Why the Redskins shouldn’t have cut CB Orlando Scandrick
In recent news, Orlando Scandrick was cut by the Washington Redskins, a move that shouldn’t have happened.
Orlando Scandrick signed a two-year contract with the Washington Redskins back in March, worth up to $10 million. It was a move that was thought to bring some stability to the secondary. Unfortunately, Jay Gruden and the Redskins don’t see it that way anymore.
Scandrick was originally brought in to replace Kendall Fuller, who was lost in the Alex Smith trade. Scandrick was going to fill the slot corner spot, a place where Fuller previously thrived. All this was done before the draft so Washington could take some pressure off of themselves.
According to Jay Gruden, the younger cornerbacks have impressed at camp and the coaching staff wants to give them more reps and opportunities. Thus, Scandrick was released from the team. The young core consists of Quinton Dunbar, Fabian Moreau, Danny Johnson, and Greg Stroman.
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Yes, I understand and fully support the development of young players. They are the future of this team. However, that shouldn’t dictate why we cut a smart and proven veteran player. The Redskins defense was already extremely suspect last season and it’s worrisome that that majority of the responsibility will be left in the hands of inexperienced players.
Young talent needs to rely on veteran guidance and leadership. Of course, Josh Norman and D.J. Swearinger will bring the leadership desired by the team, but let’s think about the long season ahead. The Redskins have a tough schedule that will result in many close games. This is where someone like Scandrick can step in and make the correct play. There’s no second guessing his decision making because he’s been in that situation before.
Dunbar has come into his own and it’s great that Johnson, Storman, and Moreau are performing well in camp. But I still would prefer Scandrick in close situations. Inexperienced players are tough to trust at the end of the game. Gruden and Greg Manusky could have easily provided more reps and opportunities without cutting Scandrick.
I think most of us assume that Washington has a good chance at a playoff berth this season. Gruden is making a bold move here with this decision, especially since he’s considered to be on the hot seat for this coming season.
Scandrick’s resume speaks for himself. He’s a proven veteran that has gotten the job done for the majority of his NFL career. He tallied up 406 tackles, 8 interceptions, 63 pass deflections, 8 forced fumbles, and 11.5 sacks. Realistically, Scandrick didn’t even need to start. This, at the very least, is a player that can be on the sideline and help coach and mentor this young Redskins secondary.
The Redskins still have options of signing additional veterans if any injuries occur. Despite this, I think, in the long run, this could haunt the Redskins in a pivotal game that could determine the playoff fate for Washington. In my opinion, veterans always prove to be useful, especially towards the end of the season. Scandrick would have given the Redskins stability and continued depth at the corner position. Both are immensely important to a developing defense.
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Washington can’t afford to make many mistakes this coming season, especially with Derrius Guice being lost to the ACL tear. If we would have cut Scandrick for just being a former Dallas Cowboy, then I would be in full support. But this was a very questionable move at an early time in the preseason.