Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)
Welcome to this special Sunday morning edition of BBQ. So much has happened in the last two days and an additional update was needed. We’ll have the planned updates on Monday and Tuesday as promised. Free Agency is about to begin as we take another look at the current market for players. With a new football GM in place the Redskins were expected to be minor players in the FA market. However, we had an early signing and two key players were released. With plenty of cap room, the Redskins could be something of a player when FA begins in earnest on Tuesday afternoon. Last week we had our second mock – feel free to scroll back and see what was posted. The mocks will slowly increase in number as we get closer to the draft.
Feel free to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, coaching changes, and anything else related to these subjects. Too, we’d like to see your mocks if you are so inclined.
Free Agency 2015
Free Agents Obtained:
Ricky Jean Francois, DE/DT
Unrestricted Free Agent Predictons:
Brian Orakpo, OLB - Walks
Tyler Polumbus, OT - Walks
Roy Helu, RB – Walks
Jarvis Jenkins, DE – Re-signs (One year prove it deal)
Brandon Meriweather, S - Walks
Leonard Hankerson, WR – Walks (50-50 Chance)
Niles Paul, TE – Re-signs (As Predicted)
Chris Neild, DT – Walks
Colt McCoy, QB – Re-signs (Not Re-signed, Walks)
Ryan Clark, S - Walks, Retires (As Predicted)
Santana Moss, WR - Walks
E.J. Biggers, CB - Walks
Justin Rogers, CB - Walks
Tanard Jackson, S - Stays suspended
Exclusive Rights Free Agent Predictions:
Trenton Robinson, Tendered
Chris Thompson RB - Tendered
Restricted Free Agent Predictions:
Duke Ihenacho, S – Tendered (Re-Signed)
Kai Forbath, K - Tendered (As Predicted)
Tom Compton, LT - Tendered (Re-signed)
Travian Robertson, DT – Tendered
Rishaw Johnson, OT – Tendered
Possible Cuts And Cap Savings:
Stephen Bowen - $5.5 Million (Released)
Barry Cofield - $5.0 Million (Released)
DeAngelo Hall - $4.0 Million (Restructured Contract)
Chris Chester - $4.0 Million
Perry Riley - $3.0 Million
Shawn Lauvao - $3.0 Million
Andre Roberts - $2.75 Million
Tracy Porter - $2.3 Million
Logan Paulsen – $1.75 Million
Josh LeRibeus - $700,000
Available Free Agents:
Quarterbacks:
None. Look for the Redskins to draft a prospect or sign an UDFA.
Running Backs, Fullbacks:
Stevan Ridley, Patriots
Matt Asiata, Vikings (RFA)
Justin Forsett, Ravens
C.J. Spiller, Bills
Ridley is very underrated and is likely the best RB on that roster. Asiata would cure the short yardage woes and is an effective receiver out of the backfield. There are rumors of the Redskins being interested in Forsett and Spiller.
Tight Ends:
Virgil Green, Broncos
Green is an excellent blocker and should receive serious consideration.
Wide Receivers:
Jeremy Maclin, Eagles.
Kenny Britt, Rams
Brian Hartline, Dolphins
Could the Redskins steal another player from the Ducks, er, Eagles? It’s unlikely. Britt is underrated and would’ve had higher numbers if the QB situation was stable.
Offensive Tackles:
Bryce Harris, Saints
Joe Barksdale, Rams
Jermey Parnell, Cowboys
Bryan Bulaga, Packers
The cap constraints that the Saints are encountering will force them to dump good, young prospects. They may not match any offers for their RFAs as well. A solid year for Barksdale at RT in 2014 could get him a visit to Redskins Park. Bulaga began to enter the conversation on the first day of legal tampering – no word of any actual contact.
Offensive Guards:
Mike Iupati, 49ers
Clint Boling, Bengals
Mike Iupati could be a top target. Some reports are suggesting that he will be signed. If a bidding war ensues, the Redskins will pass on him.
Centers:
None.
Defensive Tackles:
Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets
Ahtyba Rubin, Browns
Dan Williams, Cardinals
Stephen Paea, Bears
Wilkerson and Rubin would be a good solution for the DT woes. Both are likely affordable. Williams and Paea are rumored to be favored by the Redskins.
Defensive Ends:
Corey Peters, Falcons
Tyrunn Walker, Saints
Walker could be a great option – young, talented, and not tendered by the Saints due to salary cap constraints.
Outside Linebackers:
Pernell McPhee, Ravens
Jabaal Sheard, Browns
Brandon Graham, Eagles
McPhee is the preferred choice, but will be way too expensive. Graham is probably a better fit. Sheard could be the best of the lot with experience at DE as well – could be special in a hybrid 3-4 scheme – excellent size.
Inside Linebackers:
Spencer Paysinger, Giants
It will depend on what is done with Perry Riley and the draft. Paysinger is solid in coverage packages.
Cornerbacks:
Chris Culliver, 49ers
Walter Thurmond III, Giants
Culliver and Thurmond stand out, but depth is needed and Thurmond is a former pick of Scot McCloughan.
Safeties:
Da'Norris Searcy, Bills
Sergio Brown, Colts
Ron Parker, Chiefs
Rahim Moore, Broncos
Nate Allen, Eagles
Tyvon Branch, Raiders
Marcus Gilchrist, Chargers
Searcy is the preferred choice and Brown would bring special teams abilities. Parker could be signed - if affordable. He is a SS with considerable experience at CB.
Special Teams:
None. A returner should be targeted as an UDFA after the draft.
We’ll return tomorrow and Tuesday with two entries. Free agency officially begins on Tuesday at 4 pm, EDT. Feel free to add names to the list or subtract from what has been posted. Who do you prefer to be the main target(s) in free agency? Who would you keep? Who would you not re-sign? Who would you cut? That is all for now. See you as we go along.
Hail To The Redskins!