Russell Wilson loves playing in Seattle and is happy on the west coast. There is a time and a place.
Washington Commanders general manager Martin Mayhew acknowledged on Wednesday that the franchise is looking for a quarterback.
Mayhew told reporters that they canvassed the league effectively and spoke to every club that has a quarterback who might be available.
They inquired about Russell Wilson and others. Washington would have to move on to other options if both were traded.
Washington coach Ron Rivera told reporters Tuesday that they have to do their work. We have to do our due diligence.
Rivera said they had four options: trading for someone, signing a free agent, drafting someone or sticking with Taylor Heinicke.
Mayhew said that while they consider Heinicke to be the ultimate competitor, they are trying to upgrade. Since 1991, the franchise has started 32 quarterbacks and started eight in the past three seasons.
The Commanders compiled a lengthy list of around 40 quarterbacks to at least discuss or investigate, including those in college, according to one source.
There aren't many upgrades to what we have. We are trying to work through the many options that are available to us.
Jimmy Garoppolo is available for a trade. The free agent market could be a good place for Washington to sign Mitchell Trubisky or Teddy Bridgewater, as they could pair them with a second- or third-round quarterback.
Rivera said it was difficult to find a franchise quarterback. We found our quarterback right away. He was drafted by us. It makes things simpler when you get that guy. Not having that guy has put the onus on us.
Washington tried to trade for Matthew Stafford last year, but he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks and a third-round selection.
Mayhew said that they were very urgent about finding a quarterback last year. I am not sure if that was a fair fight for Matthew last year. We did everything we could to find the right person.
The Lions general manager had been with the Rams for eight years.
The team did not want to mortgage its future. The price tag was too steep for it to trade up to draft Justin Fields.
Rivera wants to be more aggressive because he has confidence in where the roster is now.
Does anyone really care what happened to Matthew Stafford last year? Rivera said no.
Mayhew said there wasn't a consensus No. 1 quarterback in the rookies. They are considering who will be available next year as well.
Mayhew said that this is a quality quarterback class. Some of that may happen. We know what our options are next year as well. We are trying to address it now. That is where our focus is.
Both Mayhew and Rivera talked about the importance of the interviews with potential draft picks in order to determine their football intelligence and maturity level. Rivera said that in an ideal world, they would find someone who is a pure passer as well as athletic.
He said you are very fortunate if you can find a guy that can do both.
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