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Washington Redskins: 5 free agents to sign in order to win in 2020

By Gino Terrell

ASHBURN, VA- JANUARY 2: Ron Rivera is introduced as the Washington Redskins new had coach at a Redskins Park press conference in Ashburn, VA on January 2, 2020 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA- JANUARY 2: Ron Rivera is introduced as the Washington Redskins new had coach at a Redskins Park press conference in Ashburn, VA on January 2, 2020 . (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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Cam Newton
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. Cam Newton

Signing quarterback Cam Newton to a one-year deal is not a gamble. In fact, it is the smartest thing this organization can do.

Now that Newton has been on the market for quite sometime, he can be persuaded to play on a younger team and agree to a short term deal. The obvious question is what would his signing mean for Haskins? A one-year deal would prove Newton’s signing is just competition for a season.

While Newton’s risks lean more towards health than performance, Haskins is still there if it turns out Newton’s health in 2020 is lacking. If the 2015 season MVP is ready and wins the starting job, Haskins could cool his heels for a season and learn from Newton. Haskins in his second season, first under a new system, which he’s expected to play in beyond 2020.

Going this route, the Redskins now have a viable backup option at quarterback if Haskins sits. Kyle Allen had his moments during early season starts in 2019, however, he was clearly not the answer tossing 16 interceptions and fumbling 10 times in the pocket in 13 games played. Alex Smith is recovering from a horrific leg injury so it only leaves one realistic competition battle. That’s Haskins versus Newton.

Newton has familiarity with Rivera and Redskins offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who served as a quarterbacks coach from 2018-19 in Carolina.  Newton would have an advantage with the systems while Haskins has the advantage in terms of chemistry with his receiver core.

While Newton will have a young supporting cast in terms of receiving options on the Redskins, it is not all that different from his MVP season in Carolina. Outside of tight end Greg Olsen, his receiving options were not elite, rather average at best. His second-best receiving option that season was Ted Ginn Jr., who was having his career season playing with Newton.

Newton to Redskins just make sense if the team wants to win now. As long as you have a star quarterback in this era of football, anything can happen.

Next. 5 players who Eagles need to be great in 2020. dark

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