3 low-profile free agents we’d like Washington to re-sign this offseason

1. Tim Settle

Much like Cam Sims, all Tim Settle does is contribute when he plays.

Clearly a starting-caliber talent, Settle was buried behind the likes of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis on the defensive tackle depth chart. When all was said and done, the former fifth-round pick in 2018 appeared in every game while logging a measly 20% snap share.

Settle finished the year as Washington’s seventh-highest graded defender with a 68.0 player grade from PFF. Only Allen, Fuller, Montez Sweat, Chase Young, Bobby McCain and Curl received higher marks, respectively.

His 72.2 pass-rush grade was good for fourth on the team and he finished sixth in QB hurries. While keeping in mind that Settle never played more than 36% of the snaps in a single game this season, his output was extremely impressive.

With all that said, it’s hard to envision Settle returning to Washington if he’s in line for another backup role. However, with Payne’s future up in the air, we’re not ruling out a reunion with the Virginia Tech product.

Let’s paint a quick picture.

If Payne uses Vita Vea’s extension with the Buccaneers as a baseline for his contract demands, Washington won’t be able to afford him. That, in turn, could set up a scenario that sees Payne demand a trade. All of a sudden, Washington can thrust Settle into Payne’s role and everyone ends up a winner.

Again, we’re just spit-balling here. In an ideal world, we’d love to see Settle back in the Burgundy and Gold in 2022.

Right now it seems unlikely, but we’re hopeful Washington doesn’t make any decisions on his future until Payne’s future is sorted out.