Redskins worked out running back Travaris Cadet earlier in week

The Washington Redskins struggled to run the ball in their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. They reportedly worked out Travaris Cadet in the immediate aftermath of the game.

Throughout the NFL, it is common to see teams work out veteran players early on in the season to see what they have left in the tank. Last year, the Washington Redskins did this with Donte Whitner after they had safety issues early in the season. They ended up signing Whitner for the remained of the season to provide depth for the team.

This year, the Redskins appear to be doing similar work in regards to working out veterans. After their loss in the season opener to the Eagles, the team decided to work out long time New Orleans Saints running back Travaris Cadet, who also had brief stints with the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers. This was first reported by ESPN’s Field Yates and occurred on Monday.

It makes a lot of sense for the Redskins to at least work out Cadet. As Yates put it, the Redskins were doing their due diligence, and that is pretty much correct. The Redskins already have four running backs on the active roster, and it’s unlikely that Cadet would make a major difference. However, the team now knows what Cadet still has in the tank, and they can determine whether or not he would be a fit on the roster.

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Over the course of his NFL career, Cadet has been used almost exclusively as a receiving back. In fact, he only has 26 carries carries over the course of his NFL career compared to 102 receptions. Cadet became the passing back for the Saints after the departure of Darren Sproles, and did an admirable job of replacing him. Still, he is limited because his between the tackles ability is not great despite his 6-foot-1, 210 pound frame.

It would be hard for the Redskins to find a real spot for Cadet. He is too similar of a player to Chris Thompson, but isn’t quite as explosive as the smaller Florida State product. If Thompson were to get hurt, then the Redskins could consider bringing in Cadet as a replacement to fill the similar role. But still, bringing on Cadet with Thompson on the roster would make little sense, and it would come at the expense of Samaje Perine and Mack Brown.

The only place that Cadet could possibly fit in would be as a kick returner. He has decent skills in that department, but most of his success came in his first two seasons. Last year, he only averaged 14 yards per return, which is an uninspiring total, though it was in a small, 10 return sample size.

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Overall, this is just a case of a team checking up on a veteran player. Cadet is still only 28, so he has some upside. Now, the Redskins know what he is capable of and can add him if they think it’s worth it. However, it seems more likely that the Redskins will not sign Cadet and they will roll with the running back crew that they already have. Cadet wouldn’t move the needle for their group.