Washington Redskins - 2018 Offseason Objectives

As the NFL offseason is in full swing, it’s a perfect opportunity to evaluate where each team was in 2017, and where they plan to go in the New Year. Let’s begin the review of the Washington Redskins.

2017 Season Recap:

Entering the 2017 season the Redskins were in a similar situation in terms of their starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Not wanting to commit long-term, Washington again chose to franchise tag the starting pivot showing the lack of trust that he was their answer for the long term future.

As the season began, lukewarm sentiment was placed on what this edition of the Redskins would ultimately become. Adding receiver depth in signing Terrelle Pryor to the mix had outside observers excited to what this offense could become. Starting the year with a loss to their division rival – the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington got back on track winning their next two contests against the LA Rams and the Oakland Raiders in primetime. Looking dominate on defense, this Redskins team was beginning to make waves while letting the NFL know they were indeed for real. Traveling to the Kansas City, the Skins remained competitive but feel short of winning in Arrowhead. With a record of 2-2 entering the bye, this team had some issues to iron out but looked to start a winning streak when they returned to the field. Winning their next contest against the 49ers in week six, had this team back on the winning track. As the season was nearly entering the half way point, injures began to pose a problem for this team as one by one, star talent began to seek medical assistance and finding their way to the training room.  Losing players like Jonathan Allen, William Compton, Su’a Cravens, Robert Kelley, Terrelle Pryor, Jordan Reed, Trent Williams, and Chris Thompson would send any team in a downward spiral to pack it in and just wait for the following season. Unfortunately for Redskin fans, as the injures piled up, and having the remaining 12 games on the slate, Washington was only able to win five more games, giving them at a 7-9 record placing them in the offseason before they had hoped.

While the year was lost to unavoidable circumstances (injuries), there were positives in terms of how the defense was able to fair when the top unite was playing. While entering the offseason prematurely would allow management to review the roster for potential improvements, the dealings with how to handle Kirk Cousins contract, was again front and center.  

2018 Offseason Workbook:

Offseason Review:

In reviewing their options in terms of the most important position in football (the quarterback), the debate to franchise tag Cousins for a third season was again on the table. Making quick work to dispel the notion, with more than a month away from free agency, the Redskins made a gigantic move sending defensive back Kendall Fuller and a 3^rd round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Alex Smith! The deal that shook the NFL world also see (as part of the agreement) Alex Smith sign a contract extension worth 94 million over 4 years with 71 million of that fully guaranteed. Now that the issue regarding Cousins looked clear as the Redskins would likely move on, the choice to tag and trade or simply allow Kirk to find his way to the open market still existed. Eventually the game playing subsided and Washington elected to allow Cousins to walk away and pick a team of his choice.

With Alex Smith now the lead man running the show in Washington, many questions arise to how this offense would be tailored to his skillset. Being the master of the check-down in Andy Reid’s offense, we could see a similar scheme with players like Chris Thompson and Jamision Crowder being the primary benefactors. If Jordan Reed can once again find his health and get back on the field, the weapons surrounding Smith appear similar to what he enjoyed in Kansas City. Having a top tear tight end, viable options in the receiving game, the only aspect which could use improvement is in the back field. With a draft class ripe with explosive and efficient talent at the running back position, it’s very possible Samaje Perine could see a running mate eat into his carries. Building out an offensive line that too saw its share of injuries would be a priority heading into the offseason and the NFL draft. The hopes  with Alex Smith entering the fold, players like Josh Doctson can elevate his game to the next level providing that viable top receiving target to generate chuck plays. While the offense can definitely improve, will the same heights in statistics be achieved when comparing Kirk Cousins to Alex Smith? Time will tell.

Defensively this group was on the rise with added talent on the defensive line and line backer groups providing their secondary ample opportunities to lock down the opposition. The contest that comes to mind when discussing an instant maturity of this defense showing a dominating sprit was their week 3 showdown against the Oakland Raiders. The Skins defense absolutely stifled Derek Carr and destroyed any hopes for the Raiders to create positive movement on the ground. Washington dominated the point of attack holding Oakland to a fantastic 128 total net yards from scrimmage in that victory. While the NFL was taking notice of the unbelievable upside that this unit was ready to elevate their game to the next level, of course the injury bug derailed any hopes of a dictating, punishing group that could potentially carry this club in difficult contests. While key additions like line backer Zach Brown and the improvement of players like William Compton, adding to the top-end talent of Ryan Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, and Josh Norman – the future of this unit still possesses a fantastic outlook provided they can add more depth in the face of devastating injuries.         

Rostered Free Agents:

With a pending free against listing housing 16 players to consider, the Redskins have already made notice that Terrelle Pryor will not return to the club along with aging off injured defensive back DeAngelo Hall. With roughly 29 million dollars on the books in available cap space, Washington’s list of players includes notable names that could be priority to bring back. Zach Brown and his fabulous season would definitely warrant re-sign considerations provided he hasn’t priced his way out of town. With rumors flying he would require in excess of 8-10 million per year, he’s likely seen his last days with the club. Will Compton is another player that should get an offer to return, but if not, he would most certainly get scooped up on the free agent market. Junior Galette, though off injured, has managed to convince the Redskins to offer up money while he sits in the medical room rehabbing his sores. It would be surprising to see them bring Galette back to the fold. Receiver Ryan Grant showed flash and dazzle this past season that could allow for consideration on a new contract, but again the price tag his agents believe they can provide him, Washington would be out of the running very quick.

With recent news that the Redskins have signed former Seahawk wide receiver Paul Richardson to a contract worth 40 million over the next 5 years is somewhat surprising. With a skillset comparable to a secondary type receiver, Richardson will have to play extremely well to prove he’s worth the money. Looking to act as the deep threat on this offense, he might endure shallow numbers with a check down game manager like Alex Smith running the show.

Trying to add money to the books in terms of removing contracts, Washington has been notorious in over spending on players that aren’t necessarily worth the type of money. In review, the Skins could potentially save 4.7 million in releasing career injured star tight end, Jordan Reed. It’s not a popular move, but one that could happen if Reed can’t get his health in check. Outside of that move, the Skins are tied to a lot of their current contracts leaving them no viable outs until the following season.      

       

NFL Draft:

Going into the 2018 draft, Washington currently holds 7 selections while missing their 3^rd round pick and replacing that with an additional 7^th round selection. As of today standing firm holding the 13^th overall pick in the first round, Adding depth to the offensive line seems like the most viable choice in their case. Protecting Alex Smith from a barrage of punishment would go a long way to providing sustainable success for the upcoming season. Adding a running back to the mix wouldn’t be the worst move for an offense in need of more explosive play making ability. With the recent acquisition of Paul Richardson, the rest of the draft could be spent on defense to help supplant the losses the Skins expect to take as they will be unable to re-sign their own pending list of free agents. Trading back could also be an option for this club to generate more picks to help round out this roster for the long term, should be interesting to see.

Overall for 2018:

With Alex Smith the man in Washington and no more Kirk Cousins contract controversy, is it time we begin to see a more functional group that could once again be competitive. Building on the talent that this team does employ will go a long way in how the 2018 season will go. ADF doesn’t agree with the money given to Paul Richardson, but have gotten used to how owner Daniel Snyder throws his money a named talent rather than finding appropriate players to help his team win. We do like what the Redskins could become, but perhaps placing a viable football knowledgeable general manager to run this ship would finally bring back winning to this proud organization.