Redskins LB Zach Brown happy to have long-term security, help up front

For the first time in a long time, Washington Redskins linebacker has long-term security. With a place to call home, he’s noticeably happy.

The Washington Redskins carried little momentum into the negotiation period of the offseason, and when the first wave of free agency passed without a deal with Zach Brown, it was believed by many that the Washington Redskins were preparing for life without their starting linebacker.

Not long after the first wave, however, the Washington Redskins managed to come to an agreement. It seemingly came out of nowhere, and it locked Zach Brown up for three years.

The linebacker, who’d previously played in three consecutive contract years, one with the Titans, one with the Bills, and one with Washington, now has a bit of long-term security, something he hasn’t had in a long time. And in a recent video, via Redskins.com, Brown, with a wide smile, expressed joy about his new home.

"It’s good to be back. It’s great to see a lot of people healthy out there, running around. Still great to see a lot of people healthy right now because last year, three or four people were hurt already. It’s exciting to see everyone progressing. Excited about the D-Line. Yeah! Real excited about them."

The extra “yeah” for emphasis is a little detail, but it’s genuinely pleasing to see Brown so happy about his situation in Washington. And he has plenty of reason to be. Having a solid defensive line can do wonders for a linebacking core, and Brown knows it better than most. Check out more on what he had to say on the matter here:

The Washington Redskins were right to keep Zach Brown. It could end up working out in the best way for both parties. On the side of the team, the Redskins needed to keep his speed in the middle of the field. His presence keeps the defense relevant, and he was one of the NFL’s most active linebackers last year, showing a propensity to make the play-ending tackle, while also showing potential in coverage with his speed.

On the flip side, Washington is suddenly the best place for Brown. Brown fits the scheme to a tee, he has a very strong rapport with his partner, Mason Foster, and he finally has a defensive line that can hold its own and clog lanes, allowing Brown to free up his play. Brown says he’s lost fifteen pounds this offseason. He was already playing fast last year. Imagine what he could do in 2018, when he’s in even better shape, and when he has a competent, potentially dominant defensive line.

Next: 2018 NFL Coach Rankings: Where does Jay Gruden rank?

With the factors adding up in his favor, it’s safe to say that Zach Brown is heading toward a career year, if he can stay healthy. He’s an underrated piece of the Washington Redskins defensive cast. If all goes as planned, he can truly be one of the best overall linebackers in the NFL. He’s as confident as he’s ever been, his supporting cast is as strong as it’s ever been, and with a place to call home, perhaps he knows what he’s playing for.