3 players who have likely played their last game for Washington

1. Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff is currently the second-longest tenured player on the roster, trailing only punter Tress Way, who joined the year before him in 2014.

For as much of a pillar as Schefff has been on Washington’s offensive line, it might be time for this marriage to end. Despite persistent efforts from the organization to get a long-term deal done, he’s played under the franchise tag in each of the last two seasons.

Assuming the 29-year-old gets through the remaining games with a clean bill of health, he’ll demand to be made one of the wealthiest guards in the league. Based on the value of the franchise tag ($18.036 million), Scherff holds that title this season.

However, do you really think he deserves to bank more than guys like Joel Bitonio, Zach Martin, Joe Thuney and Wyatt Teller?

If you asked us two or three years ago, we’d probably say yes. Now, though, we’d tell you that Washington shouldn’t splurge on a player who hasn’t played a full season since 2016, his second year in the league.

Additionally, Scherff’s production as a blocker is down across the board following his All-Pro 2020 campaign. Here’s a quick comparison:

• 2020 (13 games): 84.1 player grade, 81.1 pass-blocking grade, 80.1 run-blocking grade, two penalties and 21 pressures allowed
• 2021 (10 games): 74.1 player grade, 73.5 pass-blocking grade, 74.4 run-blocking grade, six penalties and 16 pressures allowed

Remember, he’s making more than any RG this season. Is Scherff one of the those players that will improve after signing a life-changing contract, like Jonathan Allen, or will he get complacent once he has financial security?

We’d rather not find out the answer to that question.