Redskins Free Agency: Previewing what will happen with the Redskins free agent inside linebackers
ILB Zach Brown
There’s no doubt that Zach Brown was one of the most meaningful additions to the Redskins prior to the 2017 season. Though he was signed late in the free agent period, the Redskins were in desperate need of a three-down linebacker when he inked the agreement. The deal has turned out to be a bargain for the team.
Brown’s deal was only a one year, $2.3 million pact, but he has definitely earned a raise heading into the 2018 offseason. Brown currently is tied for the league lead in tackles with 127 and his energy has completely transformed the Washington defense. Once known as a sloppy unit that lacked fundamentals, Brown’s solid tackling ability rubbed off on his teammates and early in the year, the defense was one of the best in the league. Injuries eventually took their toll, but make no mistake. Brown was part of that defensive resurgence.
The team has already reportedly been engaging in extension talks with Brown. It seems like both sides have an interest in teaming up which makes a lot of sense, especially considering that Brown was largely ignore on the free agent market until the Skins stepped in. The duo has a mutual need, so it would be nice to see the two sides unite once again.
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If Brown does hit the market, he will have plenty of suitors. Teams like the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers could come calling as both have a tendency to like athletic linebackers. However, it seems far more likely that Brown will remain in Washington one way or another. They simply need him too much the let him walk away.