Washington Redskins re-sign veteran offensive lineman Tony Bergstrom

It’s the move from the Redskins you’ve been waiting for.

In the lead-up to the 2019 NFL Draft, the rumor mill has been spinning wildly. The tension has grown to a level of succinct palpability, and with just over twenty-four hours to go before the NFL Draft, no one knows what the Washington Redskins are going to do.

The Redskins only added to the suspense earlier today. Rumors swirled, and parcels of information piled up, and at the end, it all culminated in a long-awaited climax; the peak of the action and intrigue.

The Redskins re-signed Tony Bergstrom.

The signing was first reported by the Redskins official Twitter account, and it’s a sensible move for the team. Even with the signing of former Giants lineman Ereck Flowers earlier in the offseason, Washington still had room for more depth on the line. Bergstrom provides this, if nothing else.

Over the past two seasons, Bergstrom has played in 22 games, starting 11 of them on the interior. Bergstrom’s experience has proven to be valuable, as he’s been able to play at all three interior line slots. In the midst of injury issues, Bergstrom provided Washington with a semblance of stability, even if it wasn’t particularly high quality.

Per Pro Football Focus, Bergstrom had a less-than-stellar year as a reserve in 2018. On 336 pass blocking snaps, Bergstrom allowed 23 total pressures and five quarterback hits. Of course, Bergstrom’s utility was never his high-level play, but instead his experience and his veteran presence. Now, the Redskins get those qualities for at least another offseason. As of now, with the 2019 NFL Draft still pending, Bergstrom is no lock to make the 53-man roster.

The occurrence of this signing on the eve of the NFL Draft is at least somewhat peculiar; if the Redskins were already planning on addressing only the depth of their offensive line, then this signing gives them some flexibility. But if Washington was planning to try and acquire a potential starter, a move that would serve them better, then they’ll still be pressed to add another blocker in the coming three days.