Redskins: 5 veteran options to acquire to create more competition at left guard
49. . Offensive Guard. Green Bay Packers. Jahri Evans. 1. player
Some may not like the idea of adding a 34-year-old as a stopgap option on the offensive line. Some will say that Jahri Evans, who turns 35 before the start of the 2018 season, is too old to be a productive player and that he could decline at any time. However, I think that Evans should be a top potential add for the Redskins.
Throughout Evans’ storied career, he has started 183 games and made the Pro Bowl six times from 2009-2014. Most of his action came over 11 years with the Saints, but he spent 2017 with the Packers. And he put forth a solid season. Evans was ranked as the No. 30 guard in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, and though he graded out as an average player, the rankings for guards tend to be lower. Ranking 30th in the league still ranks him in the top half of starters, as there are 64 starting guards in the NFL.
But, I digress. Despite his age, Evans is still a solid, powerful guard. He may not have a lot of time left in the NFL, but taking a one-year flyer on him may be a smart move. The Redskins could have him compete for the starting job with Lauvao, and at the very worst, Evans would be cut just before the season. Regardless, bringing him in to compete would be a good move.
With Evans in the fold, the Redskins would suddenly have a truly strong, veteran option who knows what it takes to be one of the best in the game. And additionally, Evans has only missed nine games during his whole 12-year career, so that would be an upgrade over the constantly banged up Lauvao.
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In short, adding Evans to compete with Lauvao, Bergstrom, and Clemmings would be a smart move. He could have a shot to win the starting job, and he would come at a lower price. Adding him if he wants to come to Washington would be a no-brainer. The Redskins made a similar move a couple years ago when they signed Cullen Jenkins, so maybe they will give Evans a call as they see more out of their candidates to start at left guard.