The Washington Redskins appear to be set at quarterback. Dwayne Haskins is approaching his second season as a pro and the Redskins traded a fifth-round pick for former Carolina Panthers QB Kyle Allen. The two are expected to compete for the starting role. However, head coach Ron Rivera didn’t rule out adding another former Panthers quarterback.
Appearing on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Rivera was asked if the Redskins would consider free agent Cam Newton.
“You know the thing about Cam really is the situation. We’re in a situation where we’ve got two really young quarterbacks. One that’s been with us, been in the system, understands how we want things done and the other one is a guy who was taken last year in the first round and shows some promise.
I think with Cam, and I have thought about it. I mean, it’s something that’s run through my mind and it’s about the situation and circumstances. I’m not sure if I wouldn’t do it. It depends on circumstances.”
Ron Rivera / “Good Morning Football”
While it wasn’t a yes they’d go after Newton, it was a yes they’ve considered it. Rivera’s answer was different last month. At the time, the notion was the Redskins didn’t want Haskins in a position he had “no shot to compete.”
But that was before Newton sat on the market for more than month. Newton’s value and expectations to start decreases every day he remains available. Thus, bringing him in a valuable situation with an opened book to compete with Haskins — and Allen — may make more sense than it did in March.
Additionally, the Redskins didn’t have $10.5 million freed up after trading left tackle Trent Williams a month ago.
Before Redskins fans get either excited or upset, Rivera didn’t say they would bring in Newton. He just didn’t rule it out.
Rivera is ready to embark on his first season as the Redskins head coach. He is willing to give Haskins the opportunity to be the starter, but he has fell short of assuring the second-year pro the spot.
One reason the Redskins turned to Allen was because he was familiar to offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system. However, Newton would understand the the system just as much as Allen if not more. Newton spent nine seasons with Rivera and the Panthers.
Newton also poises as a short-term option that would allow Haskins the opportunity to develop in his shadows, rather facing the ‘end of the road’ circumstances he would face if he happens to lose the starting role to Allen, a similarly young quarterback.
If and when the NFL is able to get going with training camp, it will be interesting to see if circumstances lead to the Redskins looking into Newton more heavily. Each passing day Newton is still available pushes the Redskins back into the discussion for the 2015 NFL MVP.
