What the Redskins should do with their free agent offensive linemen
LG Ereck Flowers
When the Redskins initially signed Ereck Flowers to play a role on the offensive line, I was a fan of the move. They were getting him on the cheap and had a chance to develop him into a role player as either a swing tackle or a starting guard.
The team chose to do the latter. And it has paid off.
After having to spend some time at the tackle position during training camp because of injuries at the tackle position, Flowers made the switch to left guard. And with each week he spent at the position, he improved rapidly.
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Flowers became the starter for the team and began the season well. He made some mistakes, but that was to be expected of a player learning a new position. As the season has progressed, Flowers’ size and athleticism have afforded him the opportunity to find success and work well at the position. He has moved well as a pulling guard and has been able to get upfield while using his strength at the point of attack as well.
Playing Flowers inside has also masked one of his biggest weaknesses. His footwork at tackle was a problem as, despite his solid frame, pass rushers were able to get around him because he simply didn’t move well. He has fared much better at guard as he has been in more of a confined area that has given him a chance to really utilize the talents that made him a top-10 pick.
This offseason, the Redskins should try to re-sign Flowers. They shouldn’t lock into a top-dollar deal for him, solely because he has just a year of experience at guard, but he’s still young (26 in April) so he should be in his prime for years to come.
Perhaps a deal that pays about $7 million annually like those of Zach Fulton and Billy Turner would be sensible. That type of a deal, with a low guarantee percentage, would probably do the trick and keep Flowers around.