Washington Redskins waive reserve running back LeShun Daniels

The Washington Redskins are getting to work on loosening the log jam at running back.

Coming into the offseason, the Washington Redskins had a bevy of serviceable backs and no starters. The depth chart previously consisted of Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, Chris Thompson, Kapri Bibbs, Dare Ogunbowale, and LeShun Daniels. Now, one name has been removed from that list. The Washington Redskins have released former Iowa Hawkeyes running back LeShun Daniels.

Daniels, a former undrafted free agent, was signed off of the practice squad midway through the 2017 season to help shore up the unit in the wake of injuries. He only played in four games, logging three carries for 14 yards.

Daniels’ release helps clear some change for the Washington Redskins, in terms of salary cap, and it also opens up another slot for a new running back to join the fold later int he offseason. The Washington Redskins have expressed a clear desire to improve in that area. By releasing Daniels, it confirms that the power back was not in the team’s plans moving forward.

Despite the need for a running back, the Washington Redskins have smartly avoided signing veterans off of the free agent market. Rather, the Washington Redskins appear to be leaning toward the 2018 NFL Draft to address that need. There are a number of options for them to choose from at that juncture, with varying degrees of value. Derrius Guice is a name to watch in Round 1, while Rashaad Penny, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and Kerryon Johnson are all backs with good upside in Round 2.

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LeShun Daniels never was able to work his way into the conversation as an option for the Washington Redskins as a starting back, but he is like all the others. Like Robert Kelley, Samaje Perine, Dare Ogunbowale, and maybe Kapri Bibbs (although he has upside). The Washington Redskins have not found their solution yet. That has become a priority for this offseason.