The Washington Redskins have tendered offers to restricted free agent runningback Chris Thompson and inside linebacker Will Compton. Both Thompson and Compton had career years in 2016 with the Redskins in expanded roles from years before. Thompson has taken over on the team as their third-down back and is starting to become a reliable receiving threat as well. Compton was a defensive captain last year and calls the plays in the huddle on defense, essentially making him the leader on the field.
Thompson received a second-round tender from Washington, meaning any team wanting to sign him must give a second round draft pick if they Redskins choose not to match the offer.
No word on what type of tender Compton was given.
Gruden loves Chris Thompson
The 5-8, 195 pound Thompson (26) has become one of the Redskins favorite pieces in Jay Gruden’s offense. While his size gives him obvious setbacks, his skill-set shifts things back into perspective and shows why Washington wants to keep this guy around. After spending his first two seasons on the injured reserve and the practice squad, Thompson has rushed 106 times for 584 yards (5.5 a carry) and 3 touchdowns, while catching 90 passes for 616 yards and 5 touchdowns out of the backfield.
The Redskins may have had some issues in 2016, but Thompson was not one of them. The fourth year player not only scored 5 touchdowns, he also solidified himself as the Redskins third-down back of the present/future.
#Redskins announced they've tendered RFA LB Will Compton and RB Chris Thompson
— Master Tesfatsion (@MasterTes) March 8, 2017
Will Compton has shown heart
27 year-old Will Compton spent his first two and a half seasons (2013 on the practice squad) as a backup to Keenan Robinson and Perry Riley after the Redskins signed him as a college free agent out of Nebraska in 2013.
Compton saw that completely through and was named a team captain last year, his first full season as a starter in the NFL. In 29 career starts Compton has 149 tackles with 3 fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Compton appears to be very comfortable in Washington and wants to continue on with the Redskins well into the future.
“I’d love to be here,” Compton said in January.
The duo can still negotiate with other teams, but the Redskins now have the option to match any offer made to both Compton and/or Thompson within seven days. The chances that the team would let either Thompson or Compton go in open free agency are slim to none, unless a team makes a ridiculous offer to one of them.
