5 Bargain-Bin Free Agents the Redskins Should Target in 2016

ILB Jasper Brinkley

Based on what we saw last season, the Redskins have a serious need at inside linebacker. Perry Riley Jr. is an average talent, and one that may be sent packing this offseason based on his 2016 salary of $5 million. Will Compton is a young, raw talent with plenty of potential, but still has a lot to learn and spent most of 2015 struggling majorly against the run.

Brinkley would be a welcomed addition to the Washington defense, at least on early downs. After signing with the Giants at the start of the season, he made an immediate impact as one of the NFL’s best run defenders (ranked fourth among linebackers by ProFootballFocus). While he does struggle in coverage, Brinkley can make plays on passing downs as a blitzer.

His outstanding impact against the run may bring some added interest from potential suitors, but Brinkley will likely fly under the radar. Although he got $2 million to not play for the Cowboys after being cut, the Giants paid him only $745,000 to be one of the NFL’s best linebackers against the run. The Redskins can get rid of Riley, save $4 million against the cap and use a portion of that money to sign Brinkley.

Next: Quinton Coples