practice squad.
Shimonek went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft in large because he struggled to find playing time while at Texas Tech. He backed up now-Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes until 2017, when Shimonek got the nod at starter.
As a redshirt senior, Shimonek completed 66.5 percent of his passes and threw for 3,963 yards and 33 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 13 games. His most impressive game came in a win against Arizona State, in which Shimonek completed 37-of-50 passes for 543 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions.
Shimonek had limited reps in preseason with the Chargers, completing 13-of-20 passes for 80 yards.
Being able to go through his progressions, look downfield, stand tall in the pocket, complete deep passes with velocity and accuracy were some of his noted strengths in his pre-draft scouting report, according to NFL.com.
A slow release, inability to fit football in tight windows, and early staredown of deep targets allowing safeties to read his eyes are among noted weaknesses of Shimonek.
The Redskins gain another project at quarterback they can look to develop after losing two quarterbacks each of last two years during final cuts. In 2017, the popular Nate Sudfeld was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles after being waived by the Redskins in final cuts. He has since settled in as a backup for the Eagles. On Sunday, Hogan was claimed by the Denver Broncos off waivers. In both cases, the Redskins had hoped to sign each for their practice squad.
Now, Shimonek has an opportunity to prove he can stay on the Redskins’ practice squad and develop for a hopeful long-term NFL career.
