Washington has an easy backup plan after missing out on Matthew Stafford

The Washington Football Team needs a quarterback. With Matthew Stafford gone, they need to do the aggressive thing and add Deshaun Watson.

For anyone wondering if the Washington Football Team knows that Alex Smith’s NFL career is winding down, look no further than Saturday night.

The trade of Matthew Stafford from Detroit to the Los Angeles Rams for two future first-round picks, a third-round pick and a potential replacement in Jared Goff proves that everyone is available for trade. It’ll all have to do with pricing when getting into the brass tax.

Washington knows that since it tried to enter the Stafford sweepstakes.

According to multiple reports, the Football Team was close to winning the whole deal among the eight teams that put in an offer. Unfortunately, the price wasn’t in the same ballpark as that of Los Angeles.

Washington now will turn to the draft come this April. The team has eight picks and plenty of cap space to either move several spots up or add a new quarterback altogether. With a win-now defense that isn’t missing much, plus the money to add several names in free agency, Washington could control the NFC East for years to come.

They need a quarterback. It’s just that simple when you break it down. At No. 19, it’s a risk to take any of the names that will be left on the board. For that reason, Washington should just be aggressive and add Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.

And yes, the price is worth it.

Washington should risk it all

Per the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain, Houston would want two proven defenders in return for Watson’s talent, among multiple early selections. Washington has the collateral to move on from several defenders that wouldn’t hurt the overall unit’s production.

Houston’s production in the front seven will need to upgrade in the pass-rushing department. Daron Payne could be a sign-and-trade name to watch for, or Montez Sweat might allow Washington to offer fewer than three first-round picks.

Kamren Curl was the surprise breakout star from Arkansas as the team’s seventh-round pick. He filled in well for Landon Collins at the strong safety role, but where will he fit once Collins returns from injury?

Moving Curl might be the best option as Houston needs an extra defender to pair with Justin Reid. After that, three first-round picks plus a pair of mid-rounder might get this done.

Washington would be able to offer Ryan Kerrigan a small deal to keep him in D.C. for the remainder of his career. They would be able to sign two lesser receivers and perhaps even an offensive lineman at the right price to build around Watson. And with his $21 million cap hit in 2021, all these moves should be plausible for at least a season.

Washington has swung for the fences on quarterbacks before. The difference? Watson is proven and worth all the draft capital. Although he doesn’t fix every problem for Ron Rivera, he answers the biggest question.

The NFC East is winnable now for all four teams. Watson likely closes that gap for the next five years. Dan Snyder has been callous in the past on his selections, but this is one both Martin Mayhew and Rivera would get behind quickly.