Washington Redskins: Top 3 Free Agents To Target This Offseason

It’s time for the Redskins to return to the glory days…PERIOD.

With the signing of GM Scot McCloughan the Redskins now have a GM with the knowledge and proven record, which they have not had since the days of Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly. You can just look at the drafts he was a major part of in Seattle and San Francisco. With the tutelage from Ron Wolf, Ted Thompson, and John Schneider, McCloughan knows how to draft talent that is proven. Just look at some of the names he has drafted like Joe Staley, Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, and Michael Crabtree. Along with Snyder always open to write a big check there is real reason to be optimistic and hopeful in Washington going forward.

As of right now the Redskins are about $20 million under the cap. They could easily free up at least another $13 million if they cut RG Chris Chester, CB Tracy Porter, DE Stephen Bowen, along with a reconstructed CB Deangelo Hall contract. $33 million would make the Redskins competitive in the free agent market. When have the Redskins been scared to spend money?

The greatest weakness that Redskins have in my opinion are along the offensive and defensive lines. They could also use help at cornerback and safety, but we all know if you can get a good pass rush it makes the secondary’s life so much easier.  

Here are three potential free agent signings that the Redskins should sign that could go a long way in helping the Redskins climb out of the cellar of the NFC East.

James Carpenter – Seahawks

Left Guard  6’5 321

I expect there two to three potentially new starters on the Redskins offensive line for the 2015 season to be filled between free agency and the draft. Signing Carpenter could go a long way in fortifying the left side of the offensive line with LT Trent Williams.

Carpenter is already familiar with the zone blocking scheme that the Redskins employ and has shown to very adept to pass protection blocking for mobile Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

What impresses me the most is how well he does once he hits the second level of defense, when he blocks downfield.

Carpenter is only 27 years old and it would be smart for the Redskins to get this guy signed especially if they choose to go with QB Robert Griffin III again next season, because Carpenter has proven to quite good with blocking for a mobile quarterback.

Dan Williams – Cardinals

Nose Tackle 6’2 327

Williams is the best available 3-4 nose tackle available this offseason. The Redskins have not had that dominate nose tackle that is needed in 3-4 defense. Skins have tried various guys over the years like Kendrick Golston, Chris Baker, and the $100 million joke Albert Haynesworth, all who have failed or were not that productive. Williams would immediately change that.

Williams has proven tough to move against the run and he absorbs blockers very well and can shove his man into the backfield fairly well. He is fairly nimble and can shift to the outside very well for his size, proving he is not just a run stopper.

The Redskins like to attack often in their 3-4 defense, and that shouldn’t change under new defensive coordinator Jon Barry. Coming from Arizona with Todd Bowles, Williams is natural fit for the Redskins scheme.

The Redskins would be wise to nab the 27 year old Williams if the price works, possibly overpaying him. Aligning him with DE Jason Hatcher would allow LB Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy to wreak havoc.

Jerry Hughes – Bills

Defensive End 6’2 254

Most of the time a 3-4 OLB has issues converting to 4-3 defensive end, but Jerry Hughes made the transition with complete ease. Once can see he benefited from such a stout defensive line beside him, but he has God-given pass rush ability in any scheme.

Over the last two years he has averaged 10 sacks a game. I can’t remember the last time the Redskins got that kind of consistent production from a defensive end.

Reports are saying that Hughes intends on testing the free agent market, and won’t take a hometown discount to stay in Buffalo. The Redskins would be smart to jump on this guy, especially at the tender age of 26.

* Other Free Agents For Redskins to Consider

• RG Orlando Franklin (Broncos)
• DE Anthony Spencer (Cowboys)
• OLB Justin Houston (Chiefs)
• OLB Dan Skuta (49ers)
• ILB Colin McCarthy (Titans)
• CB Byron Maxwell (Seahawks
• S Louis Delmas (Dolphins)