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Redskins: A brief history of why Bruce Allen should be on the hot seat

By Matt Hines

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: (C) Bruce Allen, the new general manager of the Washington Redskins, talks on the field before the game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on December 21, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. Allen replaces Vinny Cerrato, who resigned last week. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: (C) Bruce Allen, the new general manager of the Washington Redskins, talks on the field before the game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on December 21, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. Allen replaces Vinny Cerrato, who resigned last week. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /
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ASHBURN, VA – JANUARY 09: Jay Gruden (L) poses for a photo with Washington Redskins Executive Vice President and General Manager Bruce Allen after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins during a press conference at Redskins Park on January 9, 2014 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA – JANUARY 09: Jay Gruden (L) poses for a photo with Washington Redskins Executive Vice President and General Manager Bruce Allen after he was introduced as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins during a press conference at Redskins Park on January 9, 2014 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Allen’s fourth and fifth years

In 2013, things hit rock bottom on Washington. Through free agency they added nonstarters such as E.J. Biggers and Darryl Tapp. They went on to re-sign Fred Davis, DeAngello Hall, and Rex Grossman. Davis was ultimately suspended indefinitely by the NFL, Hall was past his prime, and Grossman, well, he was Rex Grrossman.

The seven-player 2013 draft class only yielded two players of any significance. Third round pick Jordan Reed and fifth round pick Chris Thompson, both still on the team today. Second round pick David Amerson was a bust with the Redskins but later hit his stride in Oakland. The Redskins finished 3-13 in Allen’s fourth year, last place in the division resulting in the termination of Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

In 2014, Bruce Allen and the Redskins hired Jay Gruden as the clubs 28th head coach. While the Redskins had a new leader on the field, similar struggles continue in the box.

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Allen signed 30 year old Jason Hatcher to a 4 year $27.5 million dollar contract. Hatcher played two years in Washington recording 7.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. He retired following the 2015 season due to injury. Allen went on to sign Andre Roberts to a 4 year $16 million contract. This signing became wasted money after the team went on to sign DeSean Jackson following his release from the Eagles. In fairness, no one knew Jackson would be available but Allen failed to move Roberts which resulted in him becoming the highest paid No. 4 receiver in the league.

Allen also signed former Browns guard Shawn Lauvao to a 4 year $17 million dollar contract. While Lavuao is still on the team today, he has not been a worthwhile investment. The team also re-signed Chris Baker and Perry Riley, good moves at the time. Allen rounded out his free agent class with guys like Tracy Porter and Darryl Sharpton.

Where things started to look up for Allen was his 2014 draft class which was by far his most successful. Trent Murhpy, Morgan Moses, Spencer Long, Bashaud Breeland, and Ryan Grant drafted in that order all started or were set to start games in 2017.  Their impact wasn’t felt immediately but all showed potential. The Redskins finished 4-12 in Allen’s year as fifth year, last in the division.

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