Washington Redskins: Will Compton Signs Contract Tender
By Ian Cummings
It appears that Will Compton will remain a member of the burgundy of gold in the 2017 season, ensuring that the linebacking core will maintain its depth. The former undrafted free agent reportedly signed his tender today.
A fan and locker room favorite, Will Compton remains a Redskin for another year.
There were talks that the team was unsure of Compton’s ability to play in coverage. Nevertheless, he’s a sure tackler and very active on the field. This past season, he recorded 106 tackles and 5 pass deflections.
He also displayed an ability to read opposing offenses, and the team values his communication and leadership skills as an inside linebacker. Although sometimes a liability in coverage, he helps bolster an already-improved second level.
Had Compton chose to reject the tender, the Redskins would have received no compensation. They placed an original-round tender on Compton, which means that if a team picks him up, they must give the Redskins a pick from the round in which Compton was selected. Since Compton was an undrafted free agent, the Redskins would have gotten nothing. Since Compton signed, however, they won’t need to worry about that until next year.
Earlier in the offseason, the team signed free agent Zach Brown from Buffalo. Brown achieved a Pro Bowl season in a similar scheme in 2016. With his addition, there were talks that Compton might be expendable. For now, those talks will cease.
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The Redskins now have a formidable trio in Compton, Brown and seventh-year pro Mason Foster. Each player possesses a diverse skill set, and all will see substantial action this coming season, barring injury. Regardless, expect the Redskins to select a linebacker in the NFL Draft. Behind these three, all that remains is Martrell Spaight, a young player who has yet to consistently prove his potential.