Washington Redskins: Timing Was Perfect for Trade with Rams

Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder loves to make a splash.  One way or another, he does it every year.  But Friday night, his timing was impeccable, as his team agreed to a trade that will impact the long-term future of the franchise.

By agreeing to a blockbuster deal with St. Louis for the rights to the No. 2 pick in April's draft, Snyder accomplished more with one bold move than he has in a very long time.  More importantly, he gave Redskins fans something to shout about for years to come. 

Washington's general manager Bruce Allen deserves a pat on the back as well, for securing the hand-shake agreement with the Rams.  According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the trade will not become official until Tuesday, which is the start of the NFL’s 2012 calendar.  

In any case, the move appears to be a done deal, after both teams issued a joint statement Saturday afternoon. Washington agreed to flip the No. 6 choice in this year's first round for the Rams' No. 2 selection. The Redskins will also give up their 2012 second-round choice and the team's first-round picks in 2013 and 2014.  

It was a lot to give up, but Washington is now positioned to select either Heisman-Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III or two-time runner up Andrew Luck.  Indianapolis would need to have a surprise change of heart to pass on Luck, so Griffin is predicted to be the new face of the franchise in Washington.

Some of Snyder's critics may claim that he stroked his ego again by stealing headlines away from free agent quarterback Peyton Manning.  But the controversial owner deserves credit for being shrewd at precisely the right time.  

Following Wednesday's announcement of his release by the Indianapolis Colts, Manning flew to a house he owns in Miami to prepare for a magical mystery tour of cities.  Snyder must have been following his every move, because before long, news had leaked out that Manning had no interest in playing in Washington.

Manning's rejection and his pending travels may have been blessings in disguise for the Redskins, because the news served as a distraction to other teams, who had dual interests in Manning and the No. 2 pick.  

Opportunity then fell into Snyder's lap on Thursday, when Cleveland held a press conference to answer questions about its intentions.  With picks No. 4 and No. 22 in the first round, the Browns were considered the Redskins' toughest competitor for the Rams pick.  But they may have shot themselves in the foot by releasing too much information.  

Just days after announcing that Cleveland was unwilling to part with the No. 22 pick, general manager Tom Heckert stated that Manning was not in the team's future plans.  He then suggested that Green Bay free agent Matt Flynn might be.

According to CBSSports.com, Heckert was specifically asked if Flynn would be in Ohio for a visit after free agency begins.  He avoided answering the question, but a long "Um" stirred speculation that the Browns planned to meet with Flynn before considering a trade with St. Louis.  

These developments in Cleveland clearly gave Redskins general manager Bruce Allen the time he needed to wheel and deal, and he pounced at the opportunity to do so.

Allen addressed reporters Saturday, at a Washington Football Legends event, and appeared comfortable with the team's decision. 

"We understand it was a heavy price.  When you bought your home, you probably wanted to pay a little less too.  But you like your home, once you live in it."

The Rams and Redskins actually finalized the deal Thursday, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  They also planned to keep it under wraps until Monday for public relations purposes.  But news travels fast through electronic media, and once Fox Sports and Glazer confirmed the story, they ran with it.  

According to Glazer, Griffin would be an ideal match for Washington head coach Mike Shanahan, who "has a reputation for working well with (mobile) quarterbacks and designing effective offensive schemes."  The potential franchise quarterback could also be what Shanahan needs to extend his coaching tenure in Washington.  

It has been 14 years since Shanahan coached quarterback John Elway and the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl wins.  His teams have won just one playoff game since, and he has missed the postseason for five consecutive seasons as a head coach.    

Redskins Park will stay busy this week. as the team turns its attention to free agency.  All systems will be "go" at 4 pm Tuesday, and with over $40 million to spend, Washington is expected to aggressively pursue a play-maker to team with the No. 2 pick.  

In the meantime, the Browns will likely pay a higher price for Flynn, if they choose to outbid a host of other suitors for his services.  Flynn's destination will also become clearer after Manning decides on his new team.  Manning has announced that he plans to make his choice by Tuesday.  

Joe Versage is a NFL Correspondent at Bleacher Report.  He previously covered the Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens as a television beat reporter.  Follow him on Twitter at: @dcjoev.