NFL Rumors: Dwayne Haskins Trade Expected; WFT Wants Alex Smith to Start

Despite coach Ron Rivera saying all the right things publicly about Dwayne Haskins, it appears his time in Washington is nearing an end.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Haskins is expected to be traded before the Week 8 deadline. The report describes the relationship between Haskins and Rivera's staff as "fairly toxic" and points to both schematic and personality issues.

The second-year quarterback was demoted to the No. 3 spot on the depth chart ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Kyle Allen will start and Alex Smith is expected to serve as the backup.

La Canfora reported Washington hopes Smith can eventually take over as starter this season.

Smith returning to the field would complete what can only be described as a remarkable comeback from what many thought was a career-ending leg injury. The three-time Pro Bowler started 10 games for Washington during the 2018 season and was expecting to stabilize its revolving door at quarterback before suffering the injury.

"I have no trepidation having him come in and play if that's what happens," Rivera told reporters.

As for Haskins, a change of scenery might be necessary. The only quarterback thrust into less-advantageous situations in recent years may have been Josh Rosen, who got dumped onto a practice squad after only two seasons.

Haskins has dealt with coaching staffs in consecutive seasons who weren't high on him, first with Jay Gruden thrusting him into the lineup before he was ready and then Rivera tossing him over after four games. There has been a narrative that Haskins was only drafted at the behest of owner Daniel Snyder, and his treatment under two coaches has done little to quell that speculation.

To be fair, Haskins has done little to prove he could be a capable NFL quarterback. The Ohio State product has thrown for 2,304 yards and 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 13 career games, looking overmatched almost from the second he stepped on the field.