At last, the talk of the NFL Lockout is behind us and the fun has begun. Much like they did at the NFL draft in April, Redskins' fans have watched the team take a very different approach to free agency. Instead of going out and signing one or two of the highest paid veteran free agents in the middle or second half of their career, the team has focused on adding quality, young, up and coming players who still have potential to improve.
First, however, the Redskins had some unfinished business to take care of. Namely, Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth, and they were smart to resolve both of these issues quickly and quietly and not letting them become a distraction yet again this year. Regardless of only receiving 6th and 5th round picks respectively for them, the important thing is they are gone. The only other option was to release them so they at least got something in return for them. Per the Penguins of Madagascar said, "Smile and wave boys, smile and wave."
Now, on to the Free Agents!
Defense:
Former New York Giant, Barry Cofield, adds some much needed toughness at Nose Tackle where the team struggled last year.
Adding former Cowboys' Defensive End, Stephen Bowen, adds even more depth to the defensive line, which could quickly be becoming a strength. Between Bowen, Cofield, and 2nd round draft pick, Jarvis Jenkins, the defensive front should be much improved.
With Carlos Rogers departing as a free agent, the Redskins made an excellent move and added Defensive Back, Josh Wilson, from the Ravens who is only 26 and steadily improving. This could prove to be their best overall move in free agency.
Offense:
Versatile Guard / Center, Chris Chester, does add flexibility, but he has primarily been a backup player this far in his career.
Guard Sean Locklear is a 30 year old veteran from Seattle who is more of a finesse lineman. It will be interesting to see if he can challenge for a starting job. He does add more badly needed depth to the line.
Trading for Wide Receiver Jabar Gafney does add some more needed veteran leadership for the young, up and coming receiving corps. He is not a star, but he is a consistent player who can and will contribute.
Donte Stallworth is the most bizarre signing of the offseason. When you are trying to rebuild with younger players and guys that can bring a positive influence to the lockeroom, why in the world would you sign a 30 year old, inconsistent, injury plagued player who actually killed someone while he was driving drunk and stoned. On top of that, after having to deal with the McNabb and Haynesworth fiascos for the last year, why would you possibly sign a guy like this? It makes no sense at all.
Re-Signings:
Two of the Redskins' own free agents that they simply had to re-sign were Offensive Tackle, Jammal Brown, and Wide Receiver, Santana Moss. If either of these players had signed with another team, it would have been absolutely devastating to the offense.
Two other very smart re-signings were Safety, Reed Doughty, and Linebacker, Rocky McIntosh. When healthy, Reed Doughty is a quality reserve player with starting experience and, while he may not be the most ideal fit in a 3-4 defense, Rocky McIntosh is still only 28 and was very productive with 110 tackles.
What is Missing?
As if Redskins' fans need anyone to point it out, we still have no Quarterback. One of the top free agent targets that the team should have gone after, IF they wanted to have a chance to compete this year, is Matt Moore who has signed with the Dolphins. Moore is a young Quarterback who is still improving and has valuable starting experience. So far, reports are he is having a fantastic preseason and could be replacing incumbent starter Chad Henne. Moore's performance is no doubt part of the reason they have backed off of their potential trade for Broncos' Quarterback Kyle Orton.
The top trade target of this offseason, IF they wanted to have a chance to compete this season, was the above mentioned Quarterback Kyle Orton. The Miami Dolphins were pursuing a trade for Orton who is better than most people give him credit for, but the teams could not agree to terms and the Broncos appear to be set on keeping him now that Tim Tebow has performed poorly so far this preseason. Had the Redskins gotten involved early, they may have had a chance at landing Orton for a draft pick.
Instead, they said last year's 3rd string Quarterback John Beck would be this year's starter and they settled for signing free agent Quarterback Rex Grossman, who probably would not be signed by any other team in the NFL. However, Beck has been so inaccurate in the preseason, it would be surprising if Grossman was not the team's starter in week 1.
What Does It All mean?
It means that the Redskins have made a substantial upgrade to their defense and they should be much improved on that side of the ball. With that said, their numbers may not be as good as expected by the end of the year. Why? Because they are going to spend the majority of the season on the field due to a horrible offense that has potential to be really, really bad.
The only reason I can see completely ignoring the Quarterback position in the college draft and in free agency is that Mike Shanahan is planning on a horrific season in 2011 and he is putting all of his football eggs in next year's expected top draft pick, Andrew Luck's, Quarterback basket.
Since the team did not go crazy in free agency like they usually do, they may be saving up for next year. In 2012, the Redskins could potentially land Quarterback Andrew Luck in the draft and a top free agent Wide Receiver like Vincent Jackson, DeSean Jackson, or possibly even Larry Fitzgerald. At least Dan Snyder can't take away our dreams.
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JacksGhost
Washington Redskins Hog Blog
