Washington Football Team and Sam Darnold are an Ideal Match

The 2021 NFL offseason doesn't include a domino the size of Tom Brady. Though the pieces, together, project for a fascinating QB carousel.

Carson Wentz, Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins, and (while less likely) Dak Prescott are the top names already discussed as potential movers.

Thursday, Bill Barnwell broke down several possible scenarios.

Of the ideas discussed, the Washington Football Team trading a third-round pick for Sam Darnold made the most sense.

"With the Jets planning to use the second overall pick on a quarterback, they'll end up taking the best available offer for their previous starter," Barnwell writes.

"Darnold hasn't looked great at any point in 2020, with only a throw or two per game hinting at his possible upside. Washington might be ready to move on from 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins after he was spotted at a club after Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, and while Alex Smith's comeback story is incredible, the veteran's $18.8 million base salary in 2021 is unguaranteed."

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Like the Jets, Jags, and Bears — the Football Team's 2021 QB is not on their roster. Unlike those three, Washington is in a strong position to make the playoffs, which would crush its draft position. Barring a trade, the top three-four QBs in the draft will be gone by the time Washington selects.

In the NFC East, Washington's defense and coaching staff is good enough to compete for the playoffs for years to come. A slight upgrade at QB would do wonders. If Darnold's asking price is only a third, think no more. That's the route.

Ryan Tannehill's success with the Titans has changed the market value of talented, underachieving QBs. In New York, Darnold is a lost cause. With the Football Team, his potential would skyrocket.