When Ryan Fitzpatrick takes the field in the season opener on September 12, he will become the 23rd quarterback to start for the Redskins/Washington Football Team franchise since Dan Snyder took over as principal owner in 1999. As we move toward the next chapter in the team’s seemingly endless search for a franchise quarterback, it is time to reflect on and bring closure to the last one.
Alex Smith’s acquisition was one of the more polarizing signings of the post-Cerrato era. The franchise, under Bruce Allen’s brilliant leadership, had just accomplished something that few teams have managed to do in the salary cap era, by failing to extend an above average starting quarterback following his rookie contact.