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Washington Redskins must make Zach Brown a priority in free agency

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Zach Brown #53 and Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins sack quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Zach Brown #53 and Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins sack quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Inside linebacker Zach Brown was an impact player on the Washington Redskins defense in 2017. Because of this, the front office must make him a priority in free agency.

Last off-season Washington got a bargain with the acquisition of Zach Brown. Signed to a one-year, 4.65 million dollar deal, Brown sparked defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s unit with speed and athleticism. Brown finished ninth in the NFL in tackles, despite missing the final three games due to a foot injury.

Brown provided the Redskins with something they haven’t had since the days of London Fletcher. Fletcher relied on his instincts while Brown relies on his playmaking abilities. However, while playing, they both provided the Redskins with a sideline-to-sideline threat at middle linebacker. It’s unfortunate that injuries derailed a promising season for the Redskins defense.

According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Redskins allowed 2.94 yards per rushing attempt when defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, and linebackers Mason Foster and Zach Brown shared the field. Foster was retained earlier in the offseason and Allen should be healthy from foot surgery by the time next season starts.

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When healthy, these players helped create a unit to be feared. But for much of the season, they were unavailable due to injuries, and as a result, Washington finished at No. 32 in the NFL in run defense, allowing 131.4 yards per game.

By trading for Alex Smith, the cap situation is more bright for the Redskins front office. The team now has approximately $36 million dollars in cap space. They didn’t have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to Kirk Cousins and can now spend some money on the defense. The Redskins should not only retain Brown, but they should add a few more run-defenders. Signing a quality cornerback should also be a point of emphasis.

The Redskins have had interest in nose tackle Bennie Logan for quite some time. At defensive back, Malcolm Butler would be an ideal upgrade, but the team could find a bargain in Colts cornerback  Rashaan Melvin. The five-year pro has played four teams in his career. However, he had his best season as a pro last year with 30 tackles, 13 passes defended, and three interceptions in 10 games.

Next: Why Junior Galette deserves to be re-signed

The Redskins should be big spenders in free agency, but first, they need to take care one of their own in Zach Brown. Brown is the piece that completes the defense, the sideline-to-sideline threat on the second level, and he should be the priority for the team moving forward.

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