Redskins Free Agency: Previewing what will happen with the Redskins free agent defensive linemen
NT Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor was one of the more intriguing offseason additions for the Redskins in 2017. Signed to a futures contract, Taylor impressed the coaching staff in the offseason and he was expected to be the starter at nose tackle. He looked back to the solid form he had in his rookie season with the Browns and the Redskins were happy considering the major need they had at the position.
Unfortunately, Taylor ended up suffering a quad injury in the preseason and the team was forced to place him on IR. He was the fourth player the team put on IR this season and they now have nearly 20 on the list. So, a lot has changed since that time. What hasn’t changed is the immense upside that Taylor could bring to the Skins.
Taylor has the potential to be a starter, and the Redskins need a true nose tackle. Ziggy Hood has filled in admirably at the position, but he should be an end in the 3-4 scheme. He doesn’t have the proper size to play the nose. So, bringing back Taylor would buy the Redskins some time to find a young nose tackle and groom him into a potential starter. In the meantime, Taylor would provide them a security blanket provided that he can stay healthy for the upcoming season.
Next: Previewing Redskins free agent rush linebackers
If Taylor hits the market, some team will take a chance on him to become a productive nose tackle. Maybe not as a starter, but as a high upside backup. The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears could have interest in inking him to a one-year deal. But at the end of the day, Taylor staying in Washington makes too much sense. The team’s biggest weakness is at the nose tackle position and Taylor looked good in the system early in the offseason. Expect him to return on another one-year contract to try and make his return to the NFL.