With these Free Agents, Redskins need to pitch Location! Location! Location!
With the Redskins’ lack of success in free agency in the past, I feel there is another determining factor that should be used on some of this years free agent players. LOCATION! It is most players dream to play professionally in their hometown or where the majority of their past fan base from college is. There are a few players that could help fill the Redskins roster and potentially play key roles all while doing it in front of a lot of familiar faces. Wouldn’t it be nice to add all of these players to Redskins Nation?
Byron Leftwich, QB
Ties to Washington: Standout athlete at H.D. Woodson High School (Washington,D.C.) where he was Honorable Mention All-Met (Washington Post) as a senior in 1997. After being a star in the NFL with Jacksonville and winning a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh, it may not be a bad idea for the crafty vet to end his career with the Redskins so he can be close to friends and family.
Ray Rice,RB
Ties to Washington: Currently playing with the Baltimore Ravens (35.5 miles from M&T Bank Stadium to Fed Ex Field)
I know this is a long shot and probably is highly unlikely,however, the world has been shocked before! Let’s just say Washington signs a healthy Peyton Manning and Rice’s cell phone rings and it’s Snyder and Manning on 3-way. You have to entertain that call being as though you could potentially bolster what would be instantly a Championship contending offense…right?
Fred Davis,TE
Ties to Washington: Drafted by Washington.
Even though he is no longer a fan favorite in Washington anymore, he is still a major threat at his position. Losing a talent like that is not an easy thing to do. Look for Washington to re-sign Fred Davis with a few additional clauses in that contract. With the consistent injuries to Chris Cooley makes this a near no brainer for Washington.
Jared Gaither, OL
Ties to Washington: Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt,MD.), University of Maryland, Baltimore Ravens.
Gaither would be a huge gain for the Redskins front line. He is a stud at 6’9″ 340 and a stellar athlete for his size. Gaither could also be homesick after playing with the San Diego Chargers last year. Washington should be an attractive home for Gaither with the still unknown highly touted new Quarterback coming to town.
Derrick Harvey, DE
Ties to Washington: Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt,MD.)
Derrick Harvey isn’t a big name in the NFL right now, but he is a 25 year old athlete that has good size and speed for a defensive end. Harvey posted a 4.67 40 yard dash at the combine. Harvey hasn’t flourished to his high expectations as a first round pick and still has something to prove. With Kerrigan and Orakpo in Washington’s pass rush, Harvey wouldn’t be the focal point of the defensive front and could use his freakish speed to cause some damage. Coming back home might be the motivation Harvey needs to have a breakout season.
EJ Henderson, LB
Ties to Washington: Aberdeen High School (Aberdeen,MD.), University of Maryland
E.J. Henderson is a big time linebacker. As a 2011 Pro Bowler, he held down the middle of the field for Minnesota. Line him up beside or sub him in for Fletcher and that gives the Redskins more depth at a key position for the 3-4 defense. EJ Henderson along with his brother Erin are both free agents this off season. If I were the Redskins, I would offer a brother package deal to bring them home and help bring the Redskins to the promised land!
Is it possible for Washington to land all of these Free Agents? Any of them? What do you think Redskins Nation?