Burner’s Burning Questions – Offseason Edition, Free Agency – Part Six
The new NFL year begins today at 4 pm EDT. In this sixth installment of the offseason edition of BBQ, we give you our continuing analysis of 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. New developments in recent days have brought changes to the FA pool. Let’s take a look at the latest news and possibilities.
Q1: Who has been re-signed?
Kory Lichtensteiger
Rob Jackson
Darrel Young
Logan Paulsen
Nick Sundberg
Chris Baker
Santana Moss - restructure
Adam Carriker - restructure
Q2: Who has been released?
Jammal Brown (contract voided)
Brandon Banks
DeAngelo Hall
Q3: 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.
Tight End: Fred Davis – Keep. Will he recover from his Achilles injury in time for the new season? Are the Redskins looking for his replacement in the draft? This is now leaning to “Keep” based on reports that the team wants him to return.
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.
Safety: Madieu Williams – Walk. Simply put, he is a liability in all facets of the game and should not return.
Outside Linebacker: Chris Wilson – Walk. His contributions over the years are certainly appreciated, but it is time to move on.
Outside Linebacker: Lorenzo Alexander – Keep. The all-everything player should be a lock to stay – as it should be and it is not up for debate.
Cornerback: Cedric Griffin – Walk. Started the season poorly, but rebounded somewhat. Just the cost alone is enough to make the team look elsewhere.
Inside Linebacker: Bryan Kehl – Walk. Little to no impact at LB during the season makes him a free agent.
Punter: Sav Rocca – Keep. His production dropped dramatically in 2012, but there are no attractive options in FA. Could the Redskins take a late round flyer in the draft for a punter?
Q4: 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:
Dezmon Briscoe. Had no impact in his one season here.
Cap savings: $630,000
Chris Chester. Looking like he will stay, but he could restructure.
Cap Savings: $1.9 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. Jackson came with a “buyer beware” tag and he chose to take that horrible path.
Cap Savings: $700,000
Q5: 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.
Chris Chester: 2013 Cap, $4.3 Million.
* Could be released with no cap hit. Candidate for release.
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.
* Candidate for release.
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.
Q6: 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.
Tight End:
1. Brandon Myers – He catches a lot of passes, but lacks in blocking skills. He will be the target if Davis does not return.
Cornerback:
1. Greg Toler – Talented corner could shine in the 3-4 system.
2. E. J. Biggers – The Tampa Bay pipeline could continue if he wants to play for the old boss.
3. Kyle Arrington – He could be the real target and not Talib.
4. Antoine Cason – The Redskins seem to be genuinely interested.
5. Derek Cox – Another talented corner, but has a problem with staying healthy. If he can overcome the injury bug and high pay demands, then he rises to the top of the list.
6. Jacob Lacey – Progressed really well during the 2012 season.
Safety:
1. Corey Lynch – An underrated safety who would do well in Washington. Also a special teams ace.
2. Kenny Phillips – Would be the team’s first choice if he could stay healthy.
Q7: Who are the new free agents?
Phillip Merling
Ron Brace
Tony Pashos
That is all for this edition of BBQ. As the offseason continues, we will periodically take a look at the free agent situation.