Ranking the Redskins’ impending free agents in order of importance

2. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Clinton-Dix is such a hard evaluation for the Redskins. On one hand, the team is devoid of talent at the safety position after cutting D.J. Swearinger. They still have Montae Nicholson, but if Clinton-Dix leaves, Deshazor Everett would be the starter. Everett is more of a top backup, as we’ve seen in the past, so that doesn’t seem like the best option.

Based on the players the ‘Skins have at safety, one would think that Clinton-Dix would be the top target to re-sign. And that argument could be made. However, there is one glaring problem that has to be addressed before the team makes a final decision on whether or not to bring back Clinton-Dix.

The problem? He wasn’t very good for the team last season.

Clinton-Dix came over in a midseason trade from the Packers and at the time, he was supposed to be the missing link to finish the team’s secondary. Instead, he was solid at times, but missed too many tackles and blew some coverages as well. He freelanced a bit too much, and it clearly cost the team.

The fact that Clinton-Dix was acquired midway through the season does have to be taken into account. But the fact of the matter is that his reputation didn’t match his play in the second half of the season. He definitely has the talent to improve, and the team should consider re-signing him because of that. But still, it’s tough to recommend paying big bucks to a player that didn’t perform well in his time with the team.

Still, the void at safety dictates that the Redskins have to make Clinton-Dix a priority. If they don’t land him, they’ll have to consider some of the other top options that will be available at safety this offseason.