Washington Football Team 2021 free agents to keep and let go
Defense
Ryan Anderson had a slow start to his career in Washington, but he improved in 2018 and 2019. In the Washington Football Team’s new 4-3 defense, he became an afterthought and has been used far differently than he was used in the old 3-4 – a system that better suits his size and talents. Look for the team to move on from him in 2021.
Ryan Kerrigan is a treasure that Washington Football Team fans have cherished since his rookie season. He doesn’t start any longer, but when this Boilermaker is on the field, he still wreaks havoc. The team should extend him for two years at a modest contract. He is likely to accept.
Reuben Foster was a good idea at the time, but he will never be the same after suffering a devastating knee injury during the 2019 offseason. It’s entirely possible for him to make a comeback, but that needs to happen elsewhere.
Thomas Davis has been a dependable linebacker over the years and the leadership he brings to the younger players is valuable. That is why he was signed during the 2020 offseason, but it is time for him to retire after this season. His impact on the field has been minimal in 2020.
Kevin Pierre-Louis has been a solid addition to the linebacker corps this season and the Washington Football Team should sign him to a new contract during the upcoming offseason. A three-year deal at modest numbers is good for Pierre-Louis and Washington.
Danny Johnson came to the team three years ago as an undrafted and undersized free agent cornerback from Southern University and he has continued to defy the odds. He will be a restricted free agent, but the Washington Football Team should tender him the one-year offer. If another team offers Johnson a rich contract (very unlikely), Washington should let him walk.
Fabian Moreau was considered to be a second-round prospect at cornerback in the 2017 draft – possibly a late first-rounder. A pre-draft injury dropped his stock a bit and Washington selected Moreau in the third round. He has been something of a streaky player, but his overall impact at this level has been marginal. It’s time to move on from Moreau.
Ronald Darby signed a one year contract after the opening of free agency earlier this year. The former Eagle struggled in the first few games, but has been stellar in recent weeks. A new four-year contract at somewhat modest levels seems reasonable for both sides.
Nate Orchard has flashed some brilliance at times over the last two seasons, but he has also been absent at other times. He is a bit undersized for a defensive end. This is a difficult analysis – it could go either way, but this feels like it is a time-to-move-on situation.
Jared Norris was signed for depth at linebacker during the offseason. He has bounced back and forth from the practice squad and roster in 2020. It’s time to bounce him out of town and to another team.