WASHINGTON (106.7 The Fan) -- On Friday, it was Washington Redskins team president Bruce Allen's turn to speak with the media at the NFL Combine. Here are the key takeaways from his conversation in Indianapolis, where the Redskins -- owners of nine picks in the 2019 draft -- are keen observers:
Quarterback situation
The biggest issue facing the Redskins this offseason is the uncertainty at the quarterback position. Alex Smith and Colt McCoy are coming off broken legs. Smith's fracture was especially gruesome and he combatted a potentially life-threating infection in his leg. Allen continued a trend of being vague when it comes speaking about the Smith's future and the team's plans at the position.
"Last year at this time we felt great about Alex and Colt, and that's why we ended up signing both of 'em, and we feel the same way about both of them. If Alex can't go, Colt can," Allen said. "(With) Alex, we're still feeling good, he's making improvements every day. His strength is coming back and so we'll see."
He also confirmed 106.7 The Fan's Craig Hoffman's reporting that the Redskins did not pursue a trade for quarterback Joe Flacco, with Allen saying the team was "never involved." The former Baltimore Ravens starter was dealt to the Denver Broncos.
"We're looking at free agency. I don't think it's any secret that there's players that are being offered in trades from other teams: We've listened to that," Allen said. "We feel good where we're at. Can't tell you we know exactly who is going to back up Colt if Alex can't go, but we have some time on that."
Drafting a quarterback
Allen highlighted the numerous former quarterbacks on the Redskins' staff to say the team has plenty of expertise when evaluating the quarterbacks in the draft.
"Every year we have great quarterback debates, whether we're gonna take or not, but just evaluating 'em. And I think we have the perfect environment to get the right evaluation," Allen said. "They have a lot of experience, and it makes for a healthy debate."
But Allen, like Senior VP of Player Personnel Doug Williams, didn't commit to using the team's first round pick on a quarterback, indicating the team would only do so if he were the highest-rated player on their draft board.
"If the board tells us that's the highest player on the board, that's who we'll take," he said. "With the injuries, you're one injury away from having a need at any position. And the last two years, we have stuck to our board and it's worked well for us. Now, we gotta get healthy, and we gotta keep our guys healthy, but that will be the philosophy."
Kyler Murray
Allen confirmed the Redskins met with the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at the NFL Combine.
"He plays well," Allen said of Murray. "He's very confident in what he can do."
But, does size matter to Allen? "Well, it matters. But speed matters, and strength matters, everything matters."
New stadium site
After Maryland Governor Larry Hogan closed the door on a new stadium near MGM National Harbor in Prince George's County, Allen said the team remains open to every potential option, including the RFK Stadium site and Virginia.
Allen said there is a timeline for the team to get started on construction of a new stadium with the Redskins' lease at FedEx Field expiring in 2027.
"It's around the corner," he said. "(When) building new stadiums, you need a good three-, four-year runway in order to do it."
Cap space
When asked if the Redskins' current salary-cap constraints were similar to the crunch the team faced in 2012, Allen said, "No, we're OK." To that end, Allen said the Redskins are interested in re-signing several of their veteran free agents and aren't concerned about spending money based on a player's position.
"We don't allocate by position so much," he said. "I mean if you look at us you'll probably say, we'll we're heavy in the offensive line compared to the league average, but it's based on the player. We rate the player, and then we put a value on that player's talent."
Brandon Scherff contract
"He is a definite priority and we want him back," Allen said about working on a contract for the offensive guard. "Eric (Schaffer) has been having conversations with his guy (on an extension). The sooner the better, it allows us to plan for the other positions."
Reuben Foster
Allen's comments on the Redskins linebacker indicate he does not expect the league to take action against Foster after he was arrested for another domestic disturbance.
"Once again, all the charges were dropped, there's been no complaints," he told reporters. "And so, it's time for him to play football."
Allen considers Foster to be involved with the Redskins defense and, "We're hoping for him and us that he's able to play."
By Ben Krimmel
