5 Big-Name Free Agents the Redskins Won’t Sign in 2016

ILB Derrick Johnson

With Perry Riley Jr. considered a possible cap casualty and limited starting-caliber talent behind him on the depth chart, the Redskins would be wise to address the inside linebacker position this offseason. They could rely on Will Compton and Mason Foster moving forward, but chances are that plan of action won’t yield promising results in 2016.

One of the top inside linebackers on the market this offseason is Johnson, who has spent his entire NFL career starring in the middle for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, if the Redkins are smart, they’ll stay as far away from him as possible during free agency.

While there’s no denying that he’s a talented linebacker capable of making big plays on a consistent basis, Johnson is going to be 34 before the 2016 campaign is over. At his (relatively) old age, he’s injury prone and is only a year removed from a torn Achilles. He’s an outstanding talent, but there’s no need to invest significant money in a player who doesn’t have much mileage left.