Pat White Will Be The Washington Redskins’ Most Important Player This Off-Season

The Washington Redskins made a few roster moves this week, re-signing both CB DeAngelo Hall and QB Rex Grossman. But no move was more stunning than the signing of former West Virginia star QB and Miami Dolphin, Pat White. It was indeed a shock. Yet, when you digest the news and assess the situation, no off-season move could be more important.

Of course, the defensive secondary is Washington’s off-season priority. Re-signing DeAngelo Hall after cutting ties with his $8 million cap hit was brilliant. Especially since the Redskins will now have him around $5.5 million less. That’s a big move because it allows Washington to view the upcoming draft through a different lens. Possibly signing former Minnesota Vikings’ nickel back, Antoine Winfield would be an even bigger move. Although, that’s a very distant possibility given Washington’s current cap situation. Drafting a free safety – preferably Georgia’s Bacarri Rambo — would also be a big move and solidify a major need. But nothing will be more important than the role Pat White will have this off-season.

Carrying four quarterbacks during the off-season is not uncommon. In fact, most teams have at least four quarterbacks when entering OTAs and training camp. For the Washington Redskins, they possess a very unique situation. Their starting QB Robert Griffin III is currently rehabbing after undergoing total reconstructive knee surgery in January. His availability for week 1 of the regular season is unknown. In regards to off-season workouts, he won’t be able to do much but receive mental reps. But it’s not just about Griffin. This mainly affects the other offensive players trying to learn new wrinkles in the scheme. Coach Mike and Kyle Shanahan have a distinct obligation to continue being innovative on offense. They will have to do this without the mobility, quick-twitch ability and pure speed of Robert Griffin III. It’s impossible to simulate the arm. Kirk Cousins will be Kirk Cousins as he attempts to continue winning over his teammates. They have confidence in his ability to lead the football team if Griffin isn’t ready. Not to mention, Rex Grossman provides that veteran knowledge. Good or bad – you know what you’re getting in Rex Grossman III.

It is important for Washington’s offensive players to get a feel for blocking longer, improvising and simply running the read-option offense. Without a doubt, the Shanahan’s will tweak the scheme. So, bringing in a mobile quarterback who can expand plays and understand the read-option offense was a necessity. It was essential. But many don’t understand why the Redskins chose a football player who hasn’t played since 2010. To be honest, it’s hard to justify signing a QB who’s passer rating is no better than former Redskins’ WR/KR Brandon Banks. And Banks only has one NFL completion that resulted in a 49 yard touchdown.

Pat White (6-0, 190) was originally selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round (44th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He appeared in 13 games for the Dolphins in 2009 before being released by the team on Sept. 4, 2010. For his career, White has attempted five passes and rushed 21 times for 81 yards (3.9 avg.).

White, 27, played collegiately at West Virginia from 2005-08, where he became one of the program’s most decorated athletes. He won 34 games as a starter and became the first player in FBS history to win four bowl games as a starting quarterback. He finished his collegiate career with 6,049 passing yards and 4,480 rushing yards, the latter of which was the record for career rushing yardage by a quarterback at the time of his graduation.

There was not many better options for the Washington Redskins. The only other name that comes to mind is Tim Tebow, but he’s currently a New York Jet. Not to mention, he’s a polarizing figure who would’ve brought an excessive amount of backlash across the country. As if the RG3 situation wasn’t enough… There was no way the team would have considered that.

White doesn’t have to be able to throw a bunch of accurate footballs in camp. He’s a left handed QB, therefore his throwing ability isn’t the reason the Redskins signed him. Pat White is an athlete. A very good athlete. His job is to be the legs of RG3 until RG3 is ready to be RG3 again… If that makes any sense.

He will help simulate the legs of Robert Griffin III. In doing that, White will help the offensive line sustain their blocks longer than they would with a Cousins or Grossman. In addition to, helping the receivers improvise with their routes and downfield blocking. It’s very important that Washington’s offense continues to improve without the availability of Griffin.

If Pat White does his job correctly, the rest of the offense will be well prepared for Griffin when he returns. This is why White will be the Washington Redskins’ most important player this off-season. He likely won’t make the 53 man roster. Even if he does, he will not pose a threat to Kirk Cousins or Robert Griffin III. In fact, when White gets some burn in the pre-season, he could attract a few teams in search for a solid back-up who can run read option. If he does, the Redskins could trade him. Which would be good, because it ensure that White doesn’t help a division rival. For example, the New York Giants, a team that had interest in him before signing with Washington. Even if the Redskins are unable to trade White, the risk could be worthwhile, if all things go right.

The real question is if Pat White will wear number five, his college jersey number. He wore six with the Miami Dolphins. But five sure hasn’t been a good number for the Redskins…