Redskins sign Rex Grossman

Proving that the NFL is not entirely devoted to the meritocracy, the Washington Redskins have signed free agent QB Rex Grossman. Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan is likely the man behind this move, since Grossman backed up Matt Schaub in Houston last season, where Kyle Shanahan last coached. In other words, in the NFL as in almost everywhere else, it's all about who you know.

I write that because it wouldn't be easy for Rex Grossman to get a job on the merits because Grossman -- how can I put this delicately? -- basically sucks ass. He's never had a passer rating of 75 in a season [career average passer rating under 7] and has thrown 3 more interceptions than touchdowns over the course of his increasingly depressing NFL career. Grossman threw only 9 passes for the Texans last year, which is lucky for the team because he only completed 4 of those passes and one of those completions was to the other team. [He also managed to fumble once during those 9 attempts.]

Here is how Scouts Inc. regards Grossman:

Grossman was relegated to a backup role in his sixth year in the league. He has average size with good arm strength. He is a streaky passer who has a bit of a gunslinger mentality. He has good release quickness and is best in the pocket, when he can step into his throws. He can move in the pocket to find passing lanes or extend the play, but isn't a running threat. He hasn't been consistent with his accuracy or decision making, but does have some tools to be a solid NFL signal caller.

Not exactly a glowing review, though far more generous than I would be based on the totality of his work in the NFL. He looks like the QB version of all those disappointing Florida wideouts who prospered under Steve Spurrier's fun and gun attack. Grossman played for Spurrier and put up numbers in college that he hasn't been able to approach in the NFL. If he's the backup for the Washington Redskins in 2010, let's hope they keep Jason Campbell on the roster and also keep him healthy.

Read more at

http://dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-redskins/redskins-sign-rex-grossman.html