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Burner’s Burning Questions – Offseason, Free Agency - Part One

The offseason has officially begun and it is time for the Redskins coaches, scouts, and front office to evaluate the players who will be a part of the 2012 team. From now until training camp, BBQ will examine the players who will be retained, released, signed, and drafted. Predictions will be made along the way and your participation is highly encouraged.

These offseason blogs will reside in the “Member Blogs” forum and for those who wish to participate in the discussion, the blog will be posted here in our “Sons of Washington” forum. This is not my blog or your blog – it’s OUR blog. Let the zaniness of offseason commence!

So, who will the Redskins target in free agency? The first thing we must do is define the team needs. Free agents can fill serious needs and provide depth as role-type players. Let’s take a look at the offense first as this will likely be a heavy target in the offseason.

1. Quarterback. This is the number one need in the offseason. Nothing else comes close. Who could the Redskins target in the next few weeks? Here are some possibilities.

A. Peyton Manning. He is not a free agent, but the clock is ticking on his release. His health is still a question mark, but recent reports indicate that Manning should return at or close to 100% by May. BBQ lists him as the number one free agent target at quarterback.

B. Matt Flynn. His resume is limited, but Flynn’s stats are very impressive for the amount of time that he has been on the field. Some may say he is nothing more than a “system quarterback” or that he could struggle in a new offense. Those are factors to consider, but he is likely an upgrade over Rex Grossman and John Beck.

C. Josh Johnson. A backup at Tampa Bay who has a potential upside, but are the Redskins willing to take the time to groom him? Patience would be the key here, but the Redskins may see the potential and decide that he is worthy of a chance. At the very least, his upside is greater than John Beck.

D. Rex Grossman. Familiarity with the system is his selling point, but we have seen the ceiling on his talent and ability.

E. Shaun Hill. He is a very capable backup. Does he have the skillsets to be a starter in the league? If the Redskins think so, then Hill could garner some attention.

F. Dennis Dixon. Like Hill, Dixon is another good backup who could receive some attention as a possible starter.

G. Kyle Orton. If Orton has a good team around him, he can be very effective. Too, his upside has likely been reached and could struggle at times.

2. The offensive line could use upgrades at right tackle and guard.

Tackles.

A. Jared Gaither. The only issue is his history with back problems. It appears as if he is healthy now.

B. Anthony Collins.

C. Barry Richardson.

D. Brandon Keith.

Guards.

A. Carl Nicks. He could be franchised if Drew Brees is able to get a contract done quickly. If available, the Redskins should seriously consider Nicks.

B. Ben Grubbs.

C. Jeremy Zuttah.

D. Kory Lichtensteiger.

3. Wide receiver is another area that could be targeted in free agency.

A. Dwayne Bowe. It has been reported that he is on the Redskins radar.

B. Mario Manningham.

C. DeSean Jackson.

D. Eddie Royal. It has been rumored that he is on the Redskins radar.

4. Tight End could be an area of need. It depends on the status of Fred Davis.

A. Fred Davis. This is a priority for the Redskins and he is expected to return with a long term contract.

The defense has fewer holes to fill, but there are some needs that could be filled via free agency. Depending of the status of LaRon Landry, safety could be a huge need. A backup/nickel cornerback is needed and some would argue that a starter is needed as well. However, look for Raheem Morris to have a great impact on Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall. Linebacker could receive some attention, but that core group is solid with Orakpo, Kerrigan, Riley, and Fletcher – assuming he returns. The defensive line is set - look for Adam Carriker to return. A run-stuffing defensive tackle can’t be ruled out.

Safety

A. Tyvon Branch. Branch is a talented strong safety who could replace Landry.

B. LaRon Landry. He would be in the first slot if the nagging injuries are behind him. Look for him to return with a contract that addresses these issues.

C. Michael Griffin.

Cornerbacks (Backup and Nickel)

A. Richard Marshall.

B. Tracy Porter.

C. Jason Allen.

Linebacker

A. London Fletcher. He will return to the Redskins.

B. Lofa Tatupu.

C. Joe Mays.

D. Keyaron Fox.

The above list of players was considered based on factors like age, experience, talent, availability, and need.

The next issue of BBQ will dive into Part Two of free agency and will center on who the Redskins should re-sign and who should be released.
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