Redskins re-sign LB Jon Bostic on a two-year deal

The Redskins first signing of free agency isn’t necessarily a big one, but it’s one that was expected, and serves a purpose.

The Washington Redskins, in the past, have often hit the ground running during free agency periods in which they possessed an excess of cash. This offseason, Ron Rivera has over $60 million to work with, but it’s clear that the new regime isn’t throwing money around. They’re looking for cost-effective investments, even if that means waiting a bit to make premier signings.

Earlier today, potential Redskins target Austin Hooper signed a deal with the Cleveland Browns to become the highest-paid tight end in the league, and Ereck Flowers, formerly of the Redskins, signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins worth $10 million a year. Washington, meanwhile, has been quiet, but they’ve now made their first official signing, bringing back linebacker Jon Bostic on a two-year deal.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the deal agreed to between Bostic and the Redskins provides a base value of $5 million, and awards Bostic with around $1.75 million in guaranteed money. The move gives the Redskins cheap, reliable depth at a position of intrigue for 2020.

Early reports from the 2020 offseason suggested that Bostic was one of the 2019 holdovers with whom Rivera was impressed in film evaluations. Bostic wasn’t a world-beater for Washington in 2019, but he performed admirably as a starter, amassing 105 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and two pass deflections in sixteen starts.

Bostic turns 29 years old in May, so it shouldn’t be expected for him to remain the starter for much longer. The Redskins should still be looking to upgrade at the position, but locking down Bostic for a cheap price is a good move; it gives Washington security, as well as leadership, and gives them a foundation from which to build off of in the coming days and weeks.