Colin Cowherd predicts Darnold to the Washington Football Team originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas stated on Wednesday that if teams call about trading for quarterback Sam Darnold, he will pick up the phone. Given that the Washington Football Team is in search of another option at the position, could they be the team to dial the number and get the deal done?
Colin Cowherd believes so.
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On Wednesday's episode of The Herd, Cowherd predicted the starting quarterback for numerous teams that are reported to be involved in the carousel this offseason. When he got to Washington it was Darnold that he saw as the best fit.
“This is where I go Sam Darnold," Cowherd said.
For reference, Cowherd had the Jets drafting Zach Wilson as the replacement for Darnold. The fourth-year pro is an interesting case in terms of quarterbacks Washington can pursue this offseason. Through three seasons, there have been flashes of success that show the upside that had him taken No. 3 overall in 2018 is still there.
Yet, his NFL career as a whole so far doesn't particularly show that. He's coming off a season in which he started 12 games, threw for just 2,208 yards and more interceptions than touchdowns. His completion percentage was also just 59.6%.
To Cowherd, however, there is the feeling that a lot of the struggles come from Darnold's situation. His three years in the league have seen him play with teams that lack talent nearly everywhere. That's a tough situation for anyone.
Believing that the talent to be a consistent NFL quarterback is there, Cowherd likes pairing Darnold with a Washington team can bring out his positive traits. Specifically, the talent on the defense could make his life easier.
"They’re young, they’re talented, takes pressure off Sam Darnold," Cowherd said. "Doesn’t have to win shootouts.”
Cowherd also feels that Darnold's mentality and toughness displayed throughout three years filled with adversity makes him the right man to work with head coach Ron Rivera.
“Darnold is a tough football player. He is alpha, he is right in-line with what Ron Rivera likes," Cowherd said.
Whether or not Darnold coming to Washington is anything more than a guess by a pundit will have to wait to be seen. Washington could be better served to find a more established veteran than once again take a risk on upside and youth, but those more elite options may not be obtainable.
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Sticking with the theme of Washington quarterbacks, Cowherd also found a new home for Alex Smith. The 2020 Comeback Player of the Year is expected to be released by Washington in the coming days but plans on continuing his career elsewhere.
Cowherd has him landing in Chicago, citing his past relationship with Matt Nagy during their time in Kansas City as a factor that could lead the Bears to give him a look.
