Washington Redskins Free Agents: Who will stay and go
By Andrew Long
With the start of free agency about a month and a half away, I thought that it’d be a good time to take a look at the Washington Redskins free agents. Having players leave is inevitable, but it will be up to the coaching staff and general manager, Scot McCloughan to decide which unrestricted free agents to extend offers to. 12 Washington players will have the ability to test free agency, so the Redskins will have to be selective when choosing players to re-sign.
I’ll be listing the players below and stating whether or not I believe they’ll be back in D.C. in 2015. I’ll be using this scale to judge the likeliness of their return: Extremely unlikely, unlikely, maybe, possible, and likely.
Brian Orakpo | OLB | 28
This particular signing would be a little bit tricky. Orakpo will be 29 when the season starts and has been a player plagued with injuries throughout his career. With that being said, he is extremely talented and must be accounted for when he’s in the lineup.
When starting 15 games or more, Orakpo has never finished with less than 8.5 sacks in a season. He has also finished with 10 or more sacks twice in his career; when Orakpo is healthy, he is a top 15 pass-rusher. The keyword in that sentence is when. Orakpo has only competed in 24 games the past 3 seasons. That’s 24 out of a possible 48 games. Having a skilled pass-rusher is great, but it doesn’t help much if he’s only plays 50% of the time.
Given Orakpo’s history with injuries and the pass-rushing depth in this year’s draft, I don’t foresee Orakpo coming back to D.C.
Verdict: Unlikely
Tyler Polumbus | OT | 29
During his tenure in Washington, Tyler Polumbus has been less than stellar. Polumbus began the season as the starting right tackle for the Redskins, but was eventually benched in favor of Tom Compton. With Bill Callahan coming in to coach the offensive line, I don’t think we’ll see Polumbus return.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
Roy Helu | RB | 26
Roy Helu has proven to be an asset for Washington’s offense. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is huge for the Redskins in third-down situations. He is a different type of runner than Alfred Morris and complements his game very well. Morris is more of a power runner, while Helu uses his speed and agility to move the ball.
Helu plays an important role in Washington’s backfield and the team would be wise to bring him back. When asked about returning, Helu said that he’d “want to be back, simple as that.”
Verdict: Possible
Jarvis Jenkins | DE | 26
In terms of pass-rushing, Jarvis Jenkins hasn’t done much for the Redskins since joining the team in 2011. The former second-round pick has been ineffective as a pass-rusher, and has only reached the quarterback twice in his career. Though he’s been solid against the run, it’s not crazy to think that the team would move on without him as a part of their defensive unit.
Verdict: Maybe
Brandon Meriweather | S | 31
For the last few seasons, Brandon Meriweather has been a part of a struggling Washington secondary. Often allowing big plays, Meriweather has proven to be a liability in pass-coverage for the Redskins. On top of that, he has also been fined multiple times for illegal, helmet-to-helmet hits. When you also factor his age into the equation, Meriweather’s future with team looks bleak.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
Leonard Hankerson | WR | 25
Hankerson only saw the field once in 2014; this is partly because of injuries, but the talent ahead of him also played a major role in his reduced playtime. With a good amount of depth ahead of him, a Hankerson return is highly doubtful.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
Niles Paul | TE | 25
Niles Paul saw significant action for the Redskins in 2014. The fourth-year player posted career highs in receptions (39) and yards (507). With starting tight end, Jordan Reed in-and-out of the lineup, it would make sense for Washington to bring Paul back.
Verdict: Possible
Santana Moss | WR | 35
Santana Moss, who is now 35, has played for Washington since 2005. Moss has notched 581 receptions for 7,867 receiving yards and 47 touchdowns since joining the team a decade ago. More than any other business, the NFL is all about what have you done for me lately. And lately, Moss hasn’t done much for the Redskins.
Moss is undoubtedly one of the best receivers in Washington history, but I don’t think that we’ll see number 89 suiting up for the Redskins in 2015 or beyond.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
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Colt McCoy | QB | 28
In his 4 starts for the Redskins, Colt McCoy played okay. His performances were mixed; he was able to lead the team to victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, but faltered in games against the Rams and Colts. All in all, McCoy finished with 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions on the season.
In my opinion, McCoy played well enough to earn a roster spot. He seemed to have a good understanding of the offense and would provide the Redskins with an outstanding backup quarterback; which may be essential if Kirk Cousins departs from the team.
Verdict: Likely
E.J. Biggers | DB | 27
Since joining the Redskins two seasons ago, E.J. Biggers has mostly served as a backup. He has started a total of 7 games for the team. Ultimately, Biggers’ stay in Washington hasn’t been anything to write home about. With only 67 tackles and one interception in two seasons, it doesn’t seem like Biggers will be returning in 2015.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
Tanard Jackson | S | 29
Tanard Jackson initially signed with the Redskins in 2012 and due to multiple suspensions, he has yet to record any defensive statistics for the team. Not one tackle, interception, or forced fumble. Nothing. There is nothing to justify Jackson returning to Washington.
Verdict: Extremely unlikely
Ryan Clark | S | 35
Last offseason, the veteran safety returned to Washington in hopes of improving the backend of their defense. Outside of mentoring younger players, the Clark signing paid little dividends. The Redskins led the league in passing touchdowns allowed with 35.
If the Redskins want to improve the backend of their secondary, they’ll have to get younger and faster at both safety positions.
Verdict: Unlikely
In the coming weeks, we should get a better idea of how things will play out. But with a new GM calling the shots, don’t be surprised to see a lot of roster turnover from 2014 to 2015.