Ron Rivera: Washington Keeping Options Open At Quarterback

Alex Smith had a nice run as an emergency starter for the Washington Football Team. Because of Smith, Washington salvaged a shaky start, won the NFC East with a 7-9 record and got a taste of the playoffs.

But Smith is also 36 years old, and his body has seen better days. That he was able to return from a massive leg injury was miracle enough. How much longer can he hold on?

Well, let's just say he may be quarterbacking on borrowed time. So it makes sense for Washington coach Ron Rivera to say the Washington QB situation is a fairly unclear.

"We're still in a situation where we're looking at all of our options," Rivera told reporters Wednesday, via NBC Sports Washington.

The Football Team was in talks with the Detroit Lions about Matthew Stafford, but he was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Rams for fellow QB Jared Goff. But for Washington, those talks were merely exploratory anyway, and Rivera indicated that exploring is all Washington needs to do for the time being.

"I think the biggest thing is we have to make sure we find the right one. That's the key," he said. "Is it imperative to find them right now? No, not necessarily. We would love to, but as we go through this process we're going to exhaust all avenues."

Recently hired general manager Martin Mayhew echoed Rivera's point.

"At every position, we're going to look at everything and if there are opportunities to improve our roster. We're going to go about it that way," Mayhew said. "Is it going to be this year? Next year? Whenever it is, we're going to get the right guy."

Smith could return for Washington, as could Taylor Heinicke, who did a nice job as Smith's backup. Still, the door remains open, and Washington will undoubtedly seek help at the position.

"But at the same time, you don't necessarily want to mortgage your future," Rivera said. "You don't want to take away your opportunity to continue your growth."