Mike Shanahan Addresses Albert Haynesworth, Donovan McNabb Drama

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who spent much of 2010 in wars of wills with his richest players, quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, has still declined to reveal whether either is definitely finished in Washington although the former ended the season third-string and the latter on suspension.

In his first media session since his Redskins debut season ended with a 6-10 thud, Shanahan on Friday said that he and six-time Pro Bowl quarterback McNabb, for whom he gave up second- and fourth-round draft picks to acquire last April, haven't spoken in the seven-plus weeks since the end of Washington's season.

The coach finally talked with McNabb's agent, Fletcher Smith, on Wednesday for 90 minutes but wouldn't elaborate on their discussion other than to say the quarterback's future with the Redskins won't be decided until after this April's draft.

"I was able to address questions he had and I thought the conversation went well," Shanahan said. "I think over the next few weeks we'll get the chance to talk again, and then we'll make a decision right after the draft of the direction we'll go."

With only McNabb and the unproven John Beck under contract at quarterback -- although journeyman Rex Grossman who finished 2010 as the starter could well be back -- Shanahan is believed to be strongly considering choosing quarterbacks Cam Newton of Auburn or Blaine Gabbert of Missouri with the 10th overall selection.

"I've watched a lot of film on Cam and he's an unbelievable athlete," Shanahan said. "He can make all the throws and is what you want in a quarterback. I think a lot of people will spend some time and ask what kind of a guy are we dealing with. Is it a one-year guy, or is he going to take you to the next level. Obviously though he has all the skill you'd want in a quarterback. Very talented."

The coach said that the key for the controversial Heisman Trophy winner is the background check.

Shanahan praised Gabbert's release and also called him "very talented."

And Shanahan compared University of Washington passer Jake Locker to his most successful quarterback in Denver other than Hall of Famer John Elway.

"I would make more similarities to Jake Plummer for me, relative to his ability to run," Shanahan said. "He's got great speed and an ability to do some things outside the pocket that most quarterbacks can't do."

As for 2007-08 All Pro Haynesworth, who added two alleged off-field incidents to his resume since the season ended, Shanahan said, "You never really know" about his future in Washington.

"Albert right now is appealing a four-game suspension," said Shanahan, to whom Haynesworth declined to speak when the suspension ended after the season finale. "He's had a couple alleged instances he's got to take care of."

Asked if he has talked to Haynesworth during the offseason, Shanahan replied, "You guys don't remember he wouldn't talk to me? That's one of the reasons he got suspended."

Unlike Haynesworth, return specialist Brandon Banks was a victim -- not an alleged perpetrator -- when he was stabbed two weeks ago while trying to break up a dispute outside a Washington nightclub in the wee hours of the morning.

"Nothing good happens after two o'clock in the morning," Shanahan said. "(Brandon) knows that."

Shanahan didn't clash with Clinton Portis in 2010, but the former star running back missed the majority of games with injuries the past two seasons, will be 30 in September and his $8.25 million base salary is way too rich for the Redskins' blood given those circumstances. So Shanahan all but said that if Portis won't accept a pay cut, he'll be cut, handing the starting job to the inexperienced Ryan Torain.

"We're going to focus on (younger) guys that want to be a part of this football team long-term," said Shanahan, who noted that it's up to general manager Bruce Allen to re-sign No. 1 receiver Santana Moss, 31, as well as Washington's other free agents-to-be.

The guys up front are the focus on defense where the Redskins finished 31st last season.

"You're always looking for that great nose tackle," Shanahan said. "We don't have a dominant guy now. ... (and adding a pass rusher opposite Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Orakpo) ranks right at the top (on the priority list). You've got to have two great pass rushers, especially in the 3-4 (scheme). ... I think (outside pass-rusher) ranks right at the top.

"Obviously when you have any consistent defense, using the 3-4, you've got to have two great outside pass-rushers, a great nose tackle and a great safety."

Shanahan praised Oshiomogho Atogwe, the free agent safety who played well for Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett in St. Louis.

Atogwe visited Washington on Tuesday. Shanahan called him, "a smart safety (who has) had a lot of turnovers, a guy that would complement what we do very well."