As Peyton Manning narrows his choices between Denver and Arizona, and the Jets elect to extend Mark Sanchez, the importance of having a franchise quarterback – and the difference between the haves and have-nots – is as apparent as ever in the NFL.
So on Friday, the Washington Redskins pulled off a trade that rocked the league, acquiring the #2 selection in April’s draft from the St. Louis Rams, so that they can choose Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III with the pick.
(Image: KissingSuzyKolber.com)
In order to move up just four spots in the draft, the Redskins gave up their first and second round picks in 2012, as well as their first round picks in 2013 AND 2014. It’s one of the more expensive trades in league history, and Washington GM Bruce Allen and owner Dan Snyder are clearly betting the house that Griffin is the guy to turn the franchise around. And the Rams have to be feeling good about stockpiling draft picks for the next three years, while still having the #6 pick in this year’s draft.
People everywhere are saying Washington overpaid, and it’s certainly easy to have that knee-jerk reaction, and point to Snyder’s historic foolishness as a reason the deal won’t work out for the ‘Skins. But Snyder likely had little to do with this move, with Allen and head coach Mike Shannahan driving the train after becoming enamored with the Baylor QB at the recent combine.
To put things into perspective, back in 2004, the Giants gave up two first round picks, along with a fifth and a third, to acquire Eli Manning. Of course, we’ve all seen how well that trade has worked out for New York, but these type of blockbuster deals don’t always work out as planned. In 1999 Mike Ditka traded away his entire draft to select Ricky Williams, who only played 3 years as a Saint, and in 1989 the Minnesota Vikings sent five players and eight total draft choices – including 3 first and 3 second-round picks – to Dallas for Herschel Walker (and 4 mid-to-late round picks) … a deal that is credited with helping to resurrect the Cowboys franchise.
For Washington, who have hosted a revolving door at the quarterback position in recent years, it’s clearly worth the risk to obtain Griffin. And only time will tell if they gave up too much to get him.
[Banner Photo: KSK]
