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5 biggest free agent mistakes for the Redskins in the past five seasons

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against strong safety David Bruton #30 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on September 18, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against strong safety David Bruton #30 of the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedExField on September 18, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 03: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #20 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 03: Tight end Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes a catch for a first down against safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #20 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 28-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2019: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

In fairness to the Redskins, it’s a bit early to judge what they did during the 2019 free-agent period. And generally speaking, they did a solid job of getting value on their deals and avoided overpaying for many players.

However, Clinton-Dix doesn’t fall into either category. The ‘Skins tried to re-sign Clinton-Dix, but they were unable to. Instead, he inked a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears in free agency. And Clinton-Dix is a player that the Redskins would’ve loved to retain.

Washington brought Landon Collins in to serve as the team’s top safety. Collins is an excellent tackler and solid in coverage and reuniting him with his former Alabama teammate would’ve been an excellent move. Clinton-Dix had a down year last year and didn’t perform particularly well after being traded to the Redskins, but retaining him at that price would have been well worth the risk.

Instead, the Redskins are now relying on Montae Nicholson to step back into the starting role at safety. That’s not necessarily a bad move, as Nicholson was strong as a rookie before struggling last year, but the depth behind him is lacking. Deshazor Everett, Troy Apke, JoJo McIntosh, and Jeremy Reaves will all battle for depth positions, so if either Collins or Nicholson goes down, the ‘Skins could be in trouble at safety.

Next. Redskins' 15 best first-round picks of all-time. dark

If Clinton-Dix performs poorly in Chicago, this will become an afterthought. But of the team’s 2019 offseason moves, letting him walk at that low price seems like a mistake.

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