For years the Redskins drove the market in free agency, spending major dollars on everyone from has-beens to rising talent. But, because of salary cap limitations, it’s not the Redskins handing out large contracts.
Still, they haven’t been quiet. And, with owner Dan Snyder and Joe Gibbs in charge, they never will be.
» What they’ve done: Filled a hole at middle linebacker with London Fletcher and at cornerback with Fred Smoot.
Fletcher, 31, is considered a solid linebacker, especially sideline to sideline, and is an improvement over Lemar Marshall. But scouts and talent evaluators say he’s merely average in coverage.
“And if they don’t have big space-eating tackles, he won’t be as effective,” one NFC scout said. “His best days are behind him.”
However, Fletcher fills a vital role as on-field leader.
As for Smoot, in his first stint here, his coaches rarely looked at him blossoming into a No. 1 corner, based on athleticism and preparation. And he struggled as a top corner in Minnesota.
So if the Redskins somehow enter into the season with Smoot and Carlos Rogers, coming off a rocky season in coverage, as their top two corners, they could struggle.
» What is left to do: The Redskins must replace left guard Derrick Dockery, who signed with Buffalo. The draft is considered a good one for interior linemen, but Washington would need to trade for additional picks. Alas, the Redskins have not developed any young linemen under Joe Bugel who are ready to become starters.
They’re looking at the Giants’ Luke Petitgout, who visited Redskins Park on Monday. But he’s mostly played tackle and was considered highly inconsistent.
They also must decide what to do with corner Shawn Springs. If they opt to somehow trade him for Denver’s Dre Bly, the Redskins must ask this question: If Bly is so good, why is he already on his third team at age 29?
