The Redskins, in the days leading up to free agency, never wavered from their vow of frugality. Or at least sensibility. Starting today, they get to prove that they meant what they said.
Not that everyone is happy about their new-found belief in not overspending on free agents.
“I liked the old Dan Snyder,” one agent said. “He was good for my business.”
The Redskins, more often than not, have pursued free agency with fervor under Snyder. Not that it’s led to much: The Redskins two busiest offseasons (2000 and 2003) led to a combined 14-18 mark in the ensuing season. And the ballyhooed class of 2004 preceded a 6-10 finish.
Washington has had its shares of hits and misses in free agency. Here’s a look at them:
The hits
Class of 2004 » Look at the players they signed here: corner Shawn Springs, linebacker Marcus Washington, defensive end Phillip Daniels, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin. Those four alone helped form the defensive core and remain starters. Backup linebacker Khary Campbell, a special teams standout, and end Joe Salave’a also were signed.
Casey Rabach » Linemate Randy Thomas was a top signing in 2004 and, in a couple seasons, has played near a Pro Bowl level. But the most important spot on the line outside of left tackle is center. Though Rabach is not an elite center, he is a good one who has a few more seasons left. He’s missed one game in his first three seasons here.
London Fletcher » In his first year, Fletcher made a major impact on the defense, serving as a leader and as a top tackler. By season’s end he had slowed down and, considering he’ll turn 33 in May, his best days are over. But Fletcher made Washington’s defense better. He’s also a strong team leader.
The Misses
Class of 2000 » This was Snyder’s first attempt at Fantasy Football, thinking all the Redskins needed to reach the Super Bowl was an influx of big names. So they signed Deion Sanders. And Bruce Smith. And Mark Carrier. And Jeff George. Then they went 8-8, Norv Turner was fired midseason and they went five years before posting a winning record.
Adam Archuleta » The Redskins signed a safety who was more of an in-the-box safety then asked him to play deep. It made no sense. Archuleta is better as a backup, as his subsequent time in Chicago also has proved.
Jeremiah Trotter » The Redskins quickly signed Trotter after Philadelphia released him. But he lasted only two seasons in Washington and never played that well. The Redskins asked him to play more coverage than he had in the past, a mistake. Worse, he played at a higher level upon returning to Philly.
