Scot McCloughan Reportedly Not at Redskins Facility Ahead of Free-Agency Window

Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan wasn't present at the team facility Tuesday as the NFL's "legal tampering period" opened ahead of the new league year Thursday.

Liz Clarke and Mike Jones of the Washington Post reported Tuesday that the third-year GM remained absent at Redskins Park after previously missing the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Washington vice president of communications Tony Wyllie declined to provide further details, stating, "We're busy with free agency."

Brian McNally of 106.7 The Fan confirmed McCloughan's absence from Redskins headquarters. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, it's unknown whether McCloughan will come back to the team.

On Wednesday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported "the team's brass has been entertaining new options for general manager for quite some time. They have had internal discussions about the next GM, and essentially have begun the process."

McCloughan isn't currently involved in the Redskins' decision-making, per John Keim of ESPN.

A report from 106.7 The Fan last week stated McCloughan got sent home by the organization Feb. 20 and hadn't returned. McCloughan replied to a text message from the outlet to say he was taking care of family affairs after the death of his 100-year-old grandmother, though the funeral was scheduled for Feb. 13.

Last Thursday, Mark Maske of the Washington Post asked team president Bruce Allen whether the 46-year-old longtime front-office executive would return to work this week and didn't receive a definitive answer.

"He could be. We'll see. I'll talk to him tonight," Allen said.

Meanwhile, Chris Lingebach of CBS DC noted the general manager denied all speculation about getting sent away from the team Feb. 20.

"I'm taking care of my family, plain and simple," McCloughan said.

Keim also reported McCloughan was in the process of "helping to plan a memorial service." 

Neither the Redskins organization nor the general manager has provided a concrete timetable for his return to front-office duties.

The franchise's decision-making process is also unclear for the time being. Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press passed along January comments from Washington head coach Jay Gruden, who stated the team tended to make choices by committee.

"I don't think it's Scot; I don't think it's Bruce; I don't think it's just me," he said. "I think together we make decisions, and I feel really good about that. I think he listens to my input, and I listen to his. Ultimately, who has the final say really doesn't matter because we're all on the same page for the most part."

Last Tuesday, the Redskins announced they used the exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins in what has been their highest-profile move of the offseason to date. It's unknown whether McCloughan was involved in that decision.