Redskins offseason plans: Foundation set but managing cap crucial
For a change, the Washington Redskins enter the offseason knowing who their quarterback is and that they don't have to make major roster changes. It's a new day thanks to Robert Griffin III as long as his knee responds. The Redskins only need to tweak the roster.
Their biggest issue aside from Griffin's rehab will be managing the salary cap and re-signing key players such as tight end Fred Davis. While Davis is not an elite tight end, he's a playmaker and has improved as a blocker. The Redskins franchised him last year, but can't afford to do so again. If they re-sign him, it would have to be to a creative multiyear deal to ease the cap hit.
Managing the cap is crucial while trying to not restructure too many contracts and thereby pushing bad deals into more seasons. But this will force the Redskins to draft well and develop talent, something they haven't done well the past decade. The return of injured players including linebacker Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker will help.
— NFC East rivals: Dallas Cowboys | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles
Key departures
It's difficult to say who will leave, though it's clear the Redskins can't re-sign all their free agents. It's possible left guard Kory Lichtensteiger won't return because of cap issues, plus the fact they selected Josh LeRibeus in the third round last season. But Lichtensteiger is a valuable backup if nothing else because of his ability to play center.
Tight end Chris Cooley won't return, but that's not a surprise given he was cut last summer before returning as the No. 3 tight end. Free safety Madieu Williams struggled as a starter and plays a spot the team must upgrade. Williams would be missed as a backup, but not as a starter.
Needs/targets
1. Safety. The Redskins had no playmakers at strong or free safety and played most of last season with two backups in Williams and Reed Doughty.
Brandon Meriweather's return from a torn ACL will help; he made an impact in the one game he played. But the team must find a free safety with speed.
Doughty is best used as a backup. There is youth in DeJon Gomes and Jordan Bernstine, but neither projects as a starter. Their safeties are interchangeable so finding one who can cover is paramount.
Cap space will hurt when pursuing a free agent, but the team could seek a bargain, perhaps Kenny Phillips or a low-value player such as Corey Lynch. The draft is deep at this position in the middle rounds so keep an eye on players such as Florida International's Jonathan Cyprien or Georgia's Bacarri Rambo. They could always hope Tanard Jackson can play when he returns from an indefinite drug suspension before the season. But that's a major, and foolish, gamble.
2. Cornerback. If they can afford to bring back DeAngelo Hall, the Redskins at least have their starters. But Hall is a tricky because of his $9 million cap figure in 2013 — he's no longer a value. If nothing else he'll have to take a pay cut. Regardless, they must find a corner for depth.
They can re-sign Cedric Griffin to be a third corner, but they really must find a player they can groom. When looking at the free agent list, it's tough to see the team being able to afford a quality corner if it does something at safety. Secondary coach Raheem Morris has ties to Aqib Talib, but he's a risk. Oregon State's Jordan Poyer and Boise State's Jamar Taylor, who had an excellent Senior Bowl week, are second- or third-round possibilities.
3. Right tackle. The Redskins did an excellent job running the ball last season so it's not as if there's a major problem up front. However, Tyler Polumbus was signed to be a backup and yet he started 16 games. It's likely they'll look to upgrade even if they re-sign him. The Redskins could use more consistency at the position, especially when creating cutback lanes.
They drafted Tom Compton in the sixth round last year, but he's inexperienced and it's tough to imagine him starting in 2013.
If the Redskins want to spend, they could sign free agent Sebastian Vollmer. But there's an equal chance they'll have to settle for a Polumbus-Compton split again. It's hard to imagine them drafting a tackle high in this case so it's possible they could look at North Carolina's Brennan Williams or Boston College's John Wetzel after the third round.
4. Tight end. Even if they re-sign Davis, the Redskins will take a look at bolstering this position. Davis is coming off a torn Achilles' and is one strike away from a year-long drug suspension. Converted receiver Niles Paul remains a project. That leaves steady and effective Logan Paulsen as the mainstay. They must find someone else.
If they can't re-sign Davis, the Redskins absolutely must find a solid receiving threat. Paulsen has strong hands, but isn't fast. Paul is fast, but struggles to catch. The Tennessee Titans' Jared Cook is a free agent, but he's a poor blocker and the Redskins need someone who can run and catch in their zone-stretch scheme. Houston Texans restricted free agent James Casey would help at fullback and tight end.
If they lose Davis and want to replace his athleticism, Florida's Jordan Reed would be available in the second or third round. This converted quarterback is developing at tight end, though needs work on his blocking.
5. Inside linebacker. This could just as easily be receiver as both positions depend on a couple factors. If London Fletcher decides to retire, the Redskins clearly would have a need. But if they must cut Santana Moss for cap space, they'll have to find another slot receiver.
They do have young receivers Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson, but the latter is way too inconsistent and the former is best used at the Z position.
Even if Fletcher returns the Redskins would be wise to keep looking for his replacement. They have Lorenzo Alexander (if he re-signs) and Keenan Robinson (who ended his rookie season on IR). Alexander isn't as strong in coverage and Robinson is still learning this position. But considering most expect Fletcher to return, they'll likely fill any hole at this spot in the draft. Iowa State's A.J. Klein would be an intriguing pick late because of his intensity and intelligence, but he'll have to improve in coverage.
Keim's take
The Redskins would love to be aggressive in free agency, but losing $18 million in cap space because of their sanctions from the 2010 uncapped year will limit their options. They lack a first-round pick because of the Griffin trade, but they have been good at acquiring more picks in each of the past three drafts and that likely will continue.
The key is finding a way to keep players such as Davis and even Moss, both of whom have value. Hall is worth keeping because the team lacks an alternative; would another free agent be willing to sign a creative deal to come here and replace him?
But the Redskins are in good shape with their roster. They also return Roy Helu at running back; his speed should help on third downs and screen plays. If they keep Davis, he and receiver Pierre Garcon should form a good combination — they were rarely on the field together in 2012.
So the Redskins don't necessarily need free agency to improve. A return to health of key players and a solid draft, along with the development of the past two drafts — which yielded an NFL-high 21 picks — will help as much as anything.
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