The Commanders’ season is over, but that doesn’t mean Jay Gruden is done with Chris Russell just yet!
Jay joined Rooster & Doc on Tuesday, a day later than usual due to a packed Monday show centered around Josh Harris, and of course the first question Jay was asked was what he thought about Harris basically saying the Commanders name is here to stay.
“It’s disappointing; it's been Commanders, Washington Football team, Redskins, it’s just, pick a name. Maybe he’s right, just pick a name and put an end to all the speculation,” Gruden said. “I'd like him to go back to Redskins because that's who we are, that’s who they’ve been the history of the whole organization, but eventually they have to pick a name, and I’m glad it’s over.”
Doc, a former ‘Skin of course, tried to lay out for Rooster what the pride factor was in that name and brand, and Jay agrees, but here we are.
“The history of the name, it's first class and the Joe Gibbs era and everything that went through the Washington Redskins' name, so it’s just unfortunate it had to be changed in the first place,” Gruden said. “But now it’s been five or six years, it’s about time to just put a kibosh on it and name the damn team. But, it's always going to be the Redskins with me, I don't care what anybody calls it.”
As the now (and for a while) Commanders move forward, though, they’ll have to make some moves this offseason, and with Myles Garrett available, does Jay see a possible path to DC?
“I think there's a lot of other issues Washington has to figure out first; they have to figure out the offensive and defensive lines, figure out what to do with some free agents, and Marshon Lattimore’s status,” Gruden said. “I think there's obviously ways they can make it happen with Garrett, and he’d be a great addition without a doubt – I’m all for it, because he is the best defensive player in pro football, and any time you get a chance to do that, I'd go for it. I do think they need an explosive pass rusher off the edge, but you have to make sure you have your ducks in a row, make sure you got other positions of need taken care of before you start going crazy.”
Wide receiver is one of those positions of need, so does Gruden feel the same about Cooper Kupp, who says he’s available in a trade from the Rams?
“He’d be a good fit with anybody because he's a team player. He fits into the mentality of the Washington Commanders football team and what Dan Quinn and Adam Peters want,” Gruden said. “He will block on the perimeter, block linebackers and defensive ends, and do his part in the running game, but in the passing game, he’ll know where he’s supposed to be. He has great hands, and he’s not a true No, 1 anymore or as fast as he used to be, he’s a role player now, but he can line up inside and do a lot of damage in the slot, which I think is what they need. They need an upgrade there, and the upgrade you want is a guy that is dependable and will do some of the dirty work. Kupp is one of the best blockers there is, because he’s a tough son of a gun.”
And either way, with Jayden on his rookie deal and the success they had this season, is it time to strike when the iron is hot, even if it means trying to get rid of one of their higher-salaried but underperforming players?
“Pedal to the metal! This is the time to do it; when your quarterback is on the rookie contract, this is the time go after a home run hitter and make a splash,” Gruden said. “They drafted well last year and have a good nucleus, but if you have a chance to get a game-changer, I would dangle a guy like Daron Payne or Jon Allen.”