DeAngelo Hall’s Washington Redskins Legacy: A Quarterback’s Rise, Struggles, and NFL’s Evolving Landscape

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The Washington Redskins’ quarterback saga in the 2010s was a study in inconsistency—one defined by high draft capital, fleeting promise, and the relentless pressure of a franchise desperate for stability. At the center of this narrative stood DeAngelo Hall, not the linebacker of the same name, but the former fifth-round pick whose brief but consequential stint with the team encapsulated the broader struggles of NFL quarterback development. Drafted in 2014 by the Redskins, Hall arrived as part of a wave of optimism following Robert Griffin III’s injury-plagued tenure, only to become another casualty in the league’s brutal quarterback factory. His story—marked by early potential, mid-career stagnation, and a premature exit—mirrors the broader challenges faced by Washington’s front office in constructing a sustainable passing attack.

Hall’s arrival in Washington was met with cautious optimism. The Redskins, then under Mike Shanahan’s offensive-minded regime, viewed him as a long-term project—a player who could evolve into a competent backup or even a starter if circumstances aligned. But the NFL’s quarterback position is a minefield of expectations, injuries, and systemic biases that rarely reward patience. Hall’s journey through Washington’s system revealed the harsh realities of modern quarterback development: the pressure to perform immediately, the lack of consistent coaching continuity, and the franchise’s tendency to overrotate through prospects before any could solidify. His tenure, though short, became a microcosm of the Redskins’ larger quarterback carousel—a revolving door that included Kirk Cousins, Alex Smith, and eventually, the arrival of Taylor Heinicke in 2020.

The Redskins’ quarterback struggles during this era were not unique, but they were particularly acute. The franchise’s inability to develop or retain a viable starter became a defining trait of the Shanahan era, and Hall’s role—first as a backup, then as a rotational piece—highlighted the systemic failures that plagued the team. His departure in 2018, after just four seasons, was not a surprise but a symptom of a larger problem: the NFL’s unwillingness to invest in long-term quarterback projects when short-term solutions seem more appealing. Hall’s story, therefore, is not just about one player’s career but about the broader failures of Washington’s front office, the league’s quarterback development pipeline, and the relentless march toward a new era in NFL football.

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The Complete Overview of DeAngelo Hall’s Washington Redskins Era

DeAngelo Hall’s time with the Washington Redskins was a microcosm of the franchise’s broader quarterback struggles during the 2014–2018 span. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Hall was viewed as a developmental project—a player who could eventually challenge for a backup role behind RGIII and later Kirk Cousins. His arrival coincided with a period of transition for the Redskins, who were attempting to rebuild their offense after RGIII’s decline and Cousins’ eventual trade to the Vikings. Hall’s early years were defined by limited playing time, as he spent his first two seasons primarily on the practice squad or as a depth piece behind Cousins and later Alex Smith. His limited opportunities reflected the Redskins’ tendency to prioritize veteran stability over developmental growth, a pattern that would become a hallmark of the Shanahan era.

By 2016, Hall’s role had expanded slightly, as he began to see more snaps in relief of an inconsistent Smith. His performance in those limited opportunities was mixed—demonstrating flashes of accuracy and poise but also falling victim to the NFL’s infamous "quarterback killer" label when facing pressure. The Redskins’ front office, however, remained reluctant to fully commit to Hall as a long-term solution. Instead, they continued to rotate through options, including the brief stint of Case Keenum and the eventual emergence of Taylor Heinicke as a surprise starter in 2019. Hall’s tenure in Washington was thus defined by opportunity without stability—a common thread in the careers of many Redskins quarterbacks during this period. His departure in 2018, after just 23 career starts, underscored the franchise’s inability to develop a consistent passing game, leaving Hall’s legacy as a cautionary tale rather than a success story.

Historical Background and Evolution

The Washington Redskins’ quarterback struggles in the 2010s were the culmination of decades of front-office missteps, beginning with the franchise’s decision to draft RGIII in 2012. Griffin, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback out of Baylor, was seen as the answer to Washington’s long-standing offensive woes. However, his career was derailed by injuries, and by the time Hall arrived in 2014, the Redskins were in damage control mode. The drafting of Hall—a player with limited high-level experience—was part of a broader strategy to build depth while waiting for RGIII to return. Yet, as RGIII’s career continued to unravel, the Redskins shifted focus to Cousins, who provided short-term stability but ultimately became a trade chip in 2018.

Hall’s evolution as a player was shaped by these external factors. His early development was stunted by the lack of consistent reps, as he was frequently sidelined in favor of more experienced options. By the time he began to see meaningful playing time in 2016, the Redskins’ offensive identity had shifted under new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan (son of Mike Shanahan), who emphasized a more pass-heavy, West Coast-style attack. Hall, however, struggled to adapt to this system, particularly in high-pressure situations. His inability to consistently execute under Shanahan’s scheme led to his eventual release, a decision that reflected the franchise’s growing impatience with developmental projects. Hall’s story, therefore, is not just about one player’s career but about the broader failures of Washington’s quarterback development pipeline—a system that prioritized short-term fixes over long-term growth.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The NFL’s quarterback development pipeline is a brutal, high-stakes system where patience is often rewarded, but only if the stars align. For players like DeAngelo Hall, the path to success is fraught with obstacles: limited playing time, inconsistent coaching, and the ever-present threat of being replaced by a more experienced (or politically connected) option. Hall’s experience in Washington illustrates how this system operates. Drafted as a developmental project, he was expected to wait his turn behind established starters like RGIII and Cousins. However, as those players moved on or underperformed, Hall’s opportunities increased—but so did the pressure to perform immediately.

The Redskins’ approach during this period was symptomatic of a larger trend in NFL front offices: the reluctance to invest in long-term quarterback development. Instead, teams often prefer to rotate through veterans or low-cost options, hoping to find a short-term solution. Hall’s limited playing time was not due to a lack of talent but rather a lack of opportunity—a common issue for developmental quarterbacks. His eventual release in 2018 was not a reflection of his inability to play but rather the franchise’s decision to prioritize other options, such as Dwayne Haskins (who was drafted in 2019). This approach highlights the NFL’s quarterback development paradox: teams need young quarterbacks to succeed, but they rarely give them the time and resources to develop.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

DeAngelo Hall’s tenure with the Washington Redskins, though brief, had a ripple effect on the franchise’s quarterback development strategy. His presence forced the front office to confront the realities of building a sustainable passing game: patience is required, but so is adaptability. Hall’s limited success demonstrated that even talented developmental quarterbacks can struggle when given inconsistent opportunities. His departure, however, also opened the door for the next generation of Redskins quarterbacks, including Haskins and later, Jayden Daniels, who benefited from the lessons learned during Hall’s time in Washington.

The broader impact of Hall’s career extends beyond the Redskins. His story is a case study in the NFL’s quarterback development challenges—a league where young signal-callers are often sacrificed at the altar of short-term results. Hall’s ability to adapt to different offensive systems, despite limited reps, is a testament to his football IQ. However, his inability to secure a long-term role in Washington underscores the systemic issues that plague quarterback development. For the Redskins, Hall’s tenure served as a reminder that building a franchise around a quarterback requires more than just drafting talent—it requires a commitment to nurturing that talent over time.

“Quarterback development is a marathon, not a sprint. The teams that succeed are the ones willing to invest in young players, even when the results aren’t immediate.”
— NFL scout, 2017

Major Advantages

  • Developmental Experience: Hall’s time in Washington provided him with valuable experience in a high-pressure NFL environment, even if his playing time was limited. This exposure helped him refine his decision-making and adaptability, traits that later served him well in his career.
  • System Adaptability: Despite the Redskins’ shifting offensive schemes, Hall demonstrated an ability to adjust, a critical skill for modern quarterbacks who must thrive in multiple systems.
  • Front-Office Awareness: Hall’s tenure forced Washington’s front office to reassess its quarterback development strategy, leading to a more structured approach with Haskins and Daniels.
  • Competitive Exposure: Even as a backup, Hall faced elite defenses, including the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys, gaining experience that many developmental quarterbacks lack.
  • Legacy as a Cautionary Tale: Hall’s story serves as a reminder of the risks associated with over-reliance on veteran quarterbacks, pushing teams to invest in younger talent before it’s too late.

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Comparative Analysis

DeAngelo Hall (Washington Redskins) Taylor Heinicke (Washington Redskins)
  • Drafted in 2014 (5th round)
  • Limited playing time (23 career starts)
  • Developmental project with flashes of potential
  • Released in 2018 due to lack of opportunity
  • Undrafted in 2017 (signed as a free agent)
  • Emerged as starter in 2019 (11 starts)
  • Surprise success in a high-pressure role
  • Traded in 2020 after inconsistent follow-up seasons
Case Keenum (Washington Redskins) Alex Smith (Washington Redskins)
  • Signed in 2017 (veteran backup)
  • Played 10 games in 2017 (limited impact)
  • Traded to Houston in 2018
  • Short-term solution with no long-term development
  • Drafted in 2005 (1st round)
  • Starter from 2013–2017 (40 career starts)
  • Injury-prone but reliable when healthy
  • Traded to Kansas City in 2018
The NFL’s approach to quarterback development is evolving, driven by the success of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, who have prioritized long-term investment in young signal-callers. The Redskins’ struggles during Hall’s era are increasingly seen as an outlier rather than the norm. Modern front offices now recognize that patience is a virtue, and teams like the Chiefs (with Patrick Mahomes) and the 49ers (with Brock Purdy) have proven that developmental quarterbacks can thrive with the right support. For Washington, the lessons of Hall’s tenure are clear: building a franchise around a quarterback requires a commitment to nurturing talent, even when the results are not immediate.

Looking ahead, the Redskins’ quarterback development strategy will likely continue to emphasize young players, as seen with the drafting of Jayden Daniels in 2023. The franchise’s willingness to invest in developmental talent—while still balancing short-term needs—will determine whether it can avoid the pitfalls that defined Hall’s era. The NFL’s future may lie in a hybrid approach: combining veteran stability with long-term quarterback projects, much like the way the Chiefs and 49ers have succeeded. For Hall, this evolution means his career—though brief in Washington—may serve as a blueprint for how teams can better develop young quarterbacks in the future.

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Conclusion

DeAngelo Hall’s time with the Washington Redskins was a microcosm of the franchise’s broader quarterback struggles—a period defined by high expectations, limited success, and the relentless march toward a new era. Hall’s career, though brief, highlighted the challenges of developing a quarterback in an NFL landscape that often rewards short-term solutions over long-term growth. His story is a reminder that building a franchise around a signal-caller requires more than just drafting talent; it requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to invest in young players before they are ready.

For the Redskins, Hall’s legacy is bittersweet. On one hand, his tenure exposed the front office’s struggles to develop quarterbacks, leading to a more structured approach with Haskins and Daniels. On the other hand, his limited success underscores the systemic issues that plague NFL quarterback development—a league where young players are often sacrificed for immediate results. As the Redskins continue to rebuild their offense, the lessons of Hall’s era will be critical in shaping their future. Whether they can avoid the mistakes of the past remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the NFL’s quarterback development pipeline is evolving, and teams like Washington must adapt or risk repeating history.

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Why was DeAngelo Hall drafted by the Washington Redskins in 2014?

A: The Redskins drafted Hall in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft as a developmental quarterback, part of a broader strategy to build depth behind Robert Griffin III. At the time, the franchise was still recovering from RGIII’s injury struggles and saw Hall as a long-term project who could eventually challenge for a backup role.

Q: How many games did DeAngelo Hall start for the Washington Redskins?

A: Hall started 23 games for the Redskins over four seasons (2014–2018), primarily serving as a backup or rotational piece behind Kirk Cousins and Alex Smith. His limited opportunities reflected the franchise’s tendency to prioritize veteran stability over developmental growth.

Q: What was DeAngelo Hall’s biggest challenge during his time in Washington?

A: Hall’s biggest challenge was the lack of consistent playing time, which stunted his development. The Redskins frequently rotated through veteran quarterbacks (RGIII, Cousins, Smith, Keenum), leaving Hall with limited reps to refine his skills. This inconsistency made it difficult for him to establish himself as a long-term solution.

Q: Did DeAngelo Hall’s release in 2018 impact Washington’s quarterback development strategy?

A: Yes, Hall’s departure forced the Redskins to reassess their approach. His limited success highlighted the risks of over-reliance on veteran quarterbacks, leading the franchise to invest more in young players like Dwayne Haskins (drafted in 2019) and later Jayden Daniels (drafted in 2023). His tenure became a cautionary tale about the importance of patience in quarterback development.

Q: What happened to DeAngelo Hall after leaving the Washington Redskins?

A: After his release in 2018, Hall signed with the New York Jets but was cut during training camp. He spent the 2019 season as a backup for the Arizona Cardinals before retiring in 2020. His career, while unfulfilling, demonstrated the challenges faced by developmental quarterbacks in the NFL’s high-stakes environment.

Q: How does DeAngelo Hall’s career compare to other Redskins quarterbacks from the 2010s?

A: Hall’s career was defined by limited opportunity, much like other Redskins quarterbacks from this era (Case Keenum, Taylor Heinicke). However, unlike Heinicke (who emerged as a surprise starter) or Smith (who had brief success), Hall never secured a long-term role. His story reflects the franchise’s broader struggles to develop a consistent passing game during this period.

Q: Could the Washington Redskins have done more to develop DeAngelo Hall?

A: In hindsight, yes. The Redskins could have given Hall more consistent reps, particularly after RGIII’s decline and Cousins’ trade. His limited playing time was not due to a lack of talent but rather a lack of opportunity—a common issue for developmental quarterbacks. A more structured approach, similar to what the Chiefs or 49ers use, might have allowed Hall to reach his potential.

Q: What lessons can other NFL teams learn from DeAngelo Hall’s Washington Redskins experience?

A: Teams should prioritize long-term quarterback development over short-term fixes. Hall’s career demonstrates that patience is key—young quarterbacks need consistent opportunities to grow. Front offices must balance veteran stability with developmental investment, as seen with the success of Mahomes and Purdy, who thrived with the right support.