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Redskins should consider adding DL Robert Nkemdiche if Cardinals cut him

By Jacob Camenker

CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche #90 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates his sack of quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche #90 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates his sack of quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Robert Nkemdiche was a former first-round pick by the Cardinals. He hasn’t yet lived up to expectations at the NFL level, but the Redskins could revive his career if Arizona releases him.

When the Arizona Cardinals selected Robert Nkemdiche with the 29th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, it had the makings of a potential steal. Nkemdiche had all the physical talent in the world and once was considered to be a potential top-five pick in that class. Instead, concerns about his work ethic and motor dropped him to the late first round where the Cardinals happily scooped him up.

However, Nkemdiche’s first three seasons in Arizona were underwhelming, to say the least. In his first two seasons, he had just 12 tackles and no sacks. He was playing behind some talent on the defensive line his rookie year, but even with an increase in playing time, he struggled. He finally started to get his legs under him last year in Steve Wilks’ defense and notched 4.5 sacks. However, a late-season ACL tear knocked him out, and it appears that his time with the Cardinals is over.

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Cardinals are likely to cut Nkemdiche. This is a fair move, as Nkemdiche hasn’t lived up to expectations during his tenure with the team. Still, he doesn’t turn 25 until December and has plenty of upside. For that reason, teams may have an interest in him if he hits the open market.

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The Redskins should be one of those squads. While the team has plenty of talent on their starting defensive front in Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis, they could use some extra depth. Stacy McGee could be a cap casualty, so the team will need to add a low-cost option to compete with Tim Settle and Caleb Brantley for playing time. Nkemdiche would fit the bill.

Nkemdiche would be given a chance to develop with one of the league’s best defensive line coaches, Jim Tomsula. Under his tutelage, it’s possible that the Ole Miss product could finally start to live up to his potential and play a role as a rotational pass rusher in the team’s 3-4 alignment. Worst case scenario, he continues to be a bust and the team can move on from him. Best case scenario, he helps to further bolster one of the ‘Skins’ biggest strengths.

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Nkemdiche wouldn’t cost much on the open market, especially since he’s coming off a torn ACL, and he would probably sign a one-year, “prove-it” deal. He could look for a better opportunity to earn a starting job, but in Washington, he would have a chance to really get coached up. So, the team should try and get him if he’s cut, as he would be a low-risk, very high-reward type of player.

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