Washington Redskins: Jordan Reed is a key piece
By Andrew Long
After signing a multi-year extension with the Washington Redskins, Jordan Reed will be in D.C. for what will likely be a large portion of his prime as a football player.
The Washington Redskins opted to sign tight end Jordan Reed to an extension, a deal that ensures the young, talented player will suit up for the Burgundy and Gold for the foreseeable future. The move supplies the Redskins with stability at one of the most important positions in modern football, something that the team has lacked in recent years.
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According to Anthony Gulizia of The Washington Times, the extension, which will begin in 2017, is for five years and is worth up to $50 million. It is my belief that Jordan Reed deserves every penny that he is set to receive from the Redskins, as the team is just better when he’s on the field, and even more so when his game is clicking on all cylinders.
The 25-year-old tight end recorded 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015, with nine of those touchdowns coming in winning contests. The fact that Reed registered a majority of his touchdown receptions in winning contests is no coincidence, and I believe that general manager Scot McCloughan knows that.
The type of skill set that Jordan Reed possesses makes him a match up nightmare for opposing defenders, both linebackers and defensive backs alike. His 6-3, 236-pound frame allows him to easily outmuscle and box out defensive backs, while his impressive speed and awe-inspiring athleticism make him a near lock to beat out linebackers in coverage.
The offensive force that is Jordan Reed allows the Washington Redskins to belittle their opponents in passing situations. He’s capable of climbing the ladder and catching the ball at its highest point, making him a fantastic option for Kirk Cousins at all stages of the game. In fact, I believe that Reed was, and will continue to be, vital to Cousins’ success.
If Cousins is going to become the franchise quarterback that many hope he will become, he’s going to need Jordan Reed’s skill set at his disposal. The young tight end caught more than a third of Cousins’ 29 touchdowns, and recorded more touchdown grabs than anyone on the team – securing one more receiving touchdown than Pierre Garcon (six) and DeSean Jackson (four) combined.
It’s obvious that Reed is the best offensive weapon that the Redskins have to offer, and letting him hit the free agent market would have been a huge mistake by McCloughan and company. A player of Jordan Reed’s caliber can succeed in nearly any system and there’s no doubt in my mind that he would be a highly coveted player if he were to hit the open market.
With the extension of Jordan Reed, the Washington Redskins are locking up one of the youngest and most promising tight ends in the league. He has yet to hit his ceiling in terms of ability and I believe that the team knows that, which is likely why they were so eager to sign him to the contract that they did.
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The deal may look large now, but, in three or four years when tight ends are even more crucial to offensive attacks, this contract will look like a bargain. If Jordan Reed can stay healthy and play the game with the same level of tenacity as he did last season, the Washington Redskins will be more than happy with their decision.