Three reasons why the Redskins need an impact draft this year

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "ON THE CLOCK" for the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "ON THE CLOCK" for the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 21: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Redskins looks on during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – Redskins have limited cap space

When the Redskins made the trade for Alex Smith last year and signed him to an extension, it seemed like they had finally solved their quarterback dilemma. However, with the gruesome leg injury Smith sustained, it is very likely that he is not playing in 2019, and that contract extension has now put Washington in a serious bind, as they have limited cap room to maneuver.

At the moment the Redskins only have around $20 million in cap room and a roster that is still unsettled. Adrian Peterson, Preston Smith, Jamison Crowder, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are just a few of the free agents the team should be looking at potentially retaining. Also, Landon Collins is a name many fans, myself included, would like to add in free agency. They will also have to sign a quarterback if they do not want to go into 2019 with just Colt McCoy and Josh Johnson.

With such a small amount of cap room, this is why it is vital the Redskins take advantage of the rookie wage scale and find some cheap, young, quality starters in the draft this year. They do not have the luxury to be overly active in free agency like other teams do. And yes, while they can do restructuring with some of the current contracts and create more cap room, the draft is ultimately their best option at replenishing talent.