Could Peyton Manning replace Rex Grossman? Photograph by Brian Murphy.

Washington Redskins president of operations Dennis Greene was overheard telling people at a Washington Economic Club luncheon today that a new quarterback has been chosen, “and fans will be elated.” Greene said the mystery player’s name won’t be revealed until April, when the NFL draft occurs.

Speculation has been ripe as to whom the team would pick as Rex Grossman’s successor. Some candidates: Andrew Luck of Stanford, Heisman winner Robert Griffin IIIof Baylor, and injured Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl vet Peyton Manning. Other college quarterbacks who are putting themselves up for the draft included Brock Osweilerof Arizona State, Darron Thomas of Oregon, and Barrett Trotter of Auburn.

The 2012 NFL draft is set to happen April 26 through 28 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The Redskins, with a 5–11 record, have the sixth overall pick behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cleveland Browns, the Minnesota Vikings, the St. Louis Rams, and the Colts, who have first dibs.

We have contacted a spokesperson for the Redskins and will update if and when we receive comment.

Update: Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie had this comment: “We have not named our 2012 starting QB.”

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