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…)

If you are anyone but a blogger you have to be pleasantly surprised by the fact that the only guy we’ve brought in so far is DJ Hackett. The Redskins are being patient and letting the market come to them like champions do, and keeping their draft picks to help build depth.  Anyone who watched the way the Giants took a good but not great team and turned it into a champion with a great draft has to look at the Redskins and think they have the potential to do the same thing. 

But yawn.  What can I write about until the draft?  Should I spread rumors about that really hot Chidi Iwuoma rumor?  Are we going to sign Bhawoh Jue next?

Look, I’m not really complaining.  I’m thrilled Dan has learned some lessons.  But there really is a funny “you asked for it” moment here as a fan.  As someone who prides himself on trying to be objective about analysis, I shun the concept of the “marquis signing” or the “big splash.”  As a fan, I can’t say I haven’t gotten really used to it.  I realize now why owners feel a need to do these kinds of deals.  If someone who worships at the mountain of the Football Outsiders and drafting over free agency can get antsy, what about the other half of the coin?

Anyway, I don’t have anything overwhelmingly interesting to say.  I just wanted to say I’m proud of where we’re going, and wanted to take your pulse.  What do you think, guys?  Are we moving in the right direction or are we just boring?

-DW