The National Football League’s “legal tampering” period begins Saturday, March 8 at noon. The three-day window gives teams an opportunity to contact and enter into contract negotiations with agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents Tuesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. EST.
Last year was the first time the league implemented the legal tampering window. Much like last year, you’ll likely hear a ton of names attached to teams over the weekend. Sometimes its legitimate — similar to how everyone essentially knew Mike Wallace would sign with the Dolphins. However, agents could push names and numbers as a bargaining chip. Not to mention, teams can use this period to simply get a feel of the market.
Barring any additional roster moves, the Washington Redskins will enter Tuesday’s new league year with over $21 million in salary cap space. I’d expect them to be active in free agency but prudent. General Manager Bruce Allen will sit atop the new hierarchy of talent evaluators for the Washington Redskins. It’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
I don’t expect Washington to go after some of the top guys like Jarius Byrd or T.J. Ward. While they could express interest in a player like Hakeem Nicks, I ultimately don’t think they’ll go that route. One thing to keep an eye on is if the team ends up re-signing ILB Perry Riley. The Redskins would be wise not to overpay Riley. I’ve heard that they like, but no love him as a player. Understandably so, he’s an average starter who has flashed at times. But there has been no indication of him becoming an impact player. At the right price, I do believe Washington would re-sign him. However, there may be a market for him.
The Washington Redskins could re-sign a few of their own — including Santana Moss, Brandon Meriweather, Reed Doughty, EJ Biggers and Joshua Morgan. It all depends on what the team is able to find on the open market. Of those listed, I think Reed Doughty is a near lock to be re-signed.
Below, we’ll do a few things: List players who could become cap casualties or restructure candidates. We’ll also take a look at guys the Washington Redskins may target in Free Agency. Towards the end, we’ll do a 7-round Redskins mock draft with possible free agent targets in mind.
Cuts/Restructures:
- Guard Chris Chester: Cutting Chester would save the Redskins $2.7 million, which is the largest amount for the more likely cap casualties. He has not played well and is 31 years old.
- DE Stephen Bowen: I’d expect the Redskins to restructure or reduce Bowen’s salary. Cutting Bowen would only save you a little under $2 million. He’s 30 and is returning from micro-fracture surgery on his knee. But I could see the team holding on to him.
- C Will Montgomery: He’d save the Redskins $1.925 million — I could see the team parting ways with him. At 304 lbs, he doesn’t necessarily fit Head Coach Jay Gruden’s mold for offensive linemen. Montgomery gets pushed back far too often.
- T Tyler Polumbus: Cutting Polumbus would save the Redskins $2.5 million… But he wasn’t the main issue on the offensive line last season. The interior line was the main issue. While I don’t think he fits the Gruden mold, I could see Washington holding on to him until they find a replacement.
Free Agent Targets (Needs: OL, TE, WR, ILB, S, CB, DL):
- NT/DE Linval Joseph, New York Giants: Joseph is a guy we discussed back in January as a possibility for the Redskins. He was the first free agent I watched on film. I’ve heard the Redskins are interested in him. He’s only 25 years old and is versatile enough to help you in several ways. Joseph can play nose tackle and he can rotate at 5-technique. Barry Cofield’s 6-year, $36 million contract would be a bargaining chip.
- FS Darrell Stuckey, San Diego Chargers: Stuckey is one of the better special teamers in the NFL. No one knows more about the importance of having good special team players than the Redskins. The team lost Lorenzo Alexander last free agency and along with poor coaching — that loss was felt. While Stuckey was a reserve on defense, he did well in dime packages. The Chargers plan to re-sign Stuckey, but look for Washington to be interested if he hits the market. Don’t forget former Chargers GM A.J. Smith, who drafted Stuckey, is now with the Washington Redskins…
- LB Adam Hayward, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Hayward is another great special teams player. He’s been excellent for the Buccaneers’ locker room and could end up being re-signed. But if he does hit the market, look for the Redskins to be interested in him. Although he was a reserve on defense for Tampa, he played all three linebacker positions. Washington doesn’t only need starters at inside linebacker, but depth. Not to mention, GM Bruce Allen and Personnel Director Doug Williams drafted the guy during their time with Tampa.
- NT Cam Thomas, San Diego Chargers: Thomas has been inconsistent in San Diego. He played better towards the end of last season. However, Washington needs to add good depth across the defensive line. While Thomas isn’t an every down player, he’d provide some ability — especially against the ground game. Not to make this a trend, but Thomas is also a guy A.J. Smith drafted.
- ILB Brandon Spikes, New England Patriots: Spikes isn’t good in coverage, which will reduce his value in this pass happy league. However, he’s a beast when it comes to making plays in front of him. He’s an impact player up-field and is an underrated pass rusher from the position. Although Spikes is a bigger name on the market, I’d consider him a value signing. I think he’s a bit undervalued at this point.
- ILB Arthur Moats, Buffalo Bills: Moats is a Virginia native — grew up in Portsmouth and attended James Madison University. I think Moats is good enough to compete for a starting gig. However, he’d definitely provide the team with excellent depth. He’s a good special teamer as well. Not to mention, he’s great in the community. That’s always a plus, knowing this team.
- WR Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings: The Washington Redskins have had their share of players getting suspended in recent years… Simpson’s status for the 2014 season “could” be up in the air due to a DUI incident last season. He’s a repeat offender — for more than just DUI’s. So I was skeptical placing his name here. But when the guy has his head screwed on correctly — he sporadically looks like an athletic freak. Head Coach Jay Gruden dealt with Simpson in Cincy — so he could be interested.
- WR Brandon Lafell, Carolina Panthers: I think Lafell is on the cusp of being a solid receiver in this league. He’s flashed in the Panthers’ run heavy offense. The Panthers don’t request much of a pass progression and Lafell gets overlooked at times. He’s had some drops. But he’s capable of stretching the field and making plays outside the numbers.
- CB Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals: Ghee has suffered a few injuries, but he’s flashed as a nickel back. He’s young and he’s also from Virginia. Given the obvious Jay Gruden connection, I think the ‘Skins could take a flier on him.
- FS Chris Clemons (Miami Dolphins) or Mike Mitchell (Carolina Panthers): If the Redskins don’t sign Jarius Byrd, they absolutely need to get themselves either Clemons or Mitchell. They need a safety who can play single high and do it well. Louis Delmas would be another option.
- SS Taylor Mays, Cincinnati Bengals: Mays found himself a niche in Cincy. He did well playing in-the-box and being a glorified linebacker in three safety sets. A flier on a guy like Major Wright (Chicago Bears) could be another option.
Other Names to keep an eye on: Shelley Smith (Guard), Anthony Collins (T), J’Marcus Webb (T), J.D. Walton (C), John Carlson (TE), Will Blackmon (CB), Kenny Britt (WR), Brandon Tate (WR)
Notables: Aqib Talib’s name continues to pop up when talking to sources. Bruce Allen loves the guy and so does Secondary Coach Raheem Morris. I’m not sure if the Redskins are willing to pay him… Also, the Bengals tendered two players of interest — WR Andrew Hawkins and ILB Vincent Rey at the lowest compensation level. Since both players were undrafted, neither would require a draft pick as compensation. It’s possible Washington could be interested.
Washington Redskins Mock Draft:
Round Two (34 overall): Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
- Last month we mentioned that sources believe the Redskins are likely to go offense with their first pick. It wouldn’t surprise them if it ends up being a receiver — Jay Gruden loves WRs. I asked Mike Mayock a question on that subject during his pre-combine teleconference and his thoughts mirrored that of what we’ve heard. I think it will come down to several WRs: Allen Robinson (PSU), Davante Adams (Fresno), Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss) or Martavis Bryant. I just believe out of all those players, Bryant fits what Gruden would want most in a WR. At the very least, he reminds me of the late Chris Henry — who excelled at stretching the field. He has the potential to do some of the same things A.J. Green does, if developed. Pierre Garcon is Washington’s in-house intermediate route runner and in-between the numbers guy. They are in dire need of a guy who can make plays outside the numbers.
Round Three: Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas
- Allow me to be the first to say, there’s absolutely no guarantee Swanson will be there in the third round. But with it being such a deep draft at skill positions, I think he could fall. Many believe he’d be a perfect fit for the 49ers, but I have it on good assurance that the ’9ers are not likely to go offensive line with their first three picks in the top two rounds.
Round Four: Christian Jones, ILB, Florida State
- Jones can probably play any linebacker position… But I like him in space. Develop the guy and he can be the next Daryl Washington.
Round Five: Antone Exum, CB/S, Virginia Tech
- Physical football player who can play corner or free safety. He needs to be cleared medically, but he has major talent.
Round Six: Seantrel Henderson, RT, Miami
- Seantrel could go anywhere from the third round to being undrafted. But he has first to second round talent. He’s an ultimate boom or bust guy. He’s had some issues off-the-field. Also has a questionable work ethic. But don’t forget it was Jay Gruden who helped motivate Bengals’ RT Andre Smith…
Round Seven: Alex Neutz, WR, Buffalo
- NFLPA Bowl alum — go watch his tape vs Baylor. You won’t be disappointed.
Wrap-up: It’s tough to mock the Redskins b/c I’m certain they’ll add a pick or two by trading back at some point. I think they could take a center, guard and tackle in this draft. But remember — it’s impossible to fill every hole in one off-season. I think they go heavy with vets on defense and young on offense.
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