Washington set for strong future with Martin Mayhew as team’s general manager

Marty Hurney might be a member of the front office, but Martin Mayhew will be the architect of a promising future with the Football Team.

The Washington Football Team went through a culture change in 2019. New name. New coach. New results. And while the team finished 7-9, they are proving that each change is a step in the right direction.

Now, they’ll be adding another suave name to the mix.

Washington is set to hire former San Francisco 49ers vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew to the role of the team’s general manager. Mayhew, who was considered a favorite for the job this offseason, now will pair with Ron Rivera to help keep the team on track for future success in the NFC East.

This hiring might seem strange to some as Washington announced earlier this week they had come to terms with former Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney. Instead, the 65-year-old Hurney will now be appointed to a high-ranking front office role similar to that of Bruce Allen.

Mayhew’s past success gives him a second chance

Consider this a pairing that could be a huge win for the future of the organization. Hurney and Mayhew combine for over 60 years of experience working in the front office in the NFL. Both also have already served as general managers, with Mayhew’s first stint coming with the Detroit Lions.

Perhaps the biggest win in both categories is their eye for drafting the man under center. Mayhew selected Matthew Stafford first overall in 2009. Hurney selected Cam Newton the following season with the top spot. Both quarterbacks could be on the move, but Washington also should be in the market for a long-term option.

Mayhew also has ties to the franchise, playing four seasons under Joe Gibbs in the late 1980s. The history between Rivera and Mayhew also runs strong as the former executive interviewed for the Panthers’ opening back in 2018.

The biggest win for Mayhew is he understands losing far too well. In his first season with the Lions, the Motor City franchise became the first team to finish 0-16 on the year. Within the next six years, Mayhew’s moves allowed Detroit to pick up two double-digit win seasons, their first since 1995.

Most recently, Mayhew played a key role in the selection of defensive end Nick Bosa for the 49ers. The team finished as the NFC Champions and went to the Super Bowl last season.

There is a history with both Hurney and Mayhew struggling to find success after the first round in the draft. For now, they’ll need to sell the franchise and their newfound culture as top-tier for free agents to join this offseason.

Rivera planted the roots to build a new culture in D.C. Now, Mayhew can rebuild his legacy while creating a winning franchise for years to come.