Hat tip to Hogs Haven
In a somewhat surprising move the Redskins have released linebacker Lemar Marshall. Marshall had been with the team since 2001 after stints with Philly and Tampa. He had moved up the depth chart from a special teamer to the starting middle linebacker for the past two years. After a very successful 1st season as a starter (ranked #1 in our NFC East rankings heading into last year), he struggled big time last year. Marshall was a great story as a former college safety transformed himself into a starting NFL linebacker, but for whatever reason he lost something after the 2005 season and was never the same.
In his spot Washington has signed veteran linebacker Randall Godfrey previously with San Diego. Godfrey’s been around the league, playing with Dallas, Seattle and Tennessee in addition to his time with the Chargers. Godfrey brings size and versatiliy to the linebacker core and is expected to suit up initially in Marcus Washington’s strong side linebacker spot while Washington deals with his injured elbow. Last year he played 13 games, registering 58 tackles and 4 sacks which was a career high.
UPDATE: Pretty unrelated, but the Eagles have released ex-Redskin Jeremiah Trotter today as well.