Burner’s Burning Questions – Offseason Edition, Free Agency

[Burgundy Burner]

http://bgobsession.com/blog.php?b=510

The 2012 season is behind us with a division championship banner flying at Redskins Park. In this first installment of the offseason edition of BBQ, we take our first look at free agency. Once again, the cap limitations that were placed on the Redskins in 2012 will affect them again in 2013. However, the team has several options and could be active in the free agent market. Let’s take a look at some questions and possible answers.

Q1: Who are the pending free agents for the Redskins and of those players, who should stay and who should walk?

Answer: Here is the list with suggestions. Feel free to give your thoughts on who should stay and who should go.
Quarterback: Rex Grossman – Keep. He knows the system and costs little.
Fullback: Darrel Young (RFA) – Keep. He is a terrific lead blocker.
Tight End: Fred Davis – Neutral. Will he recover from is Achilles injury in time for the new season. Are the Redskins looking for his replacement in the draft?
Tight End: Chris Cooley – Walk. Let’s be honest. We all love Chris Cooley and we hope he finds employment with the team in some capacity, but his playing days are over.
Tight End: Logan Paulsen (RFA) – Keep. This blue collar player continues to contribute valuable minutes on the playing field and is a reliable blocker.
Tackle: Tyler Polumbus – Keep. Obviously, Polumbus is not the long term answer at right tackle, but he is a reliable backup who can fill in when needed.
Tackle: Jordan Black – Walk. He saw little time on the field this season and was also suspened.
Guard: Kory Lichtensteiger – Neutral. Lichtensteiger was penalized on numerous occasions and was bit by the injury bug. Josh LeRibeus is ready to step forward. Is Lichtensteiger willing to take a demotion?
Defensive Line: Kedric Golston – Walk. It is time to move on from Golston. If he was younger, then his services would be needed. He can be easily replaced.
Defensive Line: Chris Baker – Walk. A training camp and preseason star did not produce as much during the regular season.
Outside Linebacker: Rob Jackson – Keep. His stellar play in 2012 has caused more than just a few fans to think the improbable – do we trade Brian Orakpo?
Outside Linebacker: Lorenzo Alexander – Keep. The all-everything player is a lock to stay – as it should be and it is not up for debate.
Outside Linebacker: Chris Wilson – Walk. His contributions over the years are certainly appreciated, but it is time to move on.
Inside Linebacker: Bryan Kehl – Walk. Little to no impact during the season makes him a free agent.
Cornerback: Cedric Griffin – Neutral. Started the season poorly, but rebounded somewhat.
Cornerback: D.J. Johnson – Walk. The Redskins have already released him.
Safety: Madieu Williams – Walk. Simply put, he is a liability in all facets of the game and should not return.
Safety: Tanard Jackson – Walk. Jackson came with a “buyer beware” tag and he chose to take that horrible path.
Punter: Sav Rocca – Walk. His production dropped dramatically in 2012 and there are several options in free agency that are more attractive.
Special Teams: Brandon Banks – Walk. What seemed so promising turned into Antwan Dancing El, Part Two. It is time to move on from this little experiment.
Special Teams: Nick Sundberg – Keep. The long snapper has made a name for himself and appears to have a long career at this vital position.

Q2: With the new offseason set to begin on March 12, who could be released for cap savings purposes? BBQ provides a list. Provide your ideas on who should stay and who should go.

Answer:
Jammal Brown. It is time for him to go.
Cap savings: $1.3 Million
Dezmon Briscoe. Had no impact in his one season here.
Cap savings: $630,000
DeAngelo Hall. If he agrees to restructure, then bringing him back is an option.
Cap savings: $8.0 Million
Santana Moss. Like Hall, if he agrees to restructure, then bringing him back is an option.
Cap savings: $4.5 Million
Reed Doughty. A special teams ace and role player could be on the chopping block, but he has staying power it seems.
Cap savings: $1.375 Million
Brandon Meriweather. Health is the main issue here.
Cap savings: $1.3 million
Keiland Williams. Returning RBs makes him expendable.
Cap savings: $630,000

Q3: Which players could be candidates for restructuring contracts to save cap space? Also, which players do you believe deserve an extension – for cap savings and keeping them on the team?

Answer:
Stephen Bowen: 2013 Cap, $5.5 Million.
Adam Carriker: 2013 Cap, $4.0 Million.
Chris Chester: 2013 Cap, $4.3 Million.
Barry Cofield: 2013 Cap, $6.3 Million.
London Fletcher: 2013 Cap, $6.2 Million.
Pierre Garcon: 2013 Cap, $8.2 Million.
Brandon Meriweather: 2013 Cap, $2.9 Million.
Josh Morgan: 2013 Cap, $5.1 Million.
Brian Orakpo: 2013 Cap, $5.1 Million.
Trent Williams: 2013 Cap, $8.0 Million.
Josh Wilson: 2013 Cap, $5.3 Million.

These players are prime candidates for restructuring and extensions. BBQ would like to see extensions for Fletcher, Morgan, Orakpo, Williams, and Wilson. BBQ would like to see Bowen, Cofield, and Meriweather taking a pay cut.

Q4: Which free agents from other teams could be targets of the Redskins?

Answer: There are some good prospects for the Redskins to consider – if they become available.
Offensive Tackle:
1. Phil Loadholt – He could provide the talent and stability that the Redskins have needed at RT.
2. Sebastian Vollmer – BBQ thinks of him as 1A, but might be a bit costly.
3. Jake Long – Is he willing to move to the RT position? Is he willing to take a team friendly contract? If “yes” to both questions, then he moves to the top of the list.
4. Branden Albert – Injury concerns could cause the Redskins to look past Albert. Would he be a repeat of Jammal Brown?
Defensive Line:
1. Sammie Lee Hill – An underrated player who deserves a chance to play in regular rotation on the line.
2. Alan Branch – Not a top lineman, but no real weaknesses either.
3. Sen’Derrick Marks – A young player who has probably reached his peak, but is still a solid contributor.
Cornerback:
1. Cary Williams – Could be a starter when/if needed and would be a solid player in nickel packages.
2. Greg Toler – His situation is similar to Williams.
Safety:
1. Ed Reed – If he comes at a reasonable price, then why not?
2. Glover Quin – Quietly does a good job and has found his place in the league after struggling as a cornerback.
Punter:
1. Kevin Huber – Consistent and has a solid leg. He would be a huge upgrade over Sav Rocca.
2. Dustin Colquitt – Not as strong as Huber, but has an uncanny knack for kicking the ball consistently inside the opponents twenty yard line.

With this list, one or two studs could be signed and two or three role players could join the team as well. A new punter is a given if Rocca is not retained.

That is all for this edition of BBQ. As the offseason takes center stage, we will continue to look at free agents and the upcoming draft. See you again sometime soon.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Disagree about Baker and Kehl - Baker is a project NT who showed signs of one day being a regular contributor, and Kehl is a special teams standout. Other than that, good write-up; definitely need to cut Hall, and pronto. Unfortunately, due to the thin CB position right now, we may end up keeping him. Sigh.

 

[Neophyte]

Not sure how you justify saying Bowen should see a pay cut. He was our most consistent member of the defensive line rotation.

Also can't see a contract extension for the 37 year old Fletcher. We all love the guy but time will get him sooner or later. This is more than likely his last contract so extending it will just increase the cap hit when he does finally hang it up.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

Not sure how you justify saying Bowen should see a pay cut. He was our most consistent member of the defensive line rotation.

Also can't see a contract extension for the 37 year old Fletcher. We all love the guy but time will get him sooner or later. This is more than likely his last contract so extending it will just increase the cap hit when he does finally hang it up.

Bowen has been awesome. Cofield has been asked to play a position he's not best suited for, but has been pretty good considering. Another reason not to cut Baker - if he can step into the NT role, we can move Barry to DE and he can really dominate.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

The idea of extending Fletcher is for easing the cap and getting two more years out of him instead of one.

Bowen's cap number is huge and while it is a difficult choice, maybe he could lower the pay just a tad. I'm not talking about a substantial reduction, just a small one by the listed players. After this season, the cap constraints ease considerably and these issues will cease to exist.

As for Kehl and Baker, we do need for players to be flexible at their assigned positions and special teams - if applicable. The draft could bring another stellar class if the scouting department and the coaches can replicate the last three drafts. If so, some tough decisions are forthcoming. It's a good problem to have for a change.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Burner’s Burning Questions – Offseason Edition, Free Agency – Part Two

http://bgobsession.com/blog.php?b=514

The NFL Combine is history and the regional combines continue for the next several weeks. In this second installment of the offseason edition of BBQ, we take our next look at free agency. Once again, the cap limitations that were placed on the Redskins in 2012 will affect them in 2013 as well. BBQ is going under the assumption that none of the money will be recovered and has taken a look at how the FA period could unfold.

Q1: Who are the pending free agents for the Redskins and of those players, who should stay and who should walk?
Answer: Here is the list with suggestions. Feel free to give your thoughts on who should stay and who should go.

Quarterback: Rex Grossman – Walk. We have two capable QBs and a third prospect can be added in the late rounds of the draft or as an UDFA.
Fullback: Darrel Young (RFA) – Keep. He is a terrific lead blocker.
Tight End: Fred Davis – Neutral. Will he recover from is Achilles injury in time for the new season? Are the Redskins looking for his replacement in the draft? This is now leaning to “Walk” based on some of the contacts that the Redskins have had with TE prospects in the upcoming draft.
Tight End: Logan Paulsen (RFA) – Keep. This blue collar player continues to contribute valuable minutes on the playing field and is a reliable blocker.
Tackle: Tyler Polumbus – Keep. Obviously, Polumbus is not the long term answer at right tackle, but he is a reliable backup who can fill in when needed.
Tackle: Jordan Black – Walk. He saw little time on the field this season and was also suspended.
Guard: Kory Lichtensteiger – Neutral. Lichtensteiger was penalized on numerous occasions and was bit by the injury bug. Josh LeRibeus is ready to step forward. Is Lichtensteiger willing to take a demotion?
Defensive Line: Kedric Golston – Walk. It is time to move on from Golston. If he was younger, then his services would be needed. He can be easily replaced.
Defensive Line: Chris Baker – Walk. A training camp and preseason star did not produce as much during the regular season.
Outside Linebacker: Rob Jackson – Keep. His stellar play in 2012 has caused more than just a few fans to think the improbable – do we trade Brian Orakpo?
Outside Linebacker: Lorenzo Alexander – Keep. The all-everything player is probably a lock to stay – as it should be and it is not up for debate.
Outside Linebacker: Chris Wilson – Walk. His contributions over the years are certainly appreciated, but it is time to move on.
Inside Linebacker: Bryan Kehl – Walk. Little to no impact at LB during the season makes him a free agent.
Cornerback: Cedric Griffin – Changed, Neutral to Walk. Started the season poorly, but rebounded somewhat. Just the cost alone is enough to make the team look elsewhere.
Safety: Madieu Williams – Walk. Simply put, he is a liability in all facets of the game and should not return.
Punter: Sav Rocca – Walk. His production dropped dramatically in 2012 and there are several options in free agency that are more attractive.
Special Teams: Brandon Banks – Walk. What seemed so promising turned into Antwan Dancing El, Part Two. It is time to move on from this little experiment.
Special Teams: Nick Sundberg – Keep. The long snapper has made a name for himself and appears to have a long career at this vital position.

Q2: With the new offseason set to begin on March 12, who could be released for cap savings purposes? BBQ provides a list. Provide your ideas on who should stay and who should go.

Answer:
Jammal Brown. It is time for him to go.
Cap savings: $1.3 Million
Dezmon Briscoe. Had no impact in his one season here.
Cap savings: $630,000
DeAngelo Hall. If he agrees to restructure, then bringing him back is an option.
Cap savings: $8.0 Million
Santana Moss. Like Hall, if he agrees to restructure, then bringing him back is an option.
Cap savings: $4.5 Million
Reed Doughty. A special teams ace and role player could be on the chopping block, but he has staying power it seems.
Cap savings: $1.375 Million
Brandon Meriweather. Health is the main issue here.
Cap savings: $1.3 million
Keiland Williams. Returning RBs makes him expendable.
Cap savings: $630,000
Tanard Jackson – Walk. Jackson came with a “buyer beware” tag and he chose to take that horrible path.
Cap Savings: $700,000.


Q3: Which players could be candidates for restructuring contracts to save cap space? Also, which players do you believe deserve an extension – for cap savings and keeping them on the team?

Answer:
Stephen Bowen: 2013 Cap, $5.5 Million.
Adam Carriker: 2013 Cap, $4.0 Million.
Chris Chester: 2013 Cap, $4.3 Million.
* Could be released with no cap hit.
Barry Cofield: 2013 Cap, $6.3 Million.
London Fletcher: 2013 Cap, $6.2 Million.
Pierre Garcon: 2013 Cap, $8.2 Million.
Brandon Meriweather: 2013 Cap, $2.9 Million.
Josh Morgan: 2013 Cap, $5.1 Million.
Brian Orakpo: 2013 Cap, $5.1 Million.
Trent Williams: 2013 Cap, $8.0 Million.
Josh Wilson: 2013 Cap, $5.3 Million.
These players are prime candidates for restructuring and extensions. BBQ would like to see extensions for Fletcher, Morgan, Orakpo, Williams, and Wilson. BBQ would like to see restructures for Bowen and Cofield. Meriweather taking a pay cut is preferable.

Q4: Which free agents from other teams could be targets of the Redskins?
Answer: There are some good prospects for the Redskins to consider – if they become available.

Offensive Tackle:
1. Phil Loadholt – He could provide the talent and stability that the Redskins have needed at RT.
2. Sebastian Vollmer – BBQ thinks of him as 1A, but might be a bit costly.
3. Branden Albert – Injury concerns could cause the Redskins to look past Albert. Would he be a repeat of Jammal Brown?
Defensive Line:
1. Sammie Lee Hill – An underrated player who deserves a chance to play in regular rotation on the line.
2. Alan Branch – Not a top lineman, but no real weaknesses either.
3. Sen’Derrick Marks – A young player who has probably reached his peak, but is still a solid contributor.
Cornerback:
1. Greg Toler – Talented corner could shine in the 3-4 system.
2. Cary Williams – Could be a starter when/if needed and would be a solid player in nickel packages.
3. Derek Cox – Another talented corner, but has a problem with staying healthy. Overcome the injury bug and he rises to the top of the list.
Safety:
1. Corey Lynch – An underrated safety who would do well in Washington. Also a special teams ace.
2. Ed Reed – If he comes at a reasonable price, then why not?
3. Glover Quin – Quietly does a good job and has found his place in the league after struggling as a cornerback.
Punter:
1. Kevin Huber – Consistent and has a solid leg. He would be a huge upgrade over Sav Rocca.
2. Dustin Colquitt – Not as strong as Huber, but has an uncanny knack for kicking the ball consistently inside the opponents twenty yard line.
With this list, one or two studs could be signed and two or three role players could join the team as well.

That is all for this edition of BBQ. As the offseason continues, we will periodically look at free agents and the upcoming draft. See you as we go along.

 

[Win4us]

I was thinking that cutting Jammal would save alot more than $1.3M. Either way this should be move number 1.

Very tough to argue with any section of your layout BB. Wow, i'm also getting primed for FA spree in 2014 that's on a biblical scale .

 

[Bulldog]

Rocca had a career best average of 43.9 yards in 2012, despite playing on a leg that needed offseason surgery.

I don't know that you go out on the current free agent to be lists and find a player that is a definite upgrade, at least for 2013.

If Rocca is recovered from the knee, at age 40 one would think we can negotiate a more cap friendly deal with him than with a younger free agent from another team.

And really this team can't afford to spend $2.5-$3M on a specialist.

My gut feeling is that despite the division title in 2012, we should NOT stand pat and simply resign our available free agents and make believe that bringing them back will result in another 10-6 division winning squad.

We surprised the NFL this past year with a new offense and rookies in Griffin and Morris that far exceeded what was expected of them right away.

Given that, I say continue to make moves to get younger and reduce the pressure against the cap for both this season and future years.

I would let Fred Davis go if he can find a multiyear deal elsewhere before he proves he is 100% on the field. Other teams may be able to take the risk under the cap, we can't.

On the offensive line, Lichtensteiger and Polumbus are backups on a strong Super Bowl contender. I would not sign either player to more than a 1 year deal.

Honestly, Lichtensteiger is 285 in an era where OGs go 310-330. The Redskins interior is regularly overpowered by the defensive fronts we face and size/strength is a big part of that.

Polumbus meanwhile is solid in the run game but is absolutely one of the worst pass protectors I have seen at RT for this club. He is so slow to get to the outside on speed rushers that he looks like an oil tanker trying to turn around and reverse course.

Everybody beat him to the outside last year which meant Cooley, Paulsen and Paul as well as Young ended up having to help Polumbus out on passing downs which limited the options for Griffin in the passing game.

Baker is a fringe NFL player. I would not bring him back if it appears Neild is healthy or if a guy like Brace looks like he has a chance to make a contribution. Both of these players may not make it either long-term in the NFL, but they appear to have some upside, Baker to me really doesn't.

Jordan Black and Cedric Griffin were both players added to fill voids on a plug in basis on this team last season. I don't think we need either the 33 year old Black or the 31 year old Griffin back for 2013.

We need to bring in younger players at the backup positions to develop, guys who appear to have some upside. These players were close to being out of the NFL in 2012 before being claimed by Washington.

I think Houston and Minnesota had their right idea in thinking they were close to being done.

Of the non-free agents, I think we need to move on from DeAngelo Hall. Yes, he can take a pay cut or restructure his deal, but the basic issue is declining skills at 30/31 and a big mouth. He has 3 or 4 games each season where he plays at a high level and then you have to suffer through 12 games where he gets burned like morning toast.

The first pick we have or the one free agent move we may be able to make for decent dollars should go to CB if not RT.

Other guys that should go include Chris Wilson who was a dud after Orakpo got hurt at OLB, Tanard Jackson at FS despite being on contract for 2013 according to the WP today, and KR Brandon Banks.

Of the players being discussed, I would do what we can to resign Rob Jackson as he is only 27 and showed himself to be a playmaker after challenging the staff to give him exended playing time at OLB. With Orakpo's injury status up in the air, we really can't afford to leave ourselves with no option at OLB in case he is reinjured in camp or the preseason.

I would also do what is necessary to keep Darrell Young, another younger player that is 'home grown' and is a 100% effort performer who has gotten better each season he has been with the team.

 

[Boone]

Don't forget about Chase Minnifield - and I'm not saying that purely out of UVa homerism - but if he can come back from his ACL/microfracture surgeries, he can play. He's small, but has starting caliber speed and ball-hawking skills at corner. He was getting rave reviews from the Redskins coaching staff before his injury.

I would not be at all surprised if he doesn't come back with a vengeance this year and work his way onto the playing field. That would be a huge bonanza for the Skins if it occurred. A longshot? Probably, but remember that Minnifield was a projected 2nd round pick before his first injury. If he can recover and be anything close to the guy he was prior to this latest injury, he can be a player.

http://washingtonexaminer.com/redsk...econstruct-a-promising-career/article/2522977

 

[Bulldog]

Given where the cap is going players like Lichtensteiger and Polumbus that are viewed as system performers are unlikely to get multiyear offers in FA. The mistake for the Skins would be to panic and resign eithe player quickly simply for continuity sake.

The cap this year is going to require making some roster changes.

We can't afford to overpay average players to avoid some transitions in camp and the preseason.

I think the Redskins can come out of this stronger if we accept the cap challenge and strive to get younger across the board with guys that may need time but have good upside over some current veterans.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Small update has been posted above - Branden Albert was franchised and is no longer an option. Dustin Colquitt was signed to a new contract and is no longer an option too. Changes to the list have been made.

A new update will be posted later this week. FA starts next Tuesday - time to start tracking Redskins One - maybe not as much in recent years, but it is still fun.

 

[Elephant]

Albert was franchised and they released Eric Winston. Many of us were disappointed he ended up with KC last year since it was obvious to us that Brown was going to go down before the season ever started. He would be a solid RT while Compton either develops or we bring in a younger guy to develop. Winston could give us 3 solid seasons at RT.

The only concern is that he is coming off his 2nd season in a row that sees him being released.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Albert was franchised and they released Eric Winston. Many of us were disappointed he ended up with KC last year since it was obvious to us that Brown was going to go down before the season ever started. He would be a solid RT while Compton either develops or we bring in a younger guy to develop. Winston could give us 3 solid seasons at RT.

The only concern is that he is coming off his 2nd season in a row that sees him being released.

An update is coming on Friday and could include Mr. Winston. But maybe not - we shall see.

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Redskins are working on a deal with OT Tony Pashos.

 

[Elephant]

A 32 year old has been when they can get Winston? I would rather they just not sign anyone and let the younger guys work at the position if they are serious about Pashos!

 

[Dead Money]

Pashos? wtf? SMDH

 

[Burgundy Burner]

Winston is talking to three teams. Maybe one of them is the Redskins, maybe not. Bottom line, we can't afford to be in a bidding war.

 

[Elephant]

OK, that's fine BB, but Pashos?

 

[Burgundy Burner]

It tells me that Compton is probably the starter or we go OT in the second round. We'll see how this shakes out in the next few days.

 

[fansince62]

a story full of pashos?

ok...bad pun.