September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Redskins won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It’s April 2nd. This is not a joke. DeAngelo Hall is reported by NFLN’s Jason LaCanfora  to have signed a one-year deal with the Washington Redskins. The signing of Hall doesn’t necessarily rule out the team pursuing free-agent CB Antoine Winfield. Hall’s signing does mean that almost all of the starting roster (and some like Orakpo and Carriker, that were injured) will be back for 2013. The only real casualty this offseason has been the loss of Lorenzo Alexander to the Arizona Cardinals.

On corner DeAngelo Hall’s return to Skins, hearing 1-year deal will be worth roughly $2.25M. Skins may still be hunt for CB Antoine Winfield

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 2, 2013

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

His name is Carlos Rogers. The ninth overall pick of the Washington Redskins in the 2005 NFL draft started a total of 69 games for the team where he amassed just eight interceptions and what appeared to be hundreds of missed opportunities. Rogers was not graced with the best set of hands, but he was an excellent cover corner in a league that was short on them. Rogers was disgruntled with the team; he had injuries, and had a reason to leave.

Rogers left Washington to become a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Since his signing in 2011, he’s had seven interceptions, been named 2nd team All-pro and to the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Also, in case you weren’t watching in February; he was playing in the Super Bowl.

Nov 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) returns an interception during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

His name is DeAngelo Hall. The eighth overall pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004 NFL draft, Hall had his ups and downs with the Falcons and Raiders. In 2008, he signed a one-year, and then a six-year, deal with the Washington Redskins. He had 23 interceptions over his five seasons in DC. Hall not only grew up and played football in Virginia, be he is an actual fan of the Redskins franchise.

Is Hall the best cover corner in the league? No. Is he a playmaker? Yes, at times. Is he better than any other corner aside from Josh Wilson on this roster? Definitely, although I like Richard Crawford, given a little time to develop.

The Redskins are still facing the prospect of making another cap-friendly roster cut. They also, however, need to field a roster of 53 competent players by September and of those 53, they will need a few cornerbacks. It remains to be seen if the Redskins will re-sign Hall, or if he will move on to another franchise and prosper. He might not have the best etiquette on the field, but he’s a still a quality corner and an emotional leader for this team. The loss of Rogers was one that many regretted once he began to prosper in San Francisco. Let’s hope that the Redskins are making/do make the correct decision with Hall.

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October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) is restrained by teammates after being ejected from the game for unsportsman like conduct against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Per 106.7′s Grant Paulsen:

“Cash-strapped team will create $8 million in cap space.” in refence to Mike Jones from the Washington Post’s tweet “Redskins have released DeAngelo Hall, source says.”

Just as the news of Redskins KR/PR Brandon Banks’ impending release was coming down, the Redskins definitively cut ties with 8-year veteran DeAngelo Hall. Hall had 95 tackles and four interception in 2012, but was known mainly for his inability to play tight man coverage and control his temper. Hall’s actions came to a boiling point versus Pittsburgh when he did everything aside from actually assaulting an official. There were a few bright spots in Hall’s career with Washington. Mainly, his four-interception game versus the Bears, after which his jersey was sent to Canton. He also had a memorable fumble recovery for a touchdown versus the Cowboys in the 2010 season opener. DeAngelo was known as a “playmaker” which often came immediately before or after a comment on how “he just gives up too many big plays.” You can expect many more heads to roll with the free agency beginning soon. The Redskins do gain $8 million in cap space, during the second of two cash-strapped years after the NFL handed down cap penalties in 2012.

Stay tuned to Riggo’s Rag for more on free agency in 2013!