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Top five safeties for Redskins to target in 2020 free agency

By Jacob Camenker

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive stop against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a defensive stop against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Tre Boston #33 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after his defensive play against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Tre Boston #33 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after his defensive play against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

The Washington Redskins could use one more playmaker at the safety position. Here are five free-agent safeties for the team to consider this offseason.

Last offseason, the Redskins biggest splash was adding Landon Collins to serve as one of their top starting safeties. Collins helped to upgrade their back end with his elite tackling skills. His cover skills weren’t quite as good, but he still made plays and should be better in a more player-friendly system under Jack Del Rio.

That said, it wouldn’t hurt the team to find a better partner for Collins at safety. Montae Nicholson held down that role last season and while he had some good outings, he wasn’t consistent at all. At this stage, it seems that the former fourth-round pick from 2017 would be better served as a top backup as opposed to a starter.

For that reason, the ‘Skins could explore the possibility of adding another safety to their roster. And lucky for them, the 2020 free agent safety class is deep.

There are some talented players that won’t be included in this top-five list. Case and point, Devin McCourty, one of the best free safeties in football, won’t be included here because at 33 in August, he doesn’t really fit the Redskins timeline. So, he doesn’t make sense as a realistic target, as he’ll want to play for a contender.

But even without McCourty, there are 10 or so quality starters available in free agency. Here’s a look at the top five that could be difference markers for the Redskins this offseason.

Honorable Mentions: Rodney McLeod (Eagles), Devin McCourty (Patriots), Adrian Phillips (Chargers), Damarious Randall (Browns)

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