Washington Redskins: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signing exciting

The Washington Redskins announced on Friday that they signed veteran cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, an awesome move for the defense.

After just writing this week that fans should trust the young cornerbacks on the Washington Redskins roster, now I’m telling you to be excited about the Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie signing. It sounds like flip-flopping, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Why should you get excited about this signing, you ask?

First of all, it’s hard to complain about Rodgers-Cromartie’s résumé. The 32-year old has been a solid defensive back his entire career, and was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2015. What’s crazy is, 2016 was a better year for him. Despite having a few less tackles he managed a sack and had absurd numbers in the passing game, deflecting 21 passes and picking off six more. 2017 and 2018 were down years, but he’s still a solid cornerback who gives you what you need in coverage.

Then there’s the flexibility factor. Although he’s a cornerback, rumblings are that Rodgers-Cromartie could play safety alongside Landon Collins. Montae Nicholson is very solid there, but he could be facing a suspension to start the season. Once he returns, Rodgers-Cromartie will give the Redskins a lot of depth at multiple positions.

Finally, there’s the leadership factor. At 32, Rodgers-Cromartie is the oldest player in the secondary. Meanwhile, his 11 years in the NFL are by far the most at the position. Rodgers-Cromartie is the perfect type of player to help the younger talent adjust. He’ll obviously take away some valuable playing time from them at some point, but if he’s lining up at safety, he won’t hinder the cornerbacks.

While at safety, he’ll still be available to the young cornerbacks and be another person for them to absorb knowledge from. Having both Norman and Rodgers-Cromartie in the film room is only going to help their potential shine through in the end. Not to mention, the guy can still play.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will give the Washington Redskins talent and flexibility in the secondary. At the same time, he’ll be a solid leader and fantastic mentor for the young cornerbacks on the roster.