Scot McCloughan’s To Do List: Part 3 – Defensive Line
By Chris West
Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is sacked by Washington Redskins defensive end Jason Hatcher (97) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Hatcher, DE
Jason Hatcher was signed to a 4 year, $27.5 million contract in 2014 as a free agent from the Cowboys. Hatcher started out the season well by providing the interior pass rush that the Redskins had hoped for when they signed him. He had 2.5 sacks in week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Hatcher dealt with an injured knee and other nagging injuries throughout most of the 2014 season. He didn’t play over the final 3 weeks as he went on injured reserve. Despite his injuries, Hatcher was able to lead all of the Redskins defensive linemen in sacks with 5.5 and QB hurries with 10. Only OLB, Ryan Kerrigan, surpassed him in those categories on the team.
Hatcher was given a $9 million signing bonus as part of his contract. The pro-rated portion of that in addition to his $3 million guaranteed salary for 2015 add up to a $5.25 million cap hit in 2015. It would actually cost the Redskins a $6.75 million cap hit if they cut Hatcher so he is going nowhere.
Hatcher needs to have a big season in 2015
Hatcher will get a chance to play RDE in a more attacking 3-4 that is expected to be run by new DC, Joe Barry. Hatcher will also line up at DT when the Redskins go to a 4 man line in passing situations. That is basically the same role he was expected to play in 2014.
Hatcher needs to have a big season in 2015 and avoid the injuries that curtailed his 2014 season. He is due a $6.5 million salary in 2016 when his cap hit will be $8.75 million. Unless he provides the dominance the Redskins desire, he won’t be kept for the 2016 season.
Hatcher had 11 sacks for the Dallas Cowboys, playing DT in 2013. He isn’t expected to match those numbers with the Redskins due to the different style of defense the Redskins employ. He should improve on the 5.5 sacks he had in 2014 and anchor the Redskins interior pass rush.
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