If the NFL, as expected, allows all four-year players to be eligible for free agency, a handful of Redskins will go from restricted to unrestricted. The impacted players would be tackle Stephon Heyer, defensive end Kedric Golston, safety Reed Doughty and linebackers H.B. Blades, Rocky McIntosh and Chris Wilson.
It’s easy to see most of them returning. Doughty is a solid backup and good special teamer. Wilson adds speed on special teams. Golston started last year and would be a quality backup if Jarvis Jenkins becomes the starter. McIntosh wants to return but could be a better fit as a 4-3 outside linebacker than an inside backer in the Redskins’ 3-4 scheme.
Heyer? That one is harder to see, but his versatility — he can back up either side, though only for short stints — helps in a year when the small free agent period makes it difficult to fill every hole.
