Donald Penn is set to turn 37 years of age next month and is looking to continue his NFL career. Penn told ESPN’s Josina Anderson, he has no plans to retire and is open to returning to the Washington Redskins.
Penn signed with the Redskins last year after Trent Williams’ holdout lingered into training camp. In his 13th season, Penn started 15 games for Washington. He had his struggles protecting the blindside of Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins and Colt McCoy. But he was also serviceable in place of Williams.
Penn had a 64.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. He allowed six sacks and was penalized 10 times on 885 official snaps last season.
Williams’ saga with the Redskins has lingered into this off-season. He has demanded a trade after talks broke down about a new contract — he has one year remaining on his current deal. Washington granted him permission to seek a trade. While that hinges on him securing a long-term deal with his new team, Washington will need to find a suitable replacement in the event of Williams moving on.
Penn is a short-term solution. The Redskins do not have a second-round pick and limited trade assets beyond Williams. There is a handful of quality starting left tackles remaining in free agency, including the more productive 38-year old Jason Peters, who was recently released by the Eagles.
Trading Williams may take some time given the current coronavirus pandemic. Teams are restricted from on-site physicals and given Williams’ recent injuries and health scare, teams may not be in such a rush to make a deal for him.
Thus, the Redskins won’t have a clear picture of their situation with him and thus the left tackle position. It’s possible bringing back Penn on a bargain deal may be the safe route. Then again there is a new head coach, coaching staff and front office regime in Washington.
Penn may have to wait for more dominoes to fall on the market before his future is settle.
