This offseason has been unlike any other in recent memory. “Lockout”, “stay”, “injunction”- these phrases are being used as commonly as “OTA”, “Mandatory” and “chemistry” were just a year ago at this time. Teams are suffering at the hands of owners and players that cannot reach a common ground.

As a fan, I wonder how players that cannot practice their profession manage to kill time during such a work stoppage? There are, of course, the obvious answers such as working out, training with professionals, hanging out with family members etc. For a select few Redskins players, there’s an app for their free time.

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According to Adam Schefter the Redskins have reached an agreement with free agent FS Oshiomogho Atogwe.

Former Rams safety O.J. Atogwe reached agreement on a five-year deal with the Washington Redskins via @AdamSchefter

Not only is Atogwe a huge upgrade for a secondary that ranked second to last in the NFL last year but his familiarity with Haslett’s defensive scheme should be a huge plus.  This also fills a need for the Skins, allowing them to focus on numerous other lacking positions in the draft.  In a draft where the FS position is especially weak, picking up a player of Atogwe’s caliber was a great move for the Skins.

The only question that remains…will he carry his number 21 with him to the Skins?  What do you think about the signing?

Go Skins!

Update: The deal is reportedly 5 years, $26 million

Update 2: Atogwe says he will not wear #21

FS is a need for this team, Kareem Moore was a liability when he played last year and Chris Horton/Reed Doughty are both better suited to play strong safety.  We all saw what a beast Laron was when inserted into his natural SS position last year and he needs someone behind him who can be a play-maker.  We are all calling for improvement through the draft, but in a draft where we only have 2 picks in the first 4 rounds we still need to fill some needs on this team through the free agent market.  Those few precious picks are better suited on other positions where the Redskins are lacking.  Signing a player like Atogwe immediately removes one need from our long laundry list of issues and allows the Skins to use the picks we do have on bigger holes, especially ones along the OL/DL, throughout the draft. (more…)