It’s not just Jim Zorn who will be working his home finale in Washington today. Because the Redskins have not turned their roster over much in the past few years — even after a coaching change — they will do so after this season. That would have been the case even if Zorn had returned. But with Zorn on the way out — and Mike Shanahan likely on the way in — look for heavy change.
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A list of players who might be playing their last game in Washington:
RB Rock Cartwright: He’s been saying for a while that his days here likely are done. They want more speed in the return game and at running back. He developed into a special teams leader, but I’d be surprised if he returns.
QB Jason Campbell: Because he might be restricted if the collective bargaining agreement is not extended, he might return. It’s also possible that the Redskins discover no better alternative on the market. But if you’re Jason, do you want to stay in an organization that wanted to trade him a year ago?
DE Phillip Daniels. He wants to play a few more years, but he’ll turn 37 in March and is slowing down. He could help as a backup end, but that means Jeremy Jarmon likely would start. Will he be ready? Also, if Mike Shanahan comes there’s some talk he’d want to use a 3-4 defense. If that’s the case, Daniels fits the mold of a 3-4 end. But, again, age might be a big factor.
DT Cornelius Griffin. Gets hurt a lot, but pairs well with Albert Haynesworth. So, too, does Kedric Golston who could fill Griffin’s starting role if needed.
C Casey Rabach. A free agent after the season. He’ll be 33 in September and struggles against bigger nose tackles. However, the Redskins might not want to replace four linemen in one offseason, so he could return if only to provide some continuity up front. Still, a replacement needs to be groomed.
WR Antwaan Randle El. He’s done as a punt returner, but he’ll still catch perhaps 50 passes this year as a third wideout. But
Jim Zorn isn’t the only one facing his last home game with the Redskins. Change is coming, partly because a new coaching staff will be in town. And partly because 18 players on the roster and injured reserve are at least 30 years old. That makes this an old team coming off a double-digit loss season. If the Redskins don’t turn over at least 30 percent of the roster, they’ll struggle again next year.
Also, Bruce Allen wasn’t afraid to get rid of veterans with Tampa Bay. The same thing will happen here.
A list of players who might be playing their last game in Washington:
RB Rock Cartwright: He’s been saying for a while that his days here likely are done. They want more speed in the return game and at running back. He developed into a special teams leader, but I’d be surprised if he returns.
QB Jason Campbell: Because he might be restricted if the collective bargaining agreement is not extended, he might return. It’s also possible that the Redskins discover no better alternative on the market. But if you’re Jason, do you want to stay in an organization that wanted to trade him a year ago?
DE Phillip Daniels. He wants to play a few more years, but he’ll turn 37 in March and is a free agent. He could help as a backup end, but that means Jeremy Jarmon likely would start. Will he be ready? Also, if Mike Shanahan comes there’s some talk he’d want to use a 3-4 defense. If that’s the case, Daniels fits the mold of a 3-4 end. But, again, age might be a big factor.
DT Cornelius Griffin. Gets hurt a lot, but pairs well with Albert Haynesworth. So, too, does Kedric Golston who could fill Griffin’s starting role if needed.
LB Rocky McIntosh. He deserves to return after a strong season. His status will be determined by the CBA.
C Casey Rabach. A free agent after the season. He’ll be 33 in September and struggles against bigger nose tackles. However, the Redskins might not want to replace four linemen in one offseason, so he could return if only to provide some continuity up front. Still, a replacement needs to be groomed.
WR Antwaan Randle El. He’s done as a punt returner, but he’ll still catch perhaps 50 passes this year as a third wideout. But with two other young receivers on the roster, and a third who might develop, he’s expendable.
CB Carlos Rogers. Once again, the CBA will determine if he’s restricted or unrestricted. But there’s little doubt he’s not anticipating a return.
FB Mike Sellers. Fullbacks are being phased out around the league and especially in the West Coast offense. He’ll also turn 35 this summer.
CB Fred Smoot. He’s actuallly played well this season, but he’ll be 31. If Rogers exits, they would need another corner and Justin Tryon is better as a third corner while Kevin Barnes is not ready to start. It also depends on the scheme. Smoot plays better in off-man coverage or zone at this stage.
DE Renaldo Wynn. Can’t imagine he’ll be back. Classy guy, but has only played in one game.
Then there are the guys on injured reserve who could be gone: Ladell Betts, Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas.
