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Redskins sign Chris Thompson to a two year contract extension

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 9: Running back Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 9: Running back Chris Thompson #25 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Chris Thompson is entering his fifth season as a member of the Washington Redskins this season. He was on a one year deal, but the team awarded him with an extension on Tuesday.

One of the more interesting members of the Washington Redskins is running back Chris Thompson. The former fifth round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was widely considered to be a reach when the Redskins took him. At 5-foot-8, there were serious doubts about his abilities to function as an NFL running back. His small frame was going to make him injury prone and that would cause him to flounder.

Instead, Thompson has proven his doubters wrong. Despite his frame, Thompson has been a strong third down and passing back who has demonstrated solid ability as a between the tackles runner. He can never be a true workhorse back, but he is a versatile weapon who gives Jay Gruden options on offense.

For the reason, the Redskins decided to keep Thompson around for another couple of seasons. The team signed Thompson to a two year extension that will reportedly be worth $6.5 million in guarantees, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. This is a nice deal for Thompson, and the two sides definitely agreed on a mutually beneficial team.

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Compared to other running backs in the league, Thompson’s deal is about the average market value. Running back value has depreciated in recent seasons, and with Thompson being a passing down specialist, the team was able to get him at a very fair price.

Thompson is making $3.25 million per season, which is more than Danny Woodhead, a similar player, but less than two other similar guys in Theo Riddick and Bilal Powell. Thompson likely agreed to these terms with those players in mind, and that is probably what negotiations were based off. The initial terms of the contracts only specified the guarantees, so it will be interesting to see if there is other incentive based salary.

The Redskins have to be happy that they were able to keep Thompson. Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine are both unproven in the passing game, so having Thompson around for the next three years will be beneficial. It will allow Perine extra time to grow into a potential role as a workhorse back and if he doesn’t pan out, the team will be fine with a Kelley and Thompson manning the backfield until they find a No. 1 guy.

Next: Redskins finalize first depth chart of 2017

Thompson is just one of those guys who is easy to root for. He wasn’t expected to be much in the NFL, but he has developed into a strong No. 2 guys and provides value as a return man on special teams. The Redskins love his versatility, and this contract is great for both sides. It’s good that the Redskins were able to get some positive news leading up to game week, especially in wake of the whole Su’a Cravens situation.

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