Redskins release veteran defensive lineman Ziggy Hood

The Redskins have parted ways with one of their senior members on the front seven.

Much was made of the Washington Redskins revamped defensive line in the offseason. In recent years, the team’s front four was a glaring weakness, one that teams exploited weak in and weak out. Last season, the Redskins finished dead last in run defense, leading many pundits and draft analysts to believe they would bolster the unit in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Washington opted to go this route, despite the depth at the position in the draft class, and they came away with Alabama standout Daron Payne. Payne was expected to complete a unit already equipped with impact players such as Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, and fifth-round pick Tim Settle. He has done just that.

The Redskins’ defensive line has been inconsistent, but for the most part, it’s been a bright spot on a Redskins team that is 3-2, leading the NFC East a third of the way through the season. The youth movement is one reason the Redskins are competing with the best of the best, and it’s also a reason they opted to let veteran defensive lineman Ziggy Hood go earlier today. D.C. sports reporter Ben Standig reported the news on Twitter.

The move comes as a slight surprise, as Hood had been a member of the Redskins defensive line since 2016. He was never a dominant player, but he provided a veteran presence and solid depth. That said, Hood didn’t take a snap in the team’s victory over the Carolina Panthers. He was subtly expendable.

Washington’s release of Hood guarantees one thing: The coaches are very confident in their young defensive line. But what else does it imply? With Hood gone, there is an open spot on the roster, one that the Redskins could use to upgrade at a number of key spots. The offensive line has been an issue, as has the wide receiver position. Will Washington make a move for a player, either trading or making an Adrian Peterson-esque signing, or will they take the easy route, and elevate a player from the practice squad?

In time, we will have the answer. With Hood gone, Caleb Brantley could end up being active on game days. Then, we would truly see a full-blown youth movement in action.