Redskins waive CB Greg Stroman after signing Simeon Thomas

The Redskins needed to free up a roster spot after signing a defensive back earlier today. They reportedly parted ways with a promising depth player.

Earlier today, in a response to the team’s shoddy cornerback depth, the Washington Redskins signed cornerback Simeon Thomas off of the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Thomas brings a long 6-foot-3 frame and an impressive athletic profile, but there was a question that came with his acquisition. Who would be shown the door to make room?

It wasn’t released immediately after the signing, but now, we have more information on this inquiry. According to D.C. Sports reporter Ben Standig, the Redskins, in a corresponding move to the signing of Thomas, released second-year cover man Greg Stroman. He was reportedly designated as waived/injured. Per ESPN’s John Keim, Stroman suffered a groin injury in the team’s season debut, and there’s a chance they could place him on injured reserve if he clears waivers.

The release of Stroman, and subsequent deactivation for the rest of 2019, is a surprising move. Stroman was a pleasant surprise as a rookie in 2018. The Virginia Tech product started three games and appeared in twelve more, logging an interception and four pass deflections. He’s slight in frame, but he showcased the ability to mirror his receivers with quick footwork and closing speed.

Despite his strong start, Stroman was buried a bit when the Redskins added Jimmy Moreland to the squad. He was the No. 5 cornerback with Fabian Moreau out, behind Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar, Jimmy Moreland, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. With Moreau coming back at some point, and with other players set to see return snaps, Stroman wasn’t going to get a lot of action.

That said, for a team that had several minor injuries at cornerback in its first game, releasing a young, developing defensive back has potential downsides. The signing of Thomas cancels out those downsides in a sense; Thomas has greater physical upside than Stroman, and with Ray Horton, he could be a versatile asset. Still, losing Stroman is unfortunate.

Stroman was in the midst of just his second NFL season, and there was a chance he could have been called upon in a larger role, if more injuries surfaced. But the Redskins decided to get bigger at the position with an outside hire, and shore up their depth in the secondary.