NFL Draft 2012: Redskins May Pass On RG3; Stay With Grossman

In his first interview given to Washington’s ESPN 980 since joining the Redskins, Kyle Shanahan was rather upfront about the franchise’s plans for the future and gave a number of hints as to the direction the team would take in 2012. That direction may be going stray from the public belief. The Redskins could choose to not pursue quarterback prospect Robert Griffin III.

Talking to ESPN 980’s Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro, Kyle Shanahan made a number of statements including this about going and getting a franchise quarterback:

"“Everybody wants a franchise quarterback but there’s only about ten of them on the planet. People make alot of mistakes going and trying to trade away or pay alot of money to people who really aren’t that.”"

Reading between the lines, it appears that Shanahan is not in favor of overpaying for a quarterback which would appear to rule out the rumor that Washington will be trading up in the draft to get Robert Griffin III. Later in the interview, Shanahan elaborated:

"“We’re not just one player away. We (have) got to get better and we (have) got to get better at all positions. The main thing you gotta do is not miss. (We can’t get) enamored with ‘we need the quarterback, people say we do, let’s go get one'”"

In the 2011 draft, the Redskins traded down to acquire more picks and it would not be shocking if they do the same this year given what Shanahan’s comments. But this begs the question – if the Redskins don’t trade up for Griffin, what will they do at quarterback?

Unfortunately for Redskins fans, Kyle Shanahan still has faith in what he has in-house.

"“I feel pretty much the same way about Rex (Grossman) as I did a year ago. The one thing I give Rex (Grossman) credit (for) is he gave us a chance to win games.”"

Still, Redskins fans shouldn’t fear too much. Redskins management isn’t “enamored” with Grossman either. With the Redskins quarterback a free agent once again, Shanahan’s focus is not on Grossman.

"“I don’t really have any expectations (of Grossman re-signing) right now. What I’m doing is going out and trying to find something better.”"

So when it comes to the Washington Redskins, the future is now a little clearer. While team management still believes in Rex Grossman, expect them to be aggressive both in the draft and free agency. With a ton of cap space and one of the highest revenues in the NFL, the Redskins are a team to watch in the 2012 offseason.

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