Analyzing the Washington Football Team’s defensive backs for 2021

Washington Football Team Depth Chart: Safeties

Free Safeties

At the conclusion of the 2020 regular season, the Washington Football Team was celebrating an NFC East championship and a playoff date with Tampa Bay awaited.  The celebration didn’t last long as Washington was quickly bounced out of the playoffs.

The loss amplified a glaring deficiency on defense – the need for a reliable and talented free safety as well as depth at the position.  The players listed here (somewhat in order) represent various levels of change during this off-season, but several are familiar to you.

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• Bobby McCain
• Jeremy Reaves
• Kamren Curl
• Darrick Forrest
• Deshazor Everett

2021 Prediction: The late-breaking news that Bobby McCain has signed with Washington likely puts Troy Apke on notice.  He could be released very soon.  Look for McCain to be installed as the starter.

The wildcard on this list is Kamren Curl.  There are some persistent rumors about the former Razorback playing at free safety, but that isn’t likely.  The only condition for Curl playing at this position would be numerous injuries to other players or a lack of sufficient depth.

Rookie Darrick Forrest will attempt to work his way forward on the depth chart, but his first year for the Washington Football Team will be spent on special teams and learning the nuances of life in the NFL.  If Forrest demonstrates the kind of progress that Curl displayed in his rookie campaign of 2020, then he could be a starter or regular contributor this season.

Strong Safeties

The depth at strong safety is probably fine, but adding another player to compete during training camp and the preseason is a possibility.

Can Collins overcome a poor start to his career in Washington?  Will his injury from 2020 limit Collins in 2021?  These are the concerns for now and it is a logical argument for adding strong safety depth in the coming days and weeks.

• Landon Collins
• Kamren Curl
• Deshazor Everett
• Free Agent (?)

2021 Prediction: The talent at strong safety is close to elite and that will give the Washington Football Team some intriguing options.  Landon Collins should return as the starter, but he will probably be on the field for no more than 50 percent of the plays due to the lingering injury and his struggles.  Kam Curl could see a great deal of playing time as well.