Five thoughts: Redskins free agency

1. I haven’t yet seen how much guaranteed money Brandon Meriweather will make, but that will speak volumes on what the Redskins are expecting. If there’s not a lot of guaranteed cash, then it’s not bad. And it would indicate that they just want him to come in and compete for a job rather than hand him one. Sort of like Larry Johnson two years ago. After the past year or two, Meriweather should not be guaranteed anything on the field. His play has not warranted any guarantee. Yes, he made two straight Pro Bowls in 2009 and ’10, but he was benched early in the latter season. And he was cut the following year – it was performance and not money related.  
2. Talked to several people about him. Two executives basically described him the same way, as a talented but undisciplined player. One person who has worked with him in the past said, “has a lot of talent, but you can’t trust him.” Another word I heard a bit: freelancer. That’s one reason he was benched in New England. It’s also partly why he only started four games in Chicago (and sat out five by coach’s decision). What’s his best spot? He’s played both free and strong, but the person who has worked with him did not think he’d make a good in-the-box safety, aside from in a nickel package, and thought his best spot was at free “with a penchant for mental bust… He’s not a bad kid; simply too much me in his game.” And an executive with an AFC team, who has faced Meriweather in the past, said he was best as a “center fielder.” The Redskins might disagree. We’ll see.
3. He’s had some off-field issues, like this incident with a gun. He reportedly was playing peacekeeper in that situation. And this one. He also was fined $50,000 for a helmet to helmet hit on Todd Heap in 2010. Not sure what to make of this, except that he’ll need to be careful here. I don’t know if there’s a pattern of bad behavior here. Maybe he comes to Washington a different person. But add all this up and it’s why I’m not crossing safety off the list of needs just yet. They still need another corner (which is why Aaron Ross is visiting Friday).
4. What’s up with London Fletcher? Still talking, though I will say it’s a quiet situation. Obviously teammates want him back, but despite some noise on Twitter not a lot are calling him to get him to sign. Maybe some are, but I know many are not. “There’s nothing to reach out about,” Lorenzo Alexander said. “We all know we need him. He knows we want him. It’s up to ownership to offer him something he’s earned.”  What’s working in Washington’s favor is this: the market is thin for soon-to-be 37-year old linebackers. As one NFL source said, “Age and money working against him.” I’ve always thought, as have others, that he’s more valuable to Washington than anyone else because of his intangibles. I think there are some anxious fans waiting for him to sign. I’d still be surprised if he does not sign here. It’s hard to imagine another team topping the Redskins’ offer.  Nothing is ever certain, but as long as they’re still talking it’s a good sign.  
5. So Eddie Royal is now with San Diego. It’s surprising that Washington did not close the deal with him when he was in town Tuesday night. But it does seem that Royal’s camp was pleasantly pleased by the market that developed for him.  The Redskins also have shown that they have a price they’re willing to pay for a player and stick to that price. Players don’t get away from your facility if you’re willing to keep going higher. Mike Shanahan really, really liked Royal, who had his best year under the former Broncos coach. He’ll play in a terrific offense in San Diego, with an excellent QB. Royal is in a good spot. Where does this leave the Redskins? Well, let’s not make Royal out to be anything other than what he is: a No. 3 receiver with four touchdowns the past three years combined. He could have helped; he was a complementary part. Santana Moss and Terrence Austin get a reprieve. Have said it before but Moss needs a good offseason. If he has one he can still help. Austin still has a shot here too because he can help in the slot and he can return punts. Brandon Banks probably gets another camp to prove he can repeat that first season, and not his second. But there’s a long ways to go.

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