Washington Football Team: Five questions to answer in free agency
By Ian Cummings
No. 4 – What will Washington do with the money freed up by Alex Smith?
It was reported yesterday that the Washington Football Team intends to cut quarterback Alex Smith before the start of the new league year. As painful as it might be, the move makes sense. Smith’s play, in spite of his strong comeback, was uneven on the football field, and as much as his leadership provided value, he wasn’t going to help the team win in the future.
Smith’s release saves the Washington Football Team approximately $14.7 million in cap space, putting them over $50 million in terms of total cap allowances. That money alone could come close to accounting for Scherff’s new annual value, but it also gives Washington added ammunition on the open market.
The Washington Football Team has a unique opportunity to be aggressive and fill some holes before the 2021 NFL Draft, but they can also acquire long-term stability by re-signing other players, specifically those on the defensive line. How will Washington use the money freed up by Alex Smith, and will they use it to its full potential?
Washington’s aggressive nature under Dan Snyder has hurt them in the past, but this year, the NFC East is ripe for the taking, and Washington would be unwise not to capitalize.