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Predicting landing spots for the Redskins top-five pending free agents

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins runs after a catch in the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 26-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Jamison Crowder #80 of the Washington Redskins runs after a catch in the first quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 26-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins sits on the bench during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 10: Tackle Ty Nsekhe #79 of the Washington Redskins sits on the bench during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 10, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Both of the initial free agents on this list are at least 33 years old. That said, bringing back Ty Nsekhe is very important to the Redskins and has an important role to play on the squad.

For the past few seasons, Nsekhe has served as one of the best swing tackles in the NFL. He has filled in for Trent Williams and Morgan Moses at times, and he has also manned the guard position as well. Thanks to his massive 6-8 frame, Nsekhe has the combination of length and strength that a lot of teams look for in starting tackles.

Because of the health issues on the Redskins’ line, keeping Nsekhe is critical. While they seem likely to add help to their interior line via the draft and possibly free agency, their potential to add at the tackle position is a little less certain. They drafted Geron Christian in the third round last year, and while he didn’t perform well in his first year, they’ll certainly keep him on as a developmental project. But still, he’s not ready to serve in the backup swing tackle yet.

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For that reason, keeping Nsekhe will be critical for the Redskins. They don’t seem likely to invest in a tackle early in the draft unless they pick a combination tackle/guard in the first round or two. Even so, that player would likely be asked to start at left guard anyway, and cross-training a rookie at multiple positions while acclimating to the NFL could be difficult.

In short, keeping Nsekhe ensures that the Redskins won’t need to add another tackle. While he may hit the free agent market and some team could be interested in his services, the Redskins should do everything they can to bring him back. And if they offer him a solid deal, and one that may have longer-term options, they could end up retaining him.

Expect teams like the Cardinals, Vikings, Jets, and Texans to be interested in Nsekhe’s service. But at the end of the day, I think that the Redskins will figure out a way to keep him around. Also, teams may not be interested in paying a lot for a 33-year-old player that only has 16 career starts in the NFL even though he has the upside needed to be a solid starting tackle.

Prediction: Signs with Redskins for three years, $12 million

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