Washington Redskins reportedly interested in re-signing Brown, Breeland

There hasn’t been much chatter about pending Washington Redskins free agents, but now that coaches and reporters have arrived in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, talks have already begun to take flight.

At the start of the offseason, it was essentially a foregone conclusion that former fourth-round cornerback Bashaud Breeland would be allowed to test the market in free agency. Starting inside linebacker Zach Brown’s case was not as certain, but there was noticeable apprehension from the team to give him a deal, due to his hefty asking price.

Bashaud Breeland has been with the Washington Redskins since the start of his career in 2014. Over that time, he’s proven to be an above-average outside cornerback, and at just 26-years old, he has several peak years remaining. Since the trade of Kendall Fuller, Breeland’s re-signing has become an issue of greater importance.

Brown, meanwhile, was brought to D.C. last year, on a one-year deal, and he quickly emerged as a speedy starter at inside linebacker. Although he lacks desired coverage skills, he plays with an edge and he flies around the field.

Tangible interest from the Washington Redskins to re-sign these players has not been observed until now, it would seem. Per Josina Anderson, the Washington Redskins are still weighing their options. But they would like to have both defensive standouts back on their roster in 2018.

Of course, there is a different between wanting someone and the realistically having the ability to keep someone. Per Spotrac, Bashaud Breeland’s value on the market is projected to hover around $7 million. And if Brown is truly commanding the value of a top three linebacker in the NFL, as detailed in the tweet above, then he could end up seeking well above $10 million. The top paid linebackers in 2017 were Bobby Wagner, Luke Kuechly, and Alec Ogletree. They made $13.6 million, $13 million, and $11 million, respectively.

The Washington Redskins will have approximately $32 million in cap space once Alex Smith’s deal hits the books on the opening day of the league year. Were they to re-sign Breeland for $7 million and Brown for $11.5 million, they would eat well over half of their cap space by signing just two players. With just $13.5 million left in cap space, their free agency flexibility would be hindered greatly, and for a team that needs to do some shopping this offseason, that is not ideal.

Based on Bruce Allen’s recent habits of frugality (a la Stacy McGee and Terrelle McClain, 2017), a reasonable expectations seems to be that only one of these players dons the burgundy and gold in 2018, and even then, it’s not a guarantee.

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With the lack of a third round pick this year, however, the Washington Redskins may make a more concerted effort than usual to keep their own star players. As always, it’s all about the money. And whether Breeland and Brown remain in 2018 will ultimately come down to dollar signs.