While finding a quarterback will dominate the Washington Redskins’ offseason, it won’t be the only position of concern. After a 5-11 season and 33 losses in three years, the Redskins need more than a rookie or free agent quarterback to rebuild. A dozen veterans could depart, forcing changes at receiver and safety in particular.
The Redskins have wanted to replace Santana Moss for years. His 2011 numbers were about half of the previous season, and he will be 33 on June 1. Moss has produced, but he spent more time the past year arguing with officials than making big plays. It’s time to move on.
Receivers Donte Stallworth and Terrence Austin also likely won’t return. Stallworth was an aging stopgap, and for some reason coach Mike Shanahan ignored Austin this season. Leonard Hankerson and Niles Paul will see their roles increase next season, but Washington still needs a No. 1 target.
Replacing returner Brandon Banks may be an unpopular decision. His blazing speed was neutralized by the new kickoff rules, though. Upgrading the roster requires that slot to be absorbed by another receiver.
Big changes likely will come at safety. LaRon Landry seems ready to move on, and after two injury-plagued seasons and a penchant for freelancing, the Redskins may let him. Oshiomogho Atogwe was never healthy and never showed what made him successful in St. Louis. Reed Doughty was exposed too many times.
Tight end will require a curious decision. Do the Redskins re-sign Fred Davis, who missed the final four games with a drug suspension? Davis is a potential Pro Bowl selection, but another positive drug test would draw a one-year suspension. That’s a big risk for a big-money deal. Meanwhile, Chris Cooley will be back after ending the season on injured reserve for the second time in three years. Will he still have that burst at 30?
The offensive line — sigh — found plenty of success with its reserves this season, but right tackle Jammal Brown is breaking down and at least two members can be replaced.
Fullback Mike Sellers, the only Redskins carryover from the 1990s, won’t be back. One catch this season? Darrel Young took his job.
Linebacker Rocky McIntosh never fulfilled his potential as the team’s top pick in 2006. His motivation seemed lacking, and he was inactive for the final game. Perry Riley took McIntosh’s job.
Defensive end Adam Carriker deserves to be re-signed, but the Redskins are overloaded with talent along the line. They may need the money elsewhere, but keeping Carriker would provide great depth.
Finally, what to do with quarterback John Beck? Can Shanahan admit he made a mistake with Beck, who was 0-3 and managed only 31 points? Beck just couldn’t react quickly enough.
At age 31, there’s no reason to believe Beck will develop into a successful starter, so it’s time to release him. But with Grossman unsigned, the team probably will keep Beck through training camp to tutor any newcomers.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
