Grading the rest of the Redskins defensive free-agent signings
S Sean Davis
The Redskins are looking for a potential long-term partner at the free safety position next to Landon Collins. And heading into 2020, it looks like they’ll be giving Sean Davis a shot.
Davis, a former second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2016, started 41 of 48 games that he suited up for during his Steelers career. The Maryland product served as both the team’s strong and free safety and thanks to his excellent athletic ability, he was able to make some big plays for the team.
In his two seasons as the full-time starter at the safety position, he averaged 86 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, two picks, and 0.5 forced fumbles per season. He has good range thanks to his great speed and footwork and is at his best in coverage.
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That said, Davis isn’t a great tackler. He has missed 31 tackles in his last 32 games play, so he’s good for about one per game. And given that he often is playing as part of the last line of defense, those misses can be disastrous. It’s also part of the reason that he’s better poised to serve in the free role in the Redskins defense.
Adding Davis is a nice, high-upside move for the Redskins. He’s only 26 and is native to D.C., so this will be a homecoming for him. He has the coverage skills needed to complement Collins’ elite tackling ability, so the two should work out in tandem. Getting him on a one-year deal worth $5 million is a good investment. If he works out, the team can try to re-sign him moving forward. And if he has issues, the Redskins can find another alternative in 2021.
Either way, Davis figures to be an upgrade over Montae Nicholson, who proved unreliable and had some off-the-field issues mar his tenure with the Redskins. So long as Davis is healthy after a shoulder injury sidelined him for all but one game in 2019, he should help out the ‘Skins quite a bit.