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Chris Thompson Signs One Year Tender To Remain With Washington Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) rushes the ball as New York Giants defensive back Trevin Wade (31) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) rushes the ball as New York Giants defensive back Trevin Wade (31) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the deadline for restricted free agent offers had passed, Chris Thompson quickly decided to remain with the Washington Redskins.

Coming into this offseason, there was some buzz about Chris Thompson. The former Florida State Seminole was set to be a restricted free agent, and some thought that he could end up switching teams. After all, the Redskins have a logjam at running back and are looking to add one in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. If Thompson had elected to sign an offer sheet with another team, then he could have possibly left the team.

However, once the Redskins tendered Thompson at a second round level, this possibility seemed unlikely. In such a strong class of running backs, no team was going to give up a second round pick for a third down back who is too small to be a workhorse. That essentially meant that Thompson was going to be back with the Redskins.

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Still, Thompson played it cool and waited until the end of the offer sheet period. No team offered him anything, and he quickly signed his tender after that. The deal will be worth just over $2.7 million for just the 2017 season. This means that Thompson will be a free agent again in 2018, this time unrestricted.

This deal is looking like it should be beneficial to both sides. For now, the Redskins will retain one of their key offensive playmakers who is likely to reprise his role as the third down back with some change of pace duties as well. At the same time, this deal is not long term, so if the Redskins find a three down back in the draft, they can move on from Thompson if they want to.

For Thompson, this contract will give him his first big payday since being a fifth round pick. He will be able to prove himself again and then test the free agent waters to see if he can land a deal. Considering the success the New England Patriots have had with receiving backs, it is safe to say that interest in Thompson could be up league wide in 2018.

Next: Redskins Schedule Month-By-Month Breakdown

For now, this contract is great news. The Redskins backfield will bring back one of their biggest weapons and one of Kirk Cousins’ favorite targets. Thompson sticking around will help the team in 2017, and it would not surprise to see him function as the primary backup once again.

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