After the decimating injury to Derrius Guice, can the Washington Redskins find a replacement at running back?
This offseason everything seemed to be going right for the Washington Redskins.
First, the team was able to move beyond the controversy and distraction of quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract. The ‘Skins were able to get a replacement quarterback from the Chiefs by selling an average cornerback (Kendall Fuller) and giving up a third-round pick. In exchange, Washington got Alex Smith.
It was a good exchange, too. Smith is the model of a low-risk/low-reward quarterback. His style–one of caution–is unpopular in some eyes. But Smith is a proven commodity, one of the NFL’s most underrated quarterbacks
Derrius Guice (photo, Redskins Wire -USAToday)
Then, the team made another splash in the offseason–this time through the draft–and it was at running back. The Redskins selected Derrius Guice 59th overall in the 2018 Draft. Many analysts, including the NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, think highly of the LSU product, projecting him as the Draft’s third-best running back.
And it’s at a position where the ”Skins need a lot of help. Washington had a lackluster season on the ground last year, the result of injuries and coaching mistakes.
The “main man,” fourth-round pick Samaje Perine, only mustered 3.4 yards per game. Perine was part of a backfield that ranked 28th in the NFL in total rushing yards per game and was tied for second in most run-related fumbles.
With the addition of Smith and Guice, Redskins fans are optimistic again. Both players are fan favorites, too. Guice was the target of long lines during autograph sessions at training camp.
But then disaster struck. During the first pre-season game, Guice tore his ACL.
Murray in action (photo, mcall.com)
Is it time to panic? No. One of the league’s best running backs, Demarco Murray, could be available for pick up–if Washington can lure him back to the game.
Murray retired this offseason after just seven seasons of play. Reasons for that decision ranged from lack of playing time (in Tennessee) to the lack of a lucrative suitor during the offseason.
The Redskins should be that suitor. The team has the cap space–$15 million to be exact–to do it. Besides, the alternative is to go with Perine again … and I don’t see that as a feasible option.
Even if Murray signs a big contract for one year only, I still think it’s worth the Redskins’ investment. Guice is waiting in the wings to become the franchise RB that fans hope for.
As the old adage goes, ‘as one door closes another door opens.’ For Washington, Demarco Murray is walking through that door.
