The Washington Football Team seems only a quarterback away from Super Bowl contention. So why are they waiting? Go get Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and prepare for a parade.
It's not that crazy.
Mortgage the future and win now. Beats being so-so at best annually like the team has been since winning its final Super Bowl 30 years ago. Yes, a whole generation of yuck.
If Washington can rent a passer for a year (and really that's what it’s doing with Ryan Fitzpatrick anyway) then why not trade a handful of picks for Rodgers? Peyton Manning was a free agent when signing with Denver in 2012 and came away with a quick title. The cost is more for Washington to get Rodgers, but the move accomplishes the same thing.
Washington can't depend on its defense forever. Sure, it looks good now, but the NFL has a way of chipping away at rosters. Jonathan Allen is a free agent next season. You don't think someone will offer better money for the defensive lineman who can play inside and out and is in the prime of his career? Daron Payne has become a solid interior lineman who becomes a free agent in 2023. Throw in potential injuries and teams are always in flux. The best is hoping for three good years.
That's why Washington can't wait forever for a passer. Not even a season because a defense can slowly crumble and the team is plugging holes again.
Win while there's a chance and worry about tomorrow sometime next year. Rodgers reportedly wants out of Green Bay. Invite him to the nation's capital. They film Jeopardy here occasionally.
It's a short-term rental, but the pandemic has certainly shown us to worry about now, cause who knows when some worldwide epidemic crashes our lives. You think the Nationals, Mystics or Capitals regret winning recent championships knowing it ruins their future draft position?
What wouldn't owner Dan Snyder give to win a Lombardi Trophy? Get some of that tarnish off his image with a shiny football trophy. Why, Jack Kent Cooke became a god in this town despite being a mean old man by winning three championships. Nobody remembers Cooke's bite. They instead recall "The Squire" with glee.
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Coach Ron Rivera is obviously saving quarterback for the final piece after quickly assembling a knockout defense and adding some receiver power to the offense. The coach hopes a veteran like Fitzpatrick can replicate the magic of Alex Smith last year rather than risk breaking in a rookie.
Rivera knows he has a few years to figure this out barring a string of 3-13 seasons. So, he's being patient, getting this roster ready for next year when pursuing a veteran. Maybe Atlanta's Matt Ryan, who's expected to be released in 2022. Plug in Ryan and hope for a fast finish.
But Rodgers is staring at potential new homes. Washington awaits its next quarterback to idolize. It's a rare opportunity for both.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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