The Redskins addressed an area of need, plugging a hole in their three-man front. But they did it with a mild twist, landing a player who has spent his career in a four-man front: Barry Cofield.
Cofield agreed to a six-year deal potentially worth $36 million; $12.5 million is guaranteed according to multiple reports. Cofield, fourth-round pick in 2006, gives the Redskins another young defensive lineman and someone they hope can provide an inside pass rush. Though he hasn’t played nose tackle in a 3-4, he did spend time in the middle in certain defensive formations for the New York Giants, who ran a 4-3.
Cofield is the fourth major addition to the defense this offseason, including safety O.J. Atogwe (free agent), linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (first-round pick) and defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (second-round pick). Washington also could still be involved for free agent defensive end Cullen Jenkins. Last season, when they switched to a 3-4, they made few changes to their defensive personnel and it showed as the defense finished 31st overall.
The Redskins also want to unload defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who would have been their nose tackle and inside rusher had he wanted to play in a 3-4.
Cofield has battled injuries over the past three years — but he’s played through almost all of them. He’s missed just one game to injury in his career. He underwent reconstructive knee surgery, but returned for the 2008 season and posted three sacks. His labrum bothered him last season, yet he managed a career-best four sacks.
Cofield is considered a smart player who uses good leverage. At 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, he’s not a typical nose guard. However, Dallas’ Jay Ratliff, a standout at the position, is 6-foot-4 and 303 pounds.
Cofield was not considered an explosive defensive tackle. He also played with standout pass rushers in New York. That, of course, could limit his opportunities but also would create many as he’d face one-on-one situations. The Giants reportedly liked him, but have salary cap issues and other free agents that were a higher priority.
In an interview with the New York Post last October, Cofield said when asked for a self-scouting report:
“I would say he’s a guy that plays hard whistle to whistle . . . he’s gonna fight you the whole time . . . plays a great technique . . . he’s a great teammate . . . and when he’s on the field he makes his team better.”
And his mentality on the field:
“I just have such a great love for the game that when I put on the pads, it feels normal. I feel more comfortable with pads on than without, that’s how much I love the game. Having a son, that’s helping me mature as a person. It’s helping me become more of a two-dimensional person, ’cause I love the game so much I’m almost obsessed with it to the point that during the season, football’s always on my mind. I feel comfortable and I feel at ease and I feel at home on the field.”
And, finally, an adjective or two to describe himself:
“On the field, I’m more of a calculated assassin than I am a warrior storming into battle. A guy who’s prepared, meticulous and knows what he’s gonna do so that when he gets on the field, it’s not chaos, it’s business.”
Here’s a video of one of his sacks — and his celebration.
