By Jordan Long
The Washington Football Team is currently 1-4. They have dropped 4 straight games since beating the Philadelphia Eagles in week 1. Washington looks to end that streak on Sunday against the New York Giants. Rumors are now swirling Washington could be looking to trade quarterback Dwayne Haskins and there a few teams interested.
Haskins was drafted by Washington in the 1st-round in the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Haskins started 7 games and went 2-5, passing for 1,365 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Washington anticipated Haskins to take a bigger leap forward this season.
It has yet to happen. His record is 1-3 throwing for 939 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. For his poor play, he was benched last weekend and didn’t even dress for the game. It came after week 4 when Haskins tossed for 314 yards in the 31-17 loss against Baltimore. Washington may be looking to deal Haskins before the November 3rd trade deadline. Those interested could be the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots among other franchises.
Out of all these teams, the Raiders and the Patriots make the most sense. The Raiders’ starter is Derek Carr. After him, they have 1 quarterback on the active roster, Nathan Peterman. Peterman isn’t a quality backup quarterback. In 4 games played in the NFL, Peterman proved he can’t read defenses with 3 touchdowns and 12 picks. Haskins seems to be a better signal caller than Peterman. At least if Carr goes down, Oakland has a backup who can move the chains and help this team win if they acquire Haskins.
The Patriots may take a chance on Haskins. Their starter is Cam Newton. After Newton, the depth chart includes Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Stidham played in week 4 and showed how ineffective he is at quarterback. Then again it was his 1st NFL action. Stidham passed for 60 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. He has room to grow at the NFL level. Hoyer is 35. He chucked for 130 yards with 1 interception in the loss against Kansas City.
Adding Haskins to the Patriots gives them flexibility at the backup position. It may improve their depth. Head Coach Bill Belichick likes to take chances with players and Haskins might be the next one. Plus Haskins may be the quarterback of the future for the franchise.
The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints don’t make sense. Denver has their quarterback of the future in Drew Lock. Their backup is Brett Rypien. They both are young and have the potential to grow their game in the NFL in the Mile High City. They also have Jeff Driskel and veteran Blake Bortles. Haskins doesn’t fit in on this team. Sure he would add depth but that is it.
The Saints are in a similar position as the Denver Broncos. On their depth chart behind starter Drew Brees is Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. The Saints have special play calls for Hill. From those, Hill will either pass or run the football. Winston is just another body for now. He may be the backup or the starter when Brees retires from the game. Haskins isn’t a fit.
Washington will do what is best for the football team moving forward even if it is receiving a mid to late-round pick for Haskins. It is even possible they won’t trade Haskins because he could still grow at the NFL level.
Leave a Reply