NFL power rankings: Final post-Super Bowl LII standings around the league
By Peter Panacy
The Washington Redskins also get a pretty big drop in our NFL power rankings after Super Bowl LII.
Why? Well, opting to get older at the quarterback position instead of finding a younger, cheaper option.
This, after Washington made a move to acquire quarterback Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs and subsequently ink the 33-year-old veteran to a four-year contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
QB Alex Smith and Washington now have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract extension, per sources. Smith, who had one year left on his contact, tied to Washington for next five seasons. Smith gets long-term deal from Washington that Cousins could not.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2018
With $52,350,127 in cap space, per Over the Cap, it’s workable. Although the Redskins aren’t exactly boasting with offensive talent like Smith enjoyed in K.C.
At least the Redskins won’t have to worry about turnovers, and Smith is arguably coming off the best season of his pro career. Still, one might think Washington better off ushering in a youth movement instead of trading away assets for an aging veteran.
Oh, and including cornerback Kendall Fuller in the deal probably wasn’t the smartest thing either. He’s young, talented and cheap.
Like the Bengals, it’s hard to gauge what direction this team is heading. And it will probably hinder the Redskins’ efforts in 2018.