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Simulating the Washington Redskins’ free agency, NFL draft, entire 2020 offseason

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 30: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Free Agent Signings: Offense

There was one glaring hole on the roster that we really wanted to address during free agency. The tight end position.

After letting David walk and cutting Reed, our tight end group consistent of Jeremy Sprinkle and Hale Hentges. That is far from ideal. With the 2020 NFL Draft class lacking top-tier tight end talent, it made sense to target one in free agency, as a couple of solid options were available.

Ultimately, we set our sights on Austin Hooper. Hooper was on the best tight ends in the league this year and posted 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He was Matt Ryan’s security blanket over the middle and his 6-foot-4 frame would give Dwayne Haskins a big middle-of-the-field target.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

Hooper agreed to a four-year deal worth $8.5 million annually. Only 30 percent of the deal was guaranteed and it is nearly identical to Zach Ertz’s contract. It’s just a year less in length and contains slightly more guarantees as a result. Considering that Hooper just turned 25, he should continue to grow and be productive during this contract.

The other spot we wanted to look at on offense was the receiver position. As good as McLaurin, Harmon, and Sims looked at times, it makes sense to add a veteran to the receiving corps as a mentor/No. 2 receiver. We could’ve targeted Amari Cooper, but his $20 million price tag scared us off.

Emmanuel Sanders also garnered consideration for the slot occupied by Anderson. Though Sanders turns 33 this offseason, he is coming off a solid season split between two teams and would give the Redskins a fast, elusive receiver for their offense. His price tag was $9 million annually over three years, but only the first two years of the deal would have guaranteed money.

Sanders should remain effective during that time, is cheaper than Cooper, and will be an excellent mentor for the squad. But Cooper and Robby Anderson did garner consideration as receivers who could continue to grow with Dwayne Haskins. Still, spending down at receiver afforded us more of an opportunity to invest in some key defensive playmakers.

Additionally, we decided to pick up a cheap backup QB for the squad in case Alex Smith can’t be ready to start the season. Brett Hundley signed on a one-year deal worth just under $2 million.

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