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Washington Redskins Outlook: First Round Linebacker Is The Best Option

By Jacob Camenker

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) is tackled by Washington Redskins linebacker Will Compton (51) during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower (54) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Not Free Agency?

The 2017 free agent class has one big name linebacker in it that the Redskins should consider trying to sign. Dont’a Hightower, a member of the New England Patriots, is going to be hitting the open market. He is one of the most versatile players in the league, as he can work as an edge rusher, middle linebacker, or and outside backer. Adding him would give the Redskins a truly solid starter.

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However, obtaining Hightower’s service would be difficult. According to Spotrac.com, Hightower’s projected annual salary is $10.1 million. That type of deal would make him the third highest paid inside linebacker in the league. Given that Hightower has only played a full season once in his career, the Redskins may not want to pay him that amount of money. Another team would be more likely to outbid them. Even still, the Patriots are probably going to make re-signing Hightower a priority this offseason so he may never see the market.

The other solid option on the market is an under the radar one. Gerald Hodges played for the San Francisco 49ers this past year, but he put together one of the best seasons of his career. I had the team signing him in our early offseason simulation, but there are some questions about how he would fit into a 3-4 scheme. For this reason, the Redskins should stay away from Hodges unless it is a very team friendly deal.

Aside from those two, the free agent market has few players who would be an upgrade over what they have. Sure, Zach Brown could repeat the success that he had in Buffalo, but he is a one-year wonder who was an excellent fit in the Rex Ryan defense. He may be worth a chance, but he may be looking to chase money after his first really successful season.

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