With Free Agency now currently entering its second week, there are a few impact players still available. In the first week of free agency the Washington Redskins were able to sign receiver Terrelle Pryor, safety DJ Swearinger and defensive lineman Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee. While the team is happy with the players they acquired, they also realize they’re still in need of upgrades across the board, as the Redskins look to rebuild their defense.
Some may think that it’s too late to find any impact players, but if history is any lesson, they would be wrong.
Every year teams wait for certain players in hopes that the asking price for said player may come down. Recently, the Redskins have been able to take advantage of players other teams cut late in free agency, including cornerback Josh Norman, and former receiver DeSean Jackson.
Any players available that can help Washington?
The current free agency list still holds a few players who were considered the best players available just two weeks ago when the open market period began. Washington’s number one need continues to be defensive lineman, even after signing McClain and McGee. The team is in a need of a game-changer in the trenches who can produce in year one, as well as another inside linebacker who is more athletic than Will Compton or Mason Foster.
Possible impact free agents
Below are a few current free agents who could possibly fit well with the Redskins:
Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins – The early word on Hankins was that he was asking for too much money. Keep in mind that he’s 24, has been productive when he’s on the field, and the market is drying up fast when considering his asking price.
It’s unknown as of now if he is looking for a long-term deal or just a one-year contract like Dontari Poe signed with Atlanta last week. Hankins would not only give Washington a young, massive body in the middle, it would also hurt the New York Giants in the process as he is certainly a major portion of their future plans.
Inside linebacker Zach Brown – Brown, 27, is and has been the best player at his position since the opening of free agency.
The topic of money, and the fact that Washington may not be willing to give Brown what he’s looking for could be an issue as the team could find a much cheaper option in the draft. Brown had 149 tackles with four sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles and one interception last season with the Buffalo Bills.
Outside linebacker Paul Kruger – While the Redskins have Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy, Junior Galette and Preston Smith currently as their edge-rushers. The team is bracing for the loss of Murphy at the beginning of the year, as he serves a four-game suspension. Washington is hesitant to depend on Galette, who has yet to play in burgundy and gold despite being on the roster for two years.
They also view Preston Smith as inconsistent and would like to see more from him. Kruger, 31, would bring veteran pass-rushing experience to the edge for the Redskins. In 97 career games, Kruger has recorded 196 tackles with 33.5 sacks, two interceptions, and seven forced fumbles with four recoveries. He has his best season in 2014 when he recorded 11 sacks.
