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3 free agent safeties the Redskins should consider signing in 2019

By Jacob Camenker

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants celebrates after breaking up a pass against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants celebrates after breaking up a pass against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks intercepts a pass against tight end Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 23: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks intercepts a pass against tight end Blake Jarwin #89 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 23, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Earl Thomas. 3. player. 36. . Safety. Seahawks

Had Earl Thomas not gotten hurt last season, he could have been at the top of this list. Or, he could have at least been the No. 2 option. However, his leg injury from last season definitely hurt his value and the 30-year-old will face some uncertainty coming into the season.

Thomas has long been one of the best safeties in the NFL. He excels in coverage and is great against the run. He truly is one of the best players in the league, and he was the unsung hero of the Legion of Boom. But now, there are questions about how he will be able to perform coming off a serious injury.

In just four games before being hurt last season, Thomas was able to rack up 22 tackles and a ridiculous three interceptions in just 237 defensive snaps. That would have put him on pace for 12 picks last season, and it’s clear that he remains one of the top ballhawks in the league. If he can prove to be healthy, he should return to elite form, as safeties can often play well into their mid-30s. Even if he was just above-average, that would be a huge upgrade for the Redskins at safety.

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Thomas would provide the Redskins with a playmaker, experience, and leadership potential. He could fill the void left behind by D.J. Swearinger, though it is possible that Thomas’ own outspoken nature could be a turn-off for the insecure Washington front office. For that reason, plus the fact that the ‘Skins don’t figure to be title contenders in 2019, would make it less likely for him to come to Washington.

Still, if the Redskins wanted an upgrade at safety that will be available, Thomas could be that guy. He would help to solidify one of the weakest links on the team’s defense and for that reason, the team should consider trying to target him to bring the defense to the next level.

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