Grading Redskins free agency
With the start of Free Agency buzz dying down, what time is better than now than to grade the Redskins on the moves made up to this point. At first glance, you have a few notable moves that show major promise for the future success of the franchise. I will address the losses along with the additions for a better comparison.
Addition(s): Cedric Griffin – CB/S , Brandon Meriweather- FS
Losses: Laron Landry- SS , Chris Horton- S
Yet to Re-Sign: Byron Westbrook- DB, OJ Atogwe- FS, Phillip Buchanon- DB
GRADE: B
I give the Redskins a solid B because they managed to sign two quality replacements of which one of them can adequately play Safety and Corner back. It’s tough to lose Landry but the Redskins have been without him for a great portion of his career in Washington due to injury. The same can be said about Horton also. The promise of these two signings is strong enough to justify this grade.
Addition(s): Pierre Garcon- WR, Josh Morgan- WR
Loss: Donte’ Stallworth- WR
Yet to Re-Sign: David Anderson- WR, Malcolm Kelly- WR
GRADE: B-
This is a decent upgrade at Receiver for Washington. The addition of Garcon is key because he was one of Peyton’s consistent targets in Indianapolis last year. He brings a champions mentality and work ethic to Washington. Hopefully this piece can be fit in with the rest of the dangerous weapons our NEW Quarterback will have in his holster.
Morgan is coming off a season ended by injury and is hoping to prove that he can come back and compete for a role in Washington’s offense. Based off what Washington is losing, the Redskins got better in this area.
Addition(s): Kory Lichtensteiger- OG, Will Montgomery- C
Losses: None
Yet to Re-Sign: Sean Locklear- T
GRADE: A
The offensive line has been the most inconsistent part of the Redskins team. To re-sign two existing players that are already familiar with the complex zone blocking schemes is a major plus. We could use Locklear back on the team but maybe Washington is saving that spot for a young hungry rookie?
Addition(s): 1st Round pick 2 in the 2012 draft
Losses: 1st Round pick 6, 2nd Round pick 6, 2 future 1st Round picks
GRADE: A+
This move showed that Washington is serious about making the bold moves necessary to win right away. This trade all but solidified that Mr. Robert Griffin III will be making Washington his new home. This is the potentially the franchise player that Washington has been waiting for. The re-signing of Rex Grossman gives Washington a quality back up that doesn’t have to learn the system and that can assist the young rookie in adjusting to learning quickly. I love this move and believe it made Washington an instant contender in the NFC.
Addition(s): None
Losses: None
Yet to Re-Sign: London Fletcher- ILB, Rocky McIntosh- ILB, Keyaron Fox- LB
GRADE: F
There is no way Washington can be successful on defense without bolstering the middle of the defense. Until the Next London Fletcher becomes available in the draft, we need the current London Fletcher back in Washington! #ReSign59 has been in full affect on Twitter and I wonder how effective it has been. McIntosh and Fox both are just as important in the scheme of things too. Fox really stepped up and showed that he too can be a force for the Redskins late in the season. To not have signed anyone at linebacker to date scares me and justifies a failing grade for not having a better game plan.
Overall Grade: C+
There is no way I can fail the team’s overall progress however they aren’t too far off. Washington has made some good moves up to this point. Enough to give them an overall passing grade. The deal made to secure the addition of Griffin III, in my opinion, would be cancelled out if we can’t bring Fletcher back. No team can afford to lose that caliber of a player. So Redskins Nation join me in doing our part to ensure that the Redskins have a successful Off- Season. Join me in the #ReSign59 campaign. Let London know exactly how important he is to our team by attempting to make #ReSign59 a National Trending Topic.