The Redskin Report

It was only a few short years ago, when the Redskins were the undeniable “Kings of the Offseason”. When Joe Gibbs returned and stability returned to the organization, things have changed. The Redskins have moved from making the big money signings to making smart cost effective moves. Of course the mainstream media has yet to catch on to this new trend, so every big name free agent on the market will be rumored to be on their way to Washington.

The few media members who avoid that trap will write about how the Redskins have to cut half of their roster due to salary cap issues (see links below regarding the Redskins cap situation). Neither of these is true. The Redskins will be in decent shape cap wise, and they won’t sign many big name free agents. They’ll make a few tweaks to the roster, but don’t expect wholesale changes.

Without further ado, here is my ‘to do’ list for the Redskins in the 2006 offseason:

• Sign a good reliable 2nd receiver. David Patten makes a good 3rd option, but he’s not starting material. Use James Thrash as a special team’s ace and for depth at receiver.
• Trade Patrick Ramsey. It’s obvious he has no future here. The Redskins might as well make a move while he still has value. Preferably to an AFC team: Oakland, Miami or Baltimore would be a good fit.

• Cut or trade LaVar Arrington. I know this one will be the most controversial idea on the list, but its time. On the field, he’s declining and not worth nearly what he’s getting paid. Off the field, he can be a distraction with his emotional comments to the media. But more than that, the media and certain fans look to Arrington as the face of this franchise, and its time to move on from that. Guys like Marcus Washington, Sean Taylor and Cornelius Griffin are the new leaders on the defense. Arrington’s persona outweighs his performance.
• Sign some depth along the offensive line. I never want to see Cory Raymer lined up at guard ever again. I’m assuming Jim Molinaro has the ability to back up both tackles, but a decent interior lineman is needed for depth.
• Test the market for Ladell Betts. I wouldn’t move Betts just for the sake of it. But if you can score a 3rd or 4th round pick for the guy, I’d be tempted. Rock Cartwright has shown that he can be a decent back-up for Portis. Betts is going to end up leaving after the next season anyways, so if you can score a decent pick for him, I think you have to consider it.
• Sign a big, bruiser of a tight end to back-up/rotate with Robert Royal. Jason Dunn was a huge part of the KC running attack, look for the Redskins to try to find a similar player. By the way, the Chiefs are 22 million over the cap, so maybe Dunn will come available (this is just wishful thinking, I have no clue of his contract situation or what the Chiefs can do to reduce their cap numbers).
• Find the best fit for Gregg Williams’ defense at either middle linebacker or the weak side linebacker. Use Lemar Marshall to cover the other spot (i.e. if you sign a MLB, play Marshall on the weakside). My preference would be to keep Marshall in the middle, he really came on as the season progressed.
• Sign a good part time pass rushing end or linebacker. Chris Clemons is ok in this role, but there has to be someone else out there who can either replace Clemons or play as a blitzing linebacker.
• Resign Ryan Clark. Although I don’t have much doubt that Pierson Prioleau could replace him in the starting line up without a drop off, Clark’s versatility would be missed. Give the guy some cash, and put him back in the starting lineup.
• Get Tom Tupa back and healthy. Tupa’s injury was forgotten by almost everyone, but not having a punter who could pin teams within the 10 yard line consistently really hurt.
• Bring in competition for John Hall. The decision on Hall is a tough one. Cutting him would save cap room, and he has been injury prone of late, but will Redskin fans ever forget those terrible kickers who cost the team so many games before he was signed.
• Cut Taylor Jacobs and find a decent player to handle punt returns. Thrash is below average. Antonio Brown is a fumble waiting to happen. Although a combination of Thrash’s hands and Brown’s speed would nice, I’ll accept anyone half way decent.

Salary Cap Links:
Trimming the Cap; Cap Heck
In the Post:
Musgrave leave
Noble struggles; Musgrave replaced by a “LAZOR”
New Charges for Taylor