Redskins Free Agency: Previewing what will happen with the Redskins free agent inside linebackers
ILB Will Compton
The Redskins are going to be facing a very difficult decision to make about Will Compton. On one hand, the former defensive captain knows the team’s systems like the back of his hand and is a very good special teams player. On the other hand, Compton is not a great tackler and will only realistically return to the Redskins as a backup. That may not be a wise move for the long term.
Right now, the Redskins have a couple of linebackers under the age of 25 in Martrell Spaight and Josh Harvey-Clemons who have looked good at times during the 2017 season. Neither is consistent yet, but as backups and special teams players, they will be equal to or better than Compton.
Additionally, Zach Vigil has played well since being re-signed by the team midway through the 2017 campaign and he is under contract for another season. With Vigil on the roster, the team will have another player capable of stepping into Compton’s role as the third linebacker.
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As important as leadership is to NFL teams, it looks like special teams captain Niles Paul will stick around while defensive captain D.J. Swearinger is signed for another two years. The team could back out of his deal if they wanted to, but given his strong performance this year, there’s no need to do that. Thus, it’s looking very hard to find a spot for Compton on the team.
Compton will likely hit the free agent market and he could hang out there for a while. Teams likely won’t be too interested in him early on in the process, but eventually a suitor looking for special teams help and linebacker depth will come his way. Compton could fit in with the Chicago Bears or the Arizona Cardinals, so perhaps one of those teams will try and sign him.