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Redskins: It’s time to get the ball rolling on extension talks with Zach Brown

By Ian Cummings

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is pressured by inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 05: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is pressured by inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter of the game against the Washington Redskins at CenturyLink Field on November 5, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Redskins won 17-14. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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The Redskins can’t keep everyone this offseason. That’s why they need to start the conversation with Zach Brown’s camp. As soon as possible.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t high on the North Carolina product coming into the season. His lack of a consistent record of production concerned me, as did the rumors out of Buffalo that he was more interested in the money than the moment. I’ll eat crow. Give me a plate full of it. I was wrong.

Zach Brown is one of the best players on the Redskins’ defense, if not the best. He flies around the field, making his presence known wherever the ball goes. He came into Sunday’s 17-14 win leading the league in tackles, and he left with the same honor, and he added a sack as well. He plays with an attitude. Never quit. He’s one of the players who’s contributed to the winning culture in Ashburn this year.

On the season, Brown has 86 tackles in eight games, on pace for over 170 by year’s end, and he also has 2.5 sacks to add onto his impressive totals. On defense, the most important thing, once a player has the ball, is to make contact, and Zach Brown is the best player on the Redskins’ roster when it comes to flying across the field and providing a physical impact. His speed and persistence are traits that permeate throughout the unit, and as a result, he’s been a key free agent signing. He doesn’t get enough credit for the Redskins’ improvements on defense.

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So what kind of payday could Zach Brown be working himself into? Well, assuming the Redskins do the right thing, and do everything in their power to lock down Brown for at least two more years, then his contract will revolve around last year’s tackling leader: Bobby Wagner. Last year, Brown was second place in tackles to Wagner. And this year, he has the playmaking linebacker beat by 14 tackles, through half of the season. No doubt, Brown and his camp will point to this as a cause for a deal similar to Wagner’s, if not more lucrative.

Wagner’s contract is back-loaded, so his salary is increasing each year, but in the end, it totals out to $43 million over six years, which averages out to a yearly salary of around $7 million. The Redskins will have a bit of negotiating room, however. Wagner received his contract when he was 25 years old. Brown recently turned 28. And stats aside, Brown, for all his good traits, isn’t a player comparable to the elite Bobby Wagner. But that’s what happens in this league. You pay for what you can get.

Nevertheless, Brown is a very good player, worthy of keeping. But his price tag could go through the roof if he keeps pace for the remaining half of the season. If he finishes out the year as strong or stronger than he’s been playing, his asking price could exceed $10 million a year. That’s a price tag the Redskins might not be willing to pay.

Next: Josh Doctson earns the trust a first-rounder should demand

There’s no guarantee Brown resigns. And there’s no guarantee that a resigning would be the best thing, financially, for the Redskins. But it’s best for them to at least get the ball rolling, and see what they’re looking at. Zach Brown has earned the consideration, at the very least.

(Oh, yeah. They should also sign Kirk Cousins long-term.)

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