Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team have been competitive so far during the 2021 NFL season, but very few would call them a legitimate contender in the NFC. Entering Week 10, Washington holds a 2-6 record, but they have been able to compete in most of their losses. Unfortunately, there is one major piece missing from making them a more serious contender in the NFC East.

That piece would be a true and legitimate franchise quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick has missed most of the season due to injury and while Taylor Heinicke has been solid, he isn't the answer for this franchise in the future. Washington has made what they have work, but giving Rivera a true franchise quarterback would be a big step in the right direction.

So far this season, Heinicke has played in eight games. He has completed 63.9 percent of his pass attempts for 1,928 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Heinicke has also picked up 232 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

No one should bad-mouth the job that Heinicke has done for the Washington Football Team. Rivera and company have been very happy with the effort and leadership that he has brought to the field. However, he simply does not possess the skill-set to power this team to contention and the Football Team will need to look for a new quarterback in the offseason.

It has been rough looking for a franchise quarterback for the Football Team. Just a few short years ago, they took a chance on Dwayne Haskins with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Obviously, that move did not pay off at all.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three quarterbacks the Washington Football Team should already be targeting for the offseason.

3. Deshaun Watson, Trade

One potential avenue to bringing in a franchise quarterback could be pursuing a trade with the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson. His time with the Texans is likely over and while he is battling with off-the-field issues, the Football Team should still have him on their list.

Last season with Houston, Watson put together a strong all-around performance. He completed 70.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Watson also racked up 444 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Watson is the kind of quarterback that could come in and immediately change the Washington Football Team offense. He could power them to wins and be the guy that leads them back to serious contention in the NFC. It wouldn't be a cheap option, but it is one that Washington should seriously consider pursuing.

2. Matt Corral, NFL Draft

A second option could be turning to the 2022 NFL Draft to look for a new franchise quarterback. At this point in time, Washington is projected to have the No. 5 overall pick. That is subject to change, but it is likely that they will have a very high selection.

If that does end up holding, the Washington Football Team should take a strong look at Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral. He is widely viewed as the top quarterback available in this draft class. Corral has a strong and accurate arm and would bring an immediate upgrade for the Football Team assuming his skill-set translates cleanly to the NFL.

Corral is having a big year for the Rebels, completing 66.9 percent of his pass attempts for 2,527 yards, 16 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also rushed for 528 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. If the Washington Football Team opts to go for a rookie to begin a new chapter for the franchise, Corral could be a perfect way to go.

1. Jameis Winston, Free Agency

Finally, there is a third route that Washington could look into to find another quarterback. That would be free agency, where there are a few options available for needy teams. The best option for the Football Team in the offseason could end up being New Orleans Saints' impending free agent quarterback Jameis Winston.

Granted, there will be some concern over the knee injury that ended his season prematurely this year. However, before the injury, Winston was looking like a vastly improved quarterback that was more than capable of being a franchise leader.

Winston played in seven games this season with the Saints, completing 59 percent of his pass attempts for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has worked hard to cut down on his turnover issues and was able to put up those numbers without superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas playing a single game. If the Washington Football Team wants to take a gamble on big-time potential in free agency, signing the 27-year-old Winston could make a lot of sense.