The Washington Redskins’ backup quarterback situation solidified Wednesday when they signed free agent Pat White and agreed to re-sign incumbent No. 3 quarterback Rex Grossman.
Two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed White’s deal. They requested anonymity because the team did not announce it. Grossman confirmed his agreement via phone.
White, the 44th overall draft pick in 2009, has been out of football since he suffered a severe concussion against Pittsburgh on Jan. 3, 2010, while playing for Miami. The Redskins have given him an opportunity to restart his career after a hiatus to pursue professional baseball.
The 27-year-old is the product of a successful read-option offense at West Virginia University. He’ll enable the Redskins to practice their read-option concepts this offseason while Robert Griffin III rehabilitates his surgically reconstructed right knee. White played in 13 games for the Dolphins in 2009 but did not complete any of his five passes.
“With Robert’s health where it is right now, to be able to have a guy who can do some of the things Robert does athletically would be important, especially in this offseason time when you’re trying to stay sharp and develop your base playbook and improve your base playbook,” No. 2 quarterback Kirk Cousins said on ESPN980 on Wednesday. “While I believe I can to some degree run those kind of things, the zone-read stuff, it’s going to be much better with a Pat White-type athlete in there who’s closer to Robert’s skill set.”
White sued the NFL twice, most recently in November, claiming “permanent injuries” resulting from the concussion he suffered. Both suits were dismissed this week, however, and White passed a physical by Redskins doctors. The NFL had no comment on the possibility of White resuming his career after such allegations.
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Grossman, 32, did not play last season and was active for only two games. But he mentored the rookies, and coaches believed he exuded a valuable veteran presence in positional meetings.
“I’m excited to be back,” Grossman said. “Anytime you’re on a positive team with good things going — and I have a lot of fun being in the building and competing in practice and doing all the things that are required — it’s a lot more fun than a lot of places, especially when you’re not playing a lot.”
• Rich Campbell can be reached at rcampbell@washingtontimes.com.
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