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DeAngelo Hall takes pay cut to remain with Washington Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts with defensive back Jeron Johnson (20) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) reacts with defensive back Jeron Johnson (20) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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There had been some speculation that the Washington Redskins would part ways with DeAngelo Hall this offseason. Now, it appears that will not be the case.

As expected, the Washington Redskins have made a move in regards to DeAngelo Hall. However, the move was not to cut the longtime Redskin, as many expected it may be. On Wednesday afternoon, Hall confirmed that he had agreed to take a pay cut prior to the 2017 NFL season. This will open up cap space for the Redskins, and should ensure that Hall remains with the team for one more year.

Coming into the season, Hall was entering the final season of a four year, $17 million contract that was expected to pay him $4.25 million in 2017. However, that price tag was a bit steep, given that Hall had only played in a total of 17 games over the previous three seasons of the contract. He has also suffered both an Achilles tear (2014) and an ACL tear (2016), so it was fair to question how well he would hold up and be able to bounce back from the most recent injury, especially since he is now 33 years old.

So because of this scenario, Hall elected to take a pay cut of about $2 million. He will now make $2.3 million during the season, and that is a much more palatable number for the Redskins.

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The fact is that Hall is going to be a backup for the team anyway. The Redskins already have two young starters at safety in Su’a Cravens and D.J. Swearinger. Of course, one or both could struggle early, but Hall will be there to mentor them and step in if an injury occurs. Hall will work alongside Will Blackmon, and it will be interesting to see who the Redskins choose to be their fifth safety. The top candidates are Deshazor Everett, fourth round rookie Montae Nicholson, and undrafted rookie Fish Smithson.

Overall, this agreement is a bit similar to the deal that Kory Lichtensteiger agreed to before last season. Last season, Lichtensteiger took a pay cut of $1.25 million in order to stay with the team and compete for the starting center job. He ultimately landed on injured reserve early in the season, lost his job, and then retired in the offseason. If Hall can stay healthy, he will likely see a similar role as a veteran that can play some snaps, but will not be the most talented player at his position.

Next: Washington Redskins running back preview 2017

The Redskins were in a tough situation in regards to Hall. They could have been forced to make a difficult decision and cut one of their long term players to open up extra playing time and cap room. Thankfully, Hall decided that being in Washington was more important than money. Now, he will get a chance to stay with the team as he inches closer to retirement, and the Redskins get $2 million in cap room to play around with.

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