Free agency could be upon us at any moment - or it could be a while. Don't give up hope! The WP says that the Redskins could be very active in FA and I spent some idle time evaluating what the team may do. "R" equals (what I think) that the Redskins seem to be very interested. "P" is my personal choice. Granted, we won't get every player marked with those letters, but I do think this will be the most active FA season for the Redskins ever - once it gets underway.
QBs
John Beck is on the roster and Rex will probably sign again. So, who is the next QB on the roster? I'm thinking it could be Alex Smith. Vince Young will be released, but some reports which suggested that he could come to the Redskins seem to be far-fetched. Don't be surprised to see an UDFA like a Pat Devlin of Delaware making the practice squad. Smart money says Rex returns. Matt Hasselbeck is a distant possibility. Personally, I would like to see us sign Alex Smith.
Rex Grossman - probably stays
R - Matt Hasselbeck
R P - Alex Smith
RBs
No needs. We will sink or swim with the players and draftees currently on the roster. One or two UFDAs could be added for camp fodder.
WRs
Santana Moss will return and it is highly unlikely that he signs elsewhere. Anthony Armstrong will continue to be the long threat. Hankerson was a steal in the draft and could start sooner rather than later. Niles Paul could surprise too. The available players in FA are older and would not fit the current needs. The best guess is that one or two UFDAs will be added and the team will open the 2011 with the players they currently have, including Moss.
Santana Moss - probably stays
TEs
No needs. We will sink or swim with the players and draftees currently on the roster. One or two UFDAs could be added for camp fodder.
OL
The team is set at left tackle. Lichtensteiger looks to be set at LG or C, but we will keep him at LG for purposes of this discussion. Montgomery did a decent job at RG as the season progressed, but he is better suited as a backup. Jammal Brown could return at RT - he won't find a big market for his services out there. Rabach could go to a backup role as well - he would be a good mentor for younger players. In FA, the Redskins could look at Doug Free (if he is willing to shift to RT), Tyson Clabo, Marshal Yanda, Jared Gaither, and Davin Joseph. It wouldn't be surprising to see the team go after an UDFA center (there are two or three players that could be steals and may be able to start immediately) and a couple of UFDA guards. The best guess is that the Redskins could be very active in FA along the OL. Don't be surprised to see Ryan Harris in a Redskins uniform next year. He will probably be released or the Redskins make an Adam Carriker type of deal for him.
Doug Free
Tyson Clabo
Mashal Yanda
Jared Gaither
R P - Davin Joseph
R P - Ryan Harris
R P - Center from USC
R P - Center from TCU
DL
Carriker is set and seems to be settling in as a 3-4 DE. Jeremy Jarmon has dedicated himself in the weight room and could be in the rotation on a regular basis. Kedric Golston could stay and provide depth. Vonnie Holliday is probably gone and don't be surprised to see Phil Daniels close behind - he's a great guy, but youth is needed. With Albert Haynesworth, there is no telling what will happen, but let's consider him gone for purposes of this discussion. Jarvis Jenkins is a great 2nd round addition. Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Anthony Bryant, and rookie Chris Neild man the middle of the line. Look for this situation to be addressed in FA. Cullen Jenkins is believed to be interested in the Redskins and the feeling seems to be mutual. There are reports that Aubrayo Franklin could land in DC, but he comes with a buyer-beware label and this makes him iffy at best. Don't be surprised if the Redskins make a run at Stephen Bowen of the Cowboys. However, the smart money though could point to Barry Cofield of the Giants. Camp fodder could be added via UDFA.
R P - Cullen Jenkins - Look for him to be in a Redskins uniform
R P - Barry Cofield
R - Aubrayo Franklin
Stephen Bowen
LB
No needs. We will sink or swim with the players and draftees currently on the roster. One or two UFDAs could be added for camp fodder. However, Rocky McIntosh could be on the way out. There could be an outside chance that the Redskins will take a look at Paul Posluszny, but highly unlikely.
Paul Posluszny
CB
Carlos Rogers is believed to be on his way out the door. Phillip Buchanon could return, but in a backup role only. The team seems to be high on Kevin Barnes and he may be ready to start. A run at Nnamdi Asomugha is possible, but he may prove to be too expensive. Chris Carr and Josh Wilson of the Ravens could draw some interest, especially Wilson.
R P - Josh Wilson
Chris Carr
P - Nnamdi Asomugha
S
The Redskins have already made a move in the few days that we had a FA period - signing O.J. Atogwe. It is a major upgrade at that position. Look for Chris Horton to be released - he has done a disappearing act after having some impressive games as a rookie. LaRon Landry is set at SS. Macho Harris could step up and be in the rotation. No other needs other than camp fodder.
K
Graham Gano is the logical pick here, but a no-name will come in to push him a bit.
P
Look for a new punter on the roster. There are several to choose from.
ST
The Redskins were able to have multiple picks in the draft and this could help with ST depth.
Ultimately, who do I think will end up in a Redskins uniform? Here is what I think could happen:
Alex Smith - QB
Rex Grossman - QB, Returning (All but certain)
Santana Moss - WR, Returning (All but certain)
Davin Joseph - OL, A decent chance of obtaining
Ryan Harris - OL, Look for him to be in a Redskins uniform
Cullen Jenkins - DL, Look for him to be in a Redskins uniform
Barry Cofield - DL, A decent chance of obtaining
Josh Wilson - CB, A decent chance of obtaining
New Punter
New center via USC or TCU