Washington Redskins Must Continue To Upgrade Safety, Linebacker Positions
By Steve Herl
The Washington Redskins have some money left in free agency to make some moves. They need to focus on the safety and linebacker positions to upgrade the roster.
Somehow, possibly by cheating off notes left lying around by Scot McCloughan, the Washington Redskins have made some moves that may well improve their run defense. They have indeed overpaid but at least they have signed players who stop the run. And after losing their two top receivers the Redskins signed an interesting option in Terrelle Pryor. But there is much work to do to be ready for the draft.
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Safety and inside linebacker were the two greatest weaknesses coming into free agency and D.J. Swearinger, who signed for 3 years, $13.5 million, is a definite upgrade. In addition the Redskins have signed defensive linemen Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee as well as the aforementioned Pryor. They have also overpaid but re-signed Vernon Davis for 3 years for $15 million and have tendered others leaving approximately $8 million in cap space.
Somehow, the Redskins need to sign two NFL experienced inside linebackers and another safety before the draft. Having overpaid for several already signed free agents this will be difficult but not impossible. Su’a Cravens may someday be a great NFL safety but he needs a veteran to play behind this coming season. The Redskins should make a run at Ladarius Webb, just released by the Baltimore Ravens. After playing 7 years at cornerback, Webb moved to safety in 2016 and showed steady improvement. He could be the veteran who helps Cravens become a stud.
At the linebacker position, Washington should be trying to sign Gerald Hodges. The former San Francisco 49er was solid in 2016, and Stephen Culley of Bills Wire said the following of him:
"The 2016 season was Hodges breakout year for the 49ers, playing in 15 games and starting 12 of them. Despite his 88-tackle, three sack, two interception season, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Hodges last season. Between Weeks 4 and 6, Hodges disappeared from the lineup, seeing just 15 defensive snaps. In Week 15, Hodges was inactive as a team-sanctioned suspension for a “violation of team rules.”"
Hodges’ inconsistencies could make him a nice buy-low target for the team.
In addition to Hodges, the Redskins should make a run at linebacker Kevin Minter. Minter is a former 2nd round pick who,has been a disappointment but is still only 26 years old.
Running back, defensive end, offensive line, cornerback and quarterback should be addressed in the draft. Unless of course a miracle occurs and Washington either trades Kirk Cousins for the 2nd pick in this year’s NFL Draft, or if they sign him to a long term deal.
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In the meantime, there is work left to do in free agency. Safeties and linebackers were the need and they remain the need. Whoever is making the decisions should look for more post-it notes in McCloughan’s handwriting and finish the work.