McNabb, Haynesworth among the hot topics
ASHBURN – The Redskins exit their season with numerous questions. One of them, however, does not involve their coach. If nothing else was established in 2010, this was: Mike Shanahan is in charge.
“We’ve got a guy that’s steering the ship that knows what he’s doing,” center Casey Rabach said.
“He’ll make sure from the first guy on the roster to the 53rd that he’ll do things the right way,” defensive end Kedric Golston said. “Everyone will be held accountable. That’s what you want.”
But there are other hot topics as the Redskins (6-10) enter the offseason:
Starting quarterback
Rex Grossman exited the season as the starter, but there is no guarantee he’ll return that way. Grossman is an unrestricted free agent, though he said he’d like to return.
“I feel like I’m coming into the prime of my career, mentally and physically as a quarterback,” Grossman said. “I’m very excited about my progress as a quarterback. I was very confident in Chicago as well. I have high expectations; this offense brings out the best in me.”
But Grossman completed just 55.6 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns, four interceptions and three fumbles. Shanahan said it’s often hard to quantify a quarterback’s turnovers, saying the fault could rest elsewhere.
Shanahan would not commit to any situation. It could be that they opt for another veteran and draft a quarterback in April.
Haynesworth and McNabb
Haynesworth, who was suspended for the final four games, showed up at Redskins Park on Monday for his physical to avoid paying a fine. But he did not meet with Shanahan, and he declined to speak with reporters.
The Redskins will try to trade Haynesworth — one NFL executive said he anticipates two or three teams being interested in him. The executive said he thought the Redskins could get a fifth-round pick for the tackle, citing a favorable contract over the next two seasons (averaging $6 million per season).
As for McNabb, Shanahan said he still has not spoken with his agent, Fletcher Smith. After trading two draft picks for him last April, the Redskins are expected to part ways with him this offseason. Because of McNabb’s contract — he would cost approximately $16 million if he’s on a roster next season — it will be hard to trade him.
Shanahan said he has not finalized what direction he’ll take.
Staff and front office
Shanahan said he plans on retaining all of his assistant coaches, though he would like to hire a tight ends coach to replace Jon Embree, who is now the coach at the University of Colorado. And he said he plans on retaining the player personnel department, specifically director of player personnel Scott Campbell and director of pro personnel Morocco Brown.
“I don’t have any plans to make any changes at this time,” Shanahan said.
Free agency
In addition to Grossman, other key free agents include receiver Santana Moss, linebacker Rocky McIntosh, cornerback Carlos Rogers, right tackle Jammal Brown, defensive end Kedric Golston, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and safety Reed Doughty.
But there could be more than 400 free agents around the league. Provided the collective bargaining agreement is finalized and there’s no lockout, the Redskins will be active.
“We’d like to have guys on the younger side,” Shanahan said.
