LaRon signs Colts contract #FreeAgency #ColtsFA tinyurl.com/7xvpl4c twitter.com/nflcolts/statu…

— Indianapolis Colts (@nflcolts) March 14, 2013

While you were sleeping, the Denver Broncos signed former Philadelphia Eagles CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a one-year, $5 million contract.

Dec 9, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Eagles won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Cromartie seemed to be a possible fit for the Redskins with their thin secondary, but alas he is now joining Wes Welker on his way to Denver. Other notable signings were San Francisco S Dashon Goldson heading to Tampa Bay and even possibly CB Darrelle Revis (via trade with the Jets).  The Redskins have yet to make an real moves in free agecy. Washington appears to be laying low until the market settles down, then possibly focusing on signing second and third-tier free agents. The team could also remain silent for free agency and try to fill these positions through the draft. With the current cap situation, either proposition would be difficult.

Here’s a list of the remaining recognizable names left in the free agent pool:

• S Quintin Mikell (STL)
• S Michael Huff (OAK)
• S LaRon Landry (NYJ)
• S Ed Reed (BAL)
• S Dashon Goldson (SF)
• S Charles Woodson (GB)
• CB Antoine Cason (SD)
• CB Nnamdi Asomugha (PHI)
• CB Antoine Winfield (MIN)
• CB DeAngelo Hall (WAS)
• CB Brent Grimes (ATL)
• CB Quentin Jammer (SD)

More Redskins news and notes as day three of free agent signings continues!

Nov 27, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) scrambles with the ball as Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry (30) chases during the 1st half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

As a lifelong Redskins fan I believe I can speak for most when I say that I’m almost excited to not have this guy on the roster anymore. If there were ever a more definitive definition of “dead weight”, you’d be hard pressed to find. I’m not speaking to the character of the man because I know for a fact that he is a good person; I’m talking strictly from a player personnel point of view.

The Redskins drafted Landry sixth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Landry was then paired with third-year free safety Sean Taylor that had been chosen 5th overall in 2004. As one faithful Redskins fan said via twitter:

The potential that was area 51 was matched only by failure it ended up being… It’s sad. #Redskins – @SonofWashington via twitter.

“Area 51″ of course referring to the combination of both Landry’s and Taylor’s current jersey numbers (21+30) at the time. The two seemed destined for greatness in the NFL, but much like the Redskins history the last 20 years- things ended terribly. Sean Taylor’s life came to an abrupt end in 2007 when he was shot in his home in Florida while rehabbing an injury. Most from this area know this story, that’s not the focus here. After Taylor passed, the gap left by him was never truly filled. The Redskins did try though.

LaRon had played in 17 games since the end of the 2009 season recording 133 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception, nice stats for one complete season. His health has been the issue as of late. LaRon decided previously to forego surgery on his Achilles and decided against it again this offseason. Like I’ve said before, he is a top-tier safety when he’s health and on the field. The issue has been keeping him on the field. The Redskins are looking to get younger and faster on both sides of the ball. LaRon could probably out-bench anybody on the active roster, but unfortunately all of that muscle doesn’t translate into healthy tendons. Hopefully he will have a rebirth with the New York Jets and have success in the Rex Ryan defensive system.

With Landry gone the team can move on and the transformation of the Redskins roster from B.S. (before Shanahan) to W.S. (with Shanahan) will almost be complete. Of the notable Redskins from the previous Zorn-Gibbs-Spurrier-ish era, only Chris Cooley and Santana Moss are left. These aren’t your slightly older brother’s Redskins.

Follow Riggo’s Rag (@RiggosRag) and me (@KMawyer2) on twitter for more Redskins news and opinions.

November 6, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball as Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry (30) defends in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The 49ers won 19-11. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

On the other side of the ball, former Redskin wide-receiver Donte Stallworth has reportedly signed a deal with the New England Patriots. Sources say it is a one-year deal. Stallworth played with New England in 2007 where he had 46 receptions for 697 yards.