To Do List

Hire GM: This is more coach Ron Rivera’s decision than owner Dan Snyder’s since the former has control on football matters. Yet, the general manager is usually the closest person to the owner so it’s not easily Rivera’s decision.

- Rick Snider

Still, Snyder has plenty of his mind in battling with his minority owners and a front office sexual harassment suit so Rivera gets the call. It would be natural for Rivera to want former Carolina GM Marty Hurney. The two worked well together for many years and Hurney has his strengths. But mostly, it’s about Rivera not being threatened by someone he can’t control.

(Disclaimer: I worked with Marty at The Washington Times in the 1980s when Hurney was the top reporter. Taught me a lot so I’d like seeing my old friend. But, I freely declare Marty won’t tell me what time it is so there’s no insider benefit to me.)

This needs to be done soon because offseason workouts begin in February regardless of whether the NFL Combine occurs.

Need Smith’s decision: Alex Smith said he would take a few weeks to decide whether to return. The quarterback was 5-1 after two years off with a leg injury. But, Smith struggled with a strained calf in his surgically-repaired leg and may have gained everything mentally needed in the comeback. Meanwhile, Washington is probably looking at younger passers to develop and may want Smith only as a backup like this season. It takes two to make a deal. Smith’s guaranteed money is done.