Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins: 3 edge rushers to target on the free agent market in 2018

By Jacob Camenker

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks downfield as he is pressured by outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks downfield as he is pressured by outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Shaq Barrett. 3. player. 45. . Rush Linebacker. Denver Broncos

Signing Shaq Barrett isn’t an easy move. The Broncos edge rusher is a young player with upside, and he is a free agent. But, if the price is right, the Redskins could opt to target him.

Over the course of four seasons with the Broncos, Barrett has been a quality rotational rusher. He was an unheralded, undrafted free agent out of Colorado State, who really came on during the 2015 season. He started six games and was able to record 5.5 sacks while rotating in with Shane Ray, Von Miller, and Demarcus Ware. Notably, he was able to force four fumbles as he showed a penchant for stripping the ball out. He also showed solid athletic ability and looked like a natural pass rusher.

In each of the past two seasons, Barrett has played well. He hasn’t made any huge strides, but it’s probable that he could be a quality second option in the right situation. It’s also notable that he was hampered by a hip injury during the 2017 season, so he never got to full strength, despite getting a career high nine starts. With an offseason of getting healthy under his belt, he could end up being a solid No. 2 option.

More from Commanders Free Agency

That’s something that the Redskins could use. Preston Smith is a long, athletic player, but he has been extremely inconsistent. Bringing in a guy like Barrett to platoon with Smith could be a good move, as the different looks they could offer with the duo would give the team some versatility. And that’s something that Greg Manusky should value.

Also, Barrett is just 25, so he’s a bit younger than both Trent Murphy (27) and Junior Galette (29), plus his injury history isn’t as extensive. So, that may be enough for the Redskins to consider inking him to a solid offer sheet. They may not be able to land him, but if they did, he would be a solid fit with the team.

Home/Commanders Free Agency