The team formally known as Neiman Marcus shoppers have now taken their business to the local Gap. After a few mid to low end signings, the Washington Redskins have proven great restraint and prudence so far in free agency.
Washington, as usual, was linked to essentially every notable free agent. Some of the reported interest was legitimate — a guy like Mike Mitchell was a top safety target for the team. Mitchell ended up striking a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some say it was because of preference. Others believe the Redskins didn’t want to exceed their value chart.
One thing is for certain, Washington has never had an issue signing players they want. Money talks. It always has and for most situations — it always will. But Washington has apparently learned the art of value signings. It’s ruffled a few feathers with fans who believed Washington should have signed a couple big names — especially in the secondary. But I like the direction the Washington Redskins are headed.
In the past, Washington apparently felt like they “had” to sign the top players available at positions of need. Free agency is all about finding that medium between past success and future production. Your risk/reward margin is a lot better if you grab value guys with upside. So far, I believe that’s what the Redskins have done.
Confirmed Signings:
- Tracy Porter, CB, 27 years old
- Andre Roberts, WR, 26 years old
- Shawn Lauvao, OG, 26 years old
- Jason Hatcher, DE, 31 years old
- Adam Hayward, ILB, 29 years old
- Clifton Geathers, DL, 26 years old
- Darryl Sharpton, ILB, 26 years old
Re-Signings:
- Santana Moss, WR, 34
- Perry Riley, ILB, 25
- DeAngelo Hall, CB, 30
The Washington Redskins have improved their depth, special teams and front 7 on defense. They also appear to be following the mold of going young on offense and vet-heavy on defense. Redskins’ Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslett can’t afford to field another horrible product. The chains Mike Shanahan apparently used to bind Haslett have been removed. So it’s all on him now.
Jim Haslett says he wants to become more attack-oriented and play more press-man coverage. The addition of former Dallas Cowboys’ defensive lineman Jason Hatcher is a very solid pick-up. Although Washington has yet to add a safety, they’ve identified a need to generate more pass rush. In my opinion, that’s step number one to improving your coverage. Washington’s front 7 absolutely has to reek more havoc. With a buzz circulating of the team moving towards a more one-gap system — that benefits Barry Cofield, Chris Baker and now Jason Hatcher. These are all guys who like to hunt.
On offense, the greatest addition will be an improved Robert Griffin III. If you have an elite quarterback in this league, you have a chance to win football games. It masks a lot of deficiencies. Regardless of who Washington brings in this off-season, Griffin’s maturation is priority number one.
Thoughts on the signings:
Andre Roberts – I really like this signing. He primarily played slot wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals but is capable of playing on the outside. Jay Gruden loves receivers. He’ll have Roberts as a moving piece — using him all over the field. Roberts is at his best after the catch. The punt/kick returner in him comes out and the guy just makes plays. He’s only 26 and is just scratching the surface.
Shawn Lauvao – Here’s a signing that caught everyone by surprise. Lauvao, 26, has been a full time starter for the Cleveland Browns the past three seasons. The offensive guard had a couple average season in 2011 and 2012. Last year he suffered a high ankle sprain and returned to the team week five, but he didn’t play well at all. Washington Redskins’ Head Coach Jay Gruden knows Lauvao’s game, having played against him two times a season in the AFC North. Gruden likely noticed Lauvao’s potential, hence the signing. What I saw on film is a guy who is decent in pass protection but highly inconsistent in the run game. His inconsistencies appear to stem from poor hand placement and technique. Those are fixable issues. So we’re talking about a 26 year old linemen who, if developed correctly, could become a solid starter.
Adam Hayward — We mentioned Hayward in last week as a guy the Redskins would be interested in. Hayward, 29, will apparently have an opportunity to compete for a job as starting inside linebacker opposite of Perry Riley. Even if he doesn’t get that gig, Hayward is a great special teams player and can play every linebacker position. He’ll provide good depth and leadership. He’ll also be great in the community. He’s another Lorenzo Alexander.
Darryl Sharpton – Sharpton, formally of the Houston Texans, filled in for Brian Cushing last season due to his season ending injury. Sharpton was great against the run, but was a bit of a liability in coverage. He’s also a guy who is often injured. Tracing back to college, he’s just a guy who has not been able to stay healthy. I think he’ll be part of Washington’s starting ILB competition. At 26 years old, he still has some upside. Although, at best, I think he’s a two down linebacker. A poor man’s Brandon Spikes, if you will.
Jason Hatcher – Yes, the Redskins have signed another Dallas Cowboy. This is probably the splashiest signing by Washington so far in free agency. Pro Bowl DL Jason Hatcher will bring a presence on the edge that Washington hasn’t had since switching to a 3-4. He’s coming off a career high 11 sack season. Hatcher appeared to have more success in Dallas’ one-gap system. But he’s been an underrated piece on that team for a while. Even when Dallas ran the 3-4, he created constant pressure — opening up things for DeMarcus Ware. Although he’s not as stout against the run, Washington needs to create some more pressure from their defensive line. Hatcher will certainly help with that. The only downside to this move is Hatcher’s age (31), however, he only started one game in his first five seasons.
Tracy Porter – Porter was part of that horrible Oakland Raiders’ secondary last season. He’s a bit of a gambler and a poor tackler. If his technique improves, he could get better with time. He slid into slot with the Raiders and could do the same in Washington. I’d consider him a slight upgrade over Josh Wilson. But he certainly has some upside as he’s still only 27 years old.
Clifton Geathers – Geathers is only 26 and he’s already played for six teams. He’s an enormous defensive linemen, standing at 6ft 8, 340 lbs. Geathers is a guy who just hasn’t found his niche in the league yet. He doesn’t do one thing well. But with his size, he takes up space. Maybe seventh time’s the charm.
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