Washington Redskins: Kyle Allen trade was actually a perfect move

The Washington Redskins traded a fifth-round pick for quarterback Kyle Allen and, while it may look odd at first, it’s actually a perfect move.

No one seems to know exactly what the Washington Redskins plan is at quarterback. They drafted Dwayne Haskins in the first round last year (15th overall) but there has been speculation surrounding the team and quarterbacks as new head coach Ron Rivera takes over. Washington finally did make a move though, indicating the direction they are going in — and it’s perfect.

The Redskins traded a fifth-round pick in the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft for quarterback Kyle Allen from the Carolina Panthers. This was met with some questions and some criticism. Mainly, the Panthers were likely to cut Allen, so why would Washington trade for him?

Well, the Redskins clearly didn’t want to take a chance on someone else picking him up. Now they are ensured they have their preferred backup quarterback. And let’s be honest, a fifth-round pick is absolutely valuable — but wouldn’t you love to find a solid backup quarterback with a fifth-round pick?

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

It’s risky to draft one and hope for that though. Instead, the Redskins ensured they got one. And at just 24 years old, it’s not like Allen is much older than players coming out of this draft. Most importantly though, this gives the Redskins a clear direction. This makes it more clear where Washington is heading, and it’s not signing Cam Newton or any other free agents (they wouldn’t have traded for Allen knowing Newton was about to be available if they really wanted him).

This also points towards the draft. Trading for Allen does not mean the Redskins are definitely passing on a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick. It certainly points in that direction though.

Allen proved last season he can be a good quarterback at times. He’s also not a starter. So what does that mean for Haskins? It likely means that Ron Rivera and company are sold on him and ready to go to war with Haskins as the leader of the offense. Allen is a solid backup. He knows Rivera and has shown he can step in and give his team a chance if need be.

At the same time though, Allen proved he probably isn’t ready for a starting spot. So this is someone that can come in and compete and help Haskins get better that way. But he isn’t someone they are bringing in with the intention of dethroning Haskins.

A lot of fans don’t seem to be sold on Haskins. There were definitely struggles in his rookie season. Let’s look at the facts though:

• Haskins was on a team that saw two head coaches in one season, both having completely different styles.
• His top three receivers (Terry McLaurin, Kelvin Harmon and Steven Sims Jr.) were all rookies along with him.
• The team’s top two tight ends (Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis) were hurt.
• He threw seven touchdowns compared to just three interceptions as a starter.
• In his last two games (just six quarters), Haskins threw four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The Redskins sticking with the young quarterback is the right move. There is every chance he is their future. And trading for Allen kind of makes it look like they are standing behind Haskins. He’s a young quarterback who has enough talent to be the backup but isn’t coming in and threatening to take over.

No matter how you feel about it, the Washington Redskins need to give Dwayne Haskins a chance. And acquiring Kyle Allen gives them a promising young backup as an insurance plan.