Washington Redskins: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time

The 2000s were not kind to the Redskins from a free agency standpoint. There are multiple surnames that still stand as infamous reminders of costly free agency miscues.

But while the Redskins peaked in their failings in the 2000s, they did occasionally succeed in acquiring good value. One such example of that was the signing of defensive end Andre Carter, who came to Washington after underwhelming in his first five years with the San Francisco 49ers.

Carter, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, was inconsistent in San Francisco, but the Redskins still decided to give him a six-year, $30 million contract, to see where his untapped potential could lead.

With a subtle position change, Carter grew more comfortable in D.C., and he experienced more composite success. He broke the 10-sack mark twice; once in 2007 (10.5) and once in 2009 (11.0).

He proved to be a turnover threat as a strip-sack artist, and he managed to stick around for five of the six years listed on his contract. Given that the six-year contract was signed when Carter was 27, it’s a plus that he lasted until he was 31.

Carter’s success was not completely expended after his days in Washington. He’d make his only Pro Bowl the year after leaving Washington, serving as a defensive end for the New England Patriots.

But Carter’s tenure with the Redskins proved to be the most productive of his career. His potential as a free agent was maximized. While his success pales in comparison to embarrassing signings like Albert Haynesworth and Adam Archuleta, players like Carter at least provide a bit of respite.