Currently the Washington Redskins hold the 15th pick overall but they are looking to move up via a trade in Thursday’s first-round of the 2019 NFL Draft, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
The Redskins presumably would be looking to select a quarterback if they are to move up, hoping to leapfrog NFC East division rival New York Giants into the top-5.
This report comes on the heel of the Redskins targeting former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, according to Diana Russini of ESPN.
The Redskins have had “early talks” with the New York Jets for the No. 3 pick overall, according to Connor Hughes of the Athletic.
The Redskins are in need of a long-term option at quarterback. And preferably one that is on a rookie-scale contract.
They have three quarterbacks currently on the roster, however, all three have long-term question marks. Alex Smith, who the Redskins acquired in a trade in 2018 and signed to a four-year extension, has doubts of his playing future after suffering a compound fracture in his leg in November. He is not expected to play in 2019, however, he carries a $20.4 million cap hit, according to Spotrac.
Colt McCoy, who has one year remaining on his contract, is also battling through a broken leg that has required three surgical procedures. The Redskins also acquired Case Keenum in a trade last month. He has one year remaining on his contract.
Former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to be the first quarterback selected in Thursday’s first-round. He has been linked to the number one overall pick currently held by the Arizona Cardinals for sometime. After that Haskins and former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock are the presumed next in the pecking order.
If the Redskins are looking to move up into the Top-5 ahead of the Giants, Haskins is most likely the target after all. It will be interesting to see what the asking price will be for the Redskins to move up.
Washington only has to look to their own recent history on what the price of moving up for a quarterback in the top-5 entitles. In 2012, the Redskins traded their No. 6 overall pick, 2012 second-round pick, 2013 first-round pick, and 2014 first-round (which turned into the No. 2 pick overall) in exchange for the 2012 No. 2 pick overall to draft Robert Griffin III.
With so much stock already placed in the quarterback position with Smith’s hefty contract that Washington cannot get out of until after the 2020 season with minimal cap damage, and their history from the 2012 draft, trading up for a quarterback this year is a bit surprising. However, if Haskins or someone else is the eye of their desire, no price may be too heavy to pay.
