Grading Redskins most controversial moves during roster cuts
Redskins waive DL Anthony Lanier, sign Caleb Brantley
There wasn’t much talk that Lanier could be a cut. But, just after the trim to 53, the Redskins waived him with an injury designation in order to pick up another young player in Brantley. The move could pay off, but it is a questionable one.
Lanier really showed growth as a pass rusher last year totaling five sacks in limited action. Under Jim Tomsula, it seemed that he had found a role and would be able to continue to function as a rotational interior rusher. Sure, he wasn’t great against the run, but his role would have been as a pass rusher. Still, the team parted with him, though they did designate him as injured in hopes of stashing him on the IR.
As for the newly signed Brantley, here’s what I had to say about him after he signed.
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"Brantley was a solid interior rusher for the Browns last season, totaling two sacks and 18 total tackles. He has upside and could have been an early-round pick had it not been for some off the field concerns. Adding Brantley adds some talent to an already solid defensive line unit and he could carve out a role with the team."
There’s no denying that Brantley has upside as an all-around player, and he will probably be a better run stuffer than Lanier. So, the move does make sense in that regard, as Brantley could provide that same type of interior rush while being better in other aspects of the game. The key word there is could.
This wasn’t the worst move the team could have made, but it certainly is an average one at best. Brantley could easily prove the front office and coaching staff right, but if his off-field issues or his spotty work ethic rear their heads, the move could backfire. For now, I have trouble giving this anything better than a C-range grade.