When free agency finally opens, the Redskins will be — get ready for this — one of the more active teams in the NFL. Considering how many needs they have and the number of good players available, that’s not a surprise. Here’s a look at 10 free agents who could be a fit in Washington.
1. Wide receiver » Santonio Holmes
Why he makes sense » Holmes is a clutch playmaker, something the Redskins need more of on offense. Holmes has averaged 16.0 yards a catch in his five-year career, though he has not surpassed that number in any of the past three seasons. The Redskins clearly weren’t pleased with their receiving corps last season.
Why he does not » Signing Holmes is a risky move for any team. If he tests positive for drugs one more time, he would be suspended for the year. That’s a big gamble for a rebuilding team to take. Considering they lack a proven quarterback, it makes more sense to build up the running game and defense first.
2. Defensive end » Cullen Jenkins
Why he makes sense » He’s a terrific inside pass rusher (29 career sacks; seven in 2010), something the Redskins need — unless they somehow coax more out of Albert Haynesworth. Jenkins could play the same role; he has an excellent first step and a strong spin move. He’s solid against the run and good in the locker room. He can play either end position.
Why he does not » Injuries. Jenkins is 30 years old and has been bothered by one injury after another in each of the past three seasons. As well as he plays sometimes, it’s a little risky to sink big money into a player at his stage with an injury past. Also, if they really intend to keep Haynesworth, they don’t need Jenkins.
3. Nose tackle » Aubrayo Franklin
Why he makes sense » The Redskins’ 3-4 defense won’t function properly until they find a legitimate nose tackle. And Franklin is the best on the open market. One NFC executive said his play had dropped off in 2010 after a superb ’09. But his San Francisco teammates love him; he lets the linebackers do their jobs. He’s also considered a smart player.
Why he doesn’t » Because this is not a crowded market, Franklin will command much more than he’s worth at this stage of his career (he turns 31 in August). Also, there apparently is concern within the Niners as to how Franklin will react to having a big contract.
4. Offensive tackle » Ryan Harris
Why he makes sense » Mike Shanahan drafted Harris in Denver four years ago,and started all 16 games in his second season and last under Shanahan (NOTE: This originally stated he did not start under Shanahan). Harris is considered a good fit in the zone-blocking system and the stretch zone runs the Redskins love to use (and Denver no longer does). His quickness is considered above average, which is a must.
Why he doesn’t » Harris is not a strong run blocker when he must just plow forward, though that’s not a prerequisite in this system. He was bothered by a foot injury for half of 2009 and an ankle injury plagued him early in 2010. But he’s apparently healthy now. In three years as a starter, he has had one excellent year.
5. Offensive lineman » Marshal Yanda
Why he makes sense » Yanda played one season for coach Chris Foerster in Baltimore so there’s a connection. Yanda can play both right guard and right tackle, and the Redskins must improve the quality of play on this side of the line. His fundamentals are considered good.
Why he doesn’t » Yanda is not an overly athletic player, something the Redskins need at tackle. If they view him as a guard, that’s probably his best fit. He has started 42 games for Baltimore, which is expected to make a big effort to keep him. The Redskins could then pursue tackle Jared Gaither, also late of Baltimore.
6. Cornerback » Nnamdi Asomugha
Why he makes sense » The Redskins are expected to let Carlos Rogers exit via free agency, so there’s a definite need. In the past, if the Redskins had a need, they would solve it with the biggest name possible. And Asomugha is the best cornerback on the market. Quarterbacks rarely test him in an era when they rarely shy away from anyone.
Why he doesn’t » He’ll have better options; if he’s tired of losing in Oakland and he’s going to get big money wherever he goes, why sign here? Plus, the Redskins use a lot of zone, and he’s best in press-man coverage. Finally, cornerback DeAngelo Hall makes good money, and safety LaRon Landry is a free agent next year, so why tie up this much cash in one unit?
7. Defensive lineman » Barry Cofield
Why he makes sense » The NFL Network reported that Cofield is on the Redskins’ list. At 306 pounds, Cofield is a little light for a nose tackle, but he does well at holding the point of attack and uses his hands well, something that would suit him well at the position.
Why he doesn’t » He has never played nose tackle, and it’s not as simple as sticking a guy there and letting him go. Not at this stage. Cofield should have options in a 4-3 defense, for which he’s best suited. He is not much of a pass rusher and likely would play in run situations.
8. Cornerback » Ike Taylor
Why he makes sense » Taylor is considered one of the top free agent corners and has been a solid contributor on Pittsburgh’s championship teams. The Redskins use a similar defense to Pittsburgh’s, easing the transition. He’s physical and is comfortable in zones. He often covers the opposition’s best receiver, too.
Why he doesn’t » The Steelers have made him their top target to re-sign, so he likely won’t be available. Also, though he covers well and is physical, the knock on him is … he has bad hands. Just like Rogers. And again — how much do they want to invest in the secondary financially?
9. Running back » Joseph Addai
Why he makes sense » Addai would be a good complement to Ryan Torain. Addai would provide Washington with a veteran who could handle the load should Torain get hurt again. With Indianapolis, Addai showed good hands, an ability to pick up blitzes and one-cut running ability, a key in the Redskins’ running game.
Why he doesn’t » The Redskins drafted two running backs, and Shanahan has had success developing young players. However, the lack of an offseason will stunt their growth. Still, Addai has been rather quiet in the running game the past couple seasons in a pass-based offense. Other options include Darren Sproles, who also could help the return game.
10. Punter » Brad Maynard
Why he makes sense » Have you paid attention to the Redskins’ punting situation the past six years or so? Then we really don’t need to continue. But we will. The Redskins used three punters last season, and none of them worked out. Maynard, entering his 15th season, is a terrific directional punter — his 407 punts inside the 20 are second best all time.
Why he doesn’t » Because he’s an aging punter coming off his worst season. The Redskins have tried the aging veteran punter route in recent years, and it hasn’t always worked. Maynard finished 32nd in punt average (40.1 yards) and 29th in net average (35.2). It didn’t help that he was recovering from right hip surgery for part of the season.
