The 1949 Washington Redskins season marked the franchise's 18th year in the National Football League (NFL).

The team failed to improve on their 7–5 record from 1948 and finished 4–7–1.

None were less willing to desegregate than the Washington Redskins, who sought to be the "home team" for a vast Southern market.

The Redskins would remain the last bastion of racial segregation in the NFL, refusing to include a single black player on their roster until 1962.

[1] Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.