Washington Redskins free agency: 5 possible signings
By Andrew Long
Scot McCloughan, Washington’s new GM, has made it abundantly clear that he plans to build the team through the draft. Regardless of McCloughan’s stance on free agency, the Redskins have numerous holes to fill and free agency remains a viable option. Pass-protection and pass-defense are the areas that need to be upgraded the most; the team would also benefit by adding a pass-rusher across from Ryan Kerrigan. With that being said, the Washington Redskins free agency period should include visits from these 5 players.
Let’s get started with the big guys upfront.
Mike Iupati | Guard | 27
Earlier this week, I wrote an article about whether or not Mike Iupati is a fit with the Redskins. The 6-5, 331-pound guard would be an instant upgrade to the Washington line. Iupati’s excellent run-blocking would be a welcome addition to a rushing-offense that was less than ideal in 2014. His presence as a pass-blocker would also go a long way for Washington’s starting quarterback — whoever it may be in 2015.
At age 27, he is still young enough to perform at a high level for the foreseeable future. Iupati’s age and talent might drive up his price tag, which would likely deter the Redskins from signing him.
Bryan Bulaga | Right Tackle | 25
Right tackle is a major need for the Redskins. As a team, they allowed 58 sacks on the year. Signing Bulaga would go a long way in solidifying Washington’s 0-line and protecting their quarterback(s). At age 25, Bulaga still has plenty of playing time ahead of him; this would give him ample time to improve and polish his game.
Byron Maxwell | Cornerback | 26
Over the past two seasons, Byron Maxwell has played extremely well for the Seattle Seahawks. During that time, Maxwell has garnered 6 interceptions and is also accountable for 26 pass-deflections. Having Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor accompanying him has surely helped his performance, though. He wouldn’t be afforded that sort of luxury in Washington. It’s also worth noting that Maxwell spends a majority of his time playing right-cornerback across from Sherman.
When brining in Maxwell for a visit, the Redskins will have to take those things into consideration. I say this because he would likely be inheriting the starting cornerback position; which would unquestionably add pressure and difficulty to his job.
Rahim Moore | Safety | 24
As I mentioned earlier in the article, the Redskins are in desperate need of safety help. The team led the league in passing touchdowns allowed with 35. They finished 24th in yards allowed and only managed to record 7 interceptions on the year.
Adding a player with Moore‘s ability would be a major asset to Washington’s defense. The 24-year-old safety nabbed 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles in 2014. He was also able to secure 49 tackles and a fumble recovery. If the Redskins can bring in Moore at a reasonable price, they should definitely target him in the off-season.
Terrance Knighton | Defensive Tackle | 28
The 3-4 scheme that the Redskins run is dependent on a capable, space-eating nose tackle. For the past few years, the oft-injured Barry Cofield has manned that position. I believe that a player with Knighton’s build would be better suited for the position.
Knighton is 6-1 and weighs 331 pounds. Adding a defensive tackle with his size and strength would be very beneficial to the Redskins pass-rush. Knighton would always have to be accounted for, which would ultimately free up other pass-rushers for Washington’s D.
With about 2 months remaining before the start of free agency, the Redskins will have ample time to formulate their game plan. It’s highly unlikely that the team signs more than one of the players I listed, but I do believe that at least one of them will be playing in Washington next year.