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3 linebackers the Redskins could try to trade for after Reuben Foster’s injury

By Jacob Camenker

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 26: Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots tackles Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 26: Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots tackles Julius Thomas #89 of the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 20: Reggie Ragland #59 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 20: Reggie Ragland #59 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Linebacker. Chiefs. Reggie Ragland. 2. player. 124.

When one Alabama linebacker goes down, it only makes sense to replace him with another. Reggie Ragland is a solid player that could perform well in the Redskins’ rotation and right now, it doesn’t look like he has a definite home with the Chiefs.

The Chiefs are moving to a 4-3 defense which could end up being bad news for Ragland. When the Buffalo Bills moved to a 4-3 defense under Sean McDermott, Ragland didn’t fit well into the scheme. As a result, they offloaded him to the Chiefs for a draft pick. While Ragland was solid with the Chiefs, he may have trouble finding a role with them in their new defense.

Further complicating the matter is that the Chiefs just traded for former Jets linebacker, Darron Lee. Lee could take aim at Ragland’s starting spot in the Chiefs’ lineup and, along with Anthony Hitchens and Dorian O’Daniel, force Ragland into a backup role where he would compete with free agent acquisition Damien Wilson for playing time. And if Ragland can’t win in that battle, he would be nothing more than a special teams player.

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The Redskins may see more potential for Ragland. He had a solid year in the Chiefs’ 3-4 defense last season, recording 86 tackles and an interception. He’s very good against the run and though he struggles in coverage due to his lack of overall athletic ability and ball skills, he is a good two-down linebacker that could help in the team’s rotation. Ideally, Ragland would challenge Mason Foster for the two-down role while ceding time to Josh Harvey-Clemons or Cole Holcomb in passing situations.

If Ragland only costs a late-round pick, he could absolutely garner consideration via trade. Considering that the Chiefs just got Lee for a sixth-round pick, they could look to replenish that by offloading Ragland. Keep an eye on Ragland as the offseason drags along, as he could be a nice depth addition for the ‘Skins to help replace Foster.

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