With the late-night signing of free-agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Monday, many assumed that the Washington Football Team had finalized their QB room for the 2021 season, and would potentially let it ride through the offseason or add someone in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.
However, there are some new reports coming out that Ron Rivera may not be done quite yet, with an eye towards a potential trade for New York Jets QB Sam Darnold, bringing him in to spice up the quarterback competition this offseason. Washington seems less likely to do so now with Fitzpatrick in the building, but it is reportedly not off of the table.
Even after signing Ryan Fitzpatrick, I’m told Washington has not ruled out a trade for Sam Darnold, per sources.
It’s a bit more unlikely now, obviously, as WFT won’t be willing to go as high as others in draft compensation, but they still have interest in the #Jets QB.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 16, 2021
One thing to note is how complicated this would make the QB competition in camp this fall. A competition between two quarterbacks is already hard to manage with everyone getting enough reps, and adding a third guy into the mix makes it even more difficult. If Washington were to somehow trade for Darnold, it would undoubtedly mean that a QB would be cut, likely Kyle Allen, and then training camp would be a whirlwind of QB rumors as we all look to see who starts.
It seems incredibly unlikely, but Washington is keeping options open. If they can get Darnold for cheap, then why not try it?
