High-end, low-end free agents who could still help the Redskins
By Jonathan Eig
Cornerback
High End: Logan Ryan
No one is quite sure why Ryan remains unsigned. There are some decent veteran corners still on the market, but Ryan is only 29 and was very productive for Tennessee in 2019. He plays primarily in the slot, which may limit his appeal, but I suspect he is versatile enough to move around.
The Redskins are throwing a lot of athletic corners on the field this year in hopes of finding a couple who show consistency. Ryan, who is second only to Warford on this list in terms of long-term potential, would be a good addition to that group.
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Low End: Javien Elliott
As I said, there are plenty of vets floating around out there. But with the possible exception of Dre Kirkpatrick, I’m not convinced any of them are better than Orlando Scandrick – who the Redskins never should have signed back in 2018.
Mediocre veteran corners are not hard to find. But Elliott, who Coach Rivera knows from his one year in Carolina, is a younger guy who can be a classic depth corner. Unlike those vets, whose best days are fading fast in the rearview, Elliott actually has some room to grow.
Safety
High End: Tramon Williams
OK, I’ll admit there are problems with Tramon Williams. For one thing, he’s 37, and if you just read what I said about cornerbacks, you’d be right to raise an eyebrow. And then, you could point out that he has played corner most of his career. But he has also played some safety, and the fact is, he’s just a very good football player.
This obviously is not a long-term solution to anything. This would be an insurance policy in case Sean Davis falters. As insurance policies go, it isn’t too bad. Besides, it would give Thomas Davis Sr. someone to talk to about things that happened before 2000.
Low End: Ross Cockrell
I’m projecting here. I’m projecting another cornerback who I think can play free safety. The fact is, there are a ton of decent veteran safeties still floating around out there. Almost every one of them – from Rashad Jones to Tony Jefferson to Tavon Wilson – has a skill set that matches that of Landon Collins. And Collins is way better. The Redskins invested in Sean Davis because he complements Collins, and Cockrell, still just 28, could do that as well.
None of these guys, with the exception of Warford and Ryan, figure into the Redskins long-range plans. But all of them, with the exception of Tramon Williams, has enough upside to make an impression and stick around for several productive years.
Next. Redskins who could make fireworks in 2020. dark
Training camp this year is a minefield, with teams trying to navigate unchartered territory and figure out exactly what they have on their rosters. That may lead teams to slow-play any further free agents signings. But they will happen. And if the Redskins make a wise move or two, it could really help.