There are the well known high price free agents like Albert Haynesworth, Julius Peppers, Karlos Dansby, etc, but rumor is that the Redskins will try to avoid the big money contracts again this year much like they did last.
Of course, either Haynesworth or Peppers would be an instant hit with the Redskins because they need to revamp the majority of their defensive line. With those two most likely out of contention due to finances, the braintrust of the team should be looking at these players among others:
DE - Chris Canty: Canty is a young player that is still improving with a strong motor. His is a solid player against both the run and is steadily improving his pass rush skills. He most likely will resign with the Cowboys, but he would be a great steal by the Redskins if they could get him. He would provide some badly needed depth and flexibility along the defensive line. Plus, it's always a bonus to steal from the Cowboys.
LB - Bart Scott: The price tag may also be too high on Bart, doh! Hey, we can dream anyway.
Others to watch:
DT - Dewayne Robertson, Broncos
DE - Igor Olshansky, Chargers
LB - Michael Boley, Falcons
On offense, the Redskins have made their bed with their three second round draft picks last year and now they must lie in it. The two WR's, Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas, and TE, Fred Davis, were all busts in 2008. Only Thomas, supposedly the best WR in the draft, made any kind of on the field contribution and that was minimal. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles' second round draft pick WR Desean Jackson lit up the NFC compiling 62 catches, 912 yards and 2 TD's, but that is another story.
Every year, we Redskins fans hope this is the year we finally get that big WR we so desperately need and every year...well, you know what happens. Yes, it would be great if they could make a play for WR Anquan Boldin, but he would cost too much financially and in draft picks. It would also be nice if they could land TJ Houshmandzadeh, but he is getting older instead of younger and probably cannot hold up as a number one WR at this point of his career.
Instead, the Redskins will need to spend every waking moment this offseason developing their three draft picks and hope they can contribute next season. For this offseason, the team needs to address their aging and injury prone offensive line. Here are some
OT - Stacey Andrews: Stacey plays right tackle for the Bengals and is a monster at 6'7" 342 lbs. The Redskins are in dire need of a right tackle as John Jansen's days of being a full-time starter are officially behind him. Did I mention Stacey plays for the Bengals? So he will undoubtedly be looking for an opportunity with a new team.
OT - Vernon Carey: Carey is another top option at right tackle. He is another behemoth at 6'5" 350 lbs. He may be difficult to pull away from the Dolphins, but he would no doubt be a welcome upgrade.
Others to watch:
G - Jahri Evans, Saints
OT - Max Starks, Steelers
Last, but not least is special teams. As long as we have been waiting for a big WR, we have also been waiting just as long for a solid kicker. If the Redskins are going to go for a # 1 guy on either offense, defense or special teams, it should be special teams. Rob Bironis would finally put an end to the Redskins kicking woes that have haunted them for over a decade. He is only 31, he is accurate with his field goals and he can knock kickoffs out of the end zone. When was the last time you saw a Redskins kicker drill a kickoff through the end zone?
With all that said, he is our early look at how we should fill the holes on our 2009 squad:
Free Agency:
Right Tackle
Defensive End
Linebacker
Draft:
Defensive End - First Round
Linebacker - Best Available in Later Rounds
Corner - Best Available in Later Rounds
Guard - Best Available in Later Rounds
Naturally, this will change depending on who the team is able to sign and if they keep their first round draft pick or try to trade back like they did in 2008.
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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog
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