Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

After more than a month of anticipation and and speculation, the Washington Redskins re-signed fan-favorite London Fletcher, the staple for the under-rated defense. Many fans were worried that Fletcher would not be happy with the money the Redskins were offering, and that he would play elsewhere. Despite the cap penalties handed down from the league, Washington still found a way to get their star defense-man back, and several Redskins may lose their own jobs because of it.

On the eve of free-agency, Commissioner Goodell handed out penalties to the Redskins and Cowboys for “front-loading” the salaries of players in 2012, an un-capped year. Washington was docked a total of $36 million, and were forced to absorb $18 million of it this year, leaving little room for free agency pick-ups.

That didn’t stop the Redskins from signing a crop of defensive backs, thus leaving roughly $6 million in cap space for rookies drafted later this month.

In all likelihood, the majority of that money will be put towards Robert Griffin III, the future face of the franchise.

With that being said, it may be time for some spring cleaning in Landover, Maryland.

Here are a few names that you may not see on the roster later this summer:

Jamal Brown: The 2-time pro-bowler and former Sooner never exactly lived up to the hype after being traded from New Orleans in 2010. Although he started in 14 games and had a decent season at right tackle in 2012 for Washington, his 2011 season was surly forgettable. Being that the Redskins owe Brown around $4 million, he could be a easy release.

Jabar Gaffney: Prior to the 2011 season, Jabar Gaffney was sent over in a trade from Denver in order to help a mediocre receiving-corps. The journey-man had a decent season, but may be released due to the recent signings of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Also, Gaffney has been known for some off the field issues, and a young team does not need that type of behavior from a veteran leader.

DeAngelo Hall: Due a base salary of $6 million, Hall could be a possible(not definite) cap causality for the Redskins. Since signing with Washington in 2008, there have been times when he looks like a pure #1 corner, but then there are times when he’s more concerned on hitting the QB(Tony Romo), than covering his man, ultimately losing the game. I think with the recent signings and deep draft, Hall may fall victim to his co-captains salary.

Other players like Trent Williams and Santana Moss are also possibilities because of their big contracts, neither are expected to be let go, as both play key roles in their respective positions.

There is also a possibility that some players volunteer to restructure their contracts, but due to the fact that the team must absorb $18 million next year as well. That will be difficult.

Redskins fans are sure happy to have the aging captain back, but they may not be happy with the aftermath.

November 6, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) is introduced prior to the Redskins game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field. The 49ers won 19-11. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Last year, Dan Snyder followed behind Jerry Jones and started construction on the party decks in the nosebleed section of FedEx field. Once again, today Snyder and the Redskins joined forces with their worst enemy to fight the NFL’s decision to penalize both Washington and Dallas for excessive contracts signed last season (an uncapped year). The teams officially filed a grievance against the league today in rebuttal of the combined $46 million chisled off the salary caps of both clubs. Now rumors are coming out saying that the cap issues are halting progress with defensive captain London Fletcher. (more…)

November 20, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins inside linebacker London Fletcher (59) gestures on the field against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Free agency began yesterday at 4pm as Redskins linebacker and captain, London Fletcher, hit the market. It has officially been 32 hours and the team hasn’t reached a deal with the Pro Bowler. If you take a second to reflect on Fletcher’s stats as a Redskin and his role in their defense, you find yourself wondering why this guy hasn’t been re-upped while the team is signing every wide out from San Fran to Indianapolis and re-signing guys like Adam Carriker? London Fletcher is not only the leading tackler in the NFL, he’s an irreplaceable part of this defense that the Redskins can ill-afford to lose.

Here are Fletcher’s numbers as a Redskin courtesy of NFL.com

Not a single game missed, or tackle for that matter. Fletcher is as solid as they come and should be re-signed. Speaking of re-singing 59, there has been a mass movement on our beloved twitter. #ReSign59 is the hashtag/trending topic all over the twitterverse from the average fan to Mr. Anthony Armstrong himself. Take a look.

Nobody can be sure that the Redskins or Fletcher himself are even aware of what’s going on, but if you have a twitter account do your part and send out a post with the trending topic/hashtag #ReSign59 so the fans and team can get their captain back!

For more Redskins free agency info and updates you can follow Riggo’s Rag (@RiggosRag) and me (@KMawyer2) on twitter.