Report: Redskins have interest in free agent EDGE Brandon Copeland
Brandon Copeland is coming off a career year with the New York Jets. The Washington Redskins are reportedly interested in his services.
The Redskins need help at the edge position. This isn’t a secret. With Preston Smith now on the Packers, the team needs to replace him as a starter. While former second-round pick Ryan Anderson may get a chance to battle for the starting role, the team still needs some competition for him. And after that, they will certainly need some depth.
As it stands Cassanova McKinzy is the only depth rush linebacker on the team’s roster. He only joined the team midway through last season before he got hurt, so he can’t be relied on as anything more than a rotational player and special teamer. Thus, it stands to reason that the ‘Skins will be interested in adding an edge early in the 2019 NFL Draft while also looking for some depth elsewhere.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Redskins have interest in Brandon Copeland. The former Jets outside linebacker is coming off a career year and is still on the market.
The Redskins have expressed some interest in edge rusher Brandon Copeland. No visit lined up yet (not always a clue anymore). How firm? not sure at this point. But they would like to add 1-2 more here (including draft).
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 17, 2019
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The Redskins being interested in Copeland doesn’t necessarily mean they will sign him. But, if they do, he would be a solid fit.
Copeland played for the Lions from 2015-2016 before missing the 2017 season with a torn pectoral. Last year, Copeland joined the Jets and had a career season. He notched 35 tackles and five sacks while playing as a rotational player on the edge. He demonstrated solid all-around ability and was actually ranked as the best coverage player at his position (EDGE) on Pro Football Focus. That will give him a great chance to be an effective player on passing downs, as he is both a solid pass rusher and great in coverage.
Copeland is still on the market, and he would be the perfect candidate to buy low on for a one- or two-year deal. He has a well-rounded skill set and if he can stay healthy, he should be a fine backup. Pairing him with Anderson or signing Copeland to be the primary backup for Ryan Kerrigan would be a smart move, as he could provide just enough relief and versatility for the ‘Skins’ linebacker corps.
We’ll keep an eye on Copeland in the coming days, but at 27, he’s an intriguing player, to say the least. It will be interesting to see where he ultimately ends up playing in 2019.
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