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NFL Free Agency: 3 players who the Redskins could still logically sign

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #41 of the New York Giants knels on the field during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 24: Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #41 of the New York Giants knels on the field during the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 23-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Coming into the offseason, a lot of the buzz at the rush linebacker position was around Trent Murphy. It was clear that the Redskins wanted to retain him, and it wasn’t expected that he would have a huge market. However, his market ended up being hot, and he signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills instead. That opened up a hole at the No. 3 edge rush position that needs to be filled.

The Redskins could choose to fill this need easily. In fact, very easily. Junior Galette was a free agent heading into the 2018 offseason, and he is still on the market. Galette was a solid rotational option for the team last year, and has a history of producing at a high rate. So, he could be a very logical fit in that role for another season.

I spoke in depth about why the Redskins have to strongly consider bringing back Galette in a recent piece. Here’s what I said about his abilities in that piece.

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"While Galette may be looking for a starting job, and starter money at that, the market may not develop much for him. It’s worth noting that while he did play all 16 games in 2017, he had missed the previous two seasons in full due to Achilles tears. A team relying on Galette would need to have a solid insurance policy if they are going to use him as a top option. That said, the Redskins could bring him back and have him reprise his role as a quality pressure man who often set the table for Kerrigan and other players on the defense. He could improve with another fully healthy offseason under his belt, and that would make his comeback all the more impressive."

Aside from Galette’s strong ability, the Redskins need to keep a quality backup in the fold if they want to have that position remain a strength. It was weakened by the departure of Trent Murphy, so keeping Galette would be huge to mitigate that loss.

Also, it’s worth noting that not many rumors have swirled around regarding Galette. That could mean he will be involved in the secondary wave of free agent activity, or it could mean that he is garnering less interest than initially expected. Either way, the Redskins should try to jump and make a move soon, as retaining Galette would be a high-quality move for the team.

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