The Washington Redskins have their best chance since the demise of the USFL to reload the roster quickly.
With more than 500 free agents and numerous salary cap casualties available in the coming days, the Redskins can gather enough starters and quality backups to contend this season. All it takes is a smart front office and lots of cash.
While there’s nothing wrong with signing a premier free agent or two, the Redskins also need several second-tier free agents at offensive line, nose tackle, cornerback and running back.
It takes a year or so to truly mesh, though. The Redskins’ free agent moves after the USFL folded in 1986 set them up to win the Super Bowl in the 1987 season.
After signing former USFL receiver Gary Clark, who had 72 catches for Washington in 1985, the Redskins grabbed quarterback Doug Williams, receiver Ricky Sanders and running back Kelvin Bryant in 1986 from the failed league. Suddenly, a team that slipped out of the playoffs in 1985 — three seasons after winning a Super Bowl — was revived.
But it took time. Williams only threw one pass in 1986. That must have annoyed owner Jack Kent Cooke, who reluctantly paid $1 million for the unused passer. Bryant was second in carries that season with 69 after winning the USFL MVP award in 1983. Sanders caught only 14 passes and two touchdowns after 149 receptions over two years with the Houston Gamblers. Meanwhile, Clark led Washington with 74 catches.
The Redskins finished 12-4 and reached the NFC championship game before losing 17-0 to the New York Giants, who then won the Super Bowl.
The next season was a mess. A three-week player strike worked the Redskins’ way because the front office readied a strong replacement team that went 3-0. The regulars were only 8-5, but the scabs helped secure home field in the NFC championship game after two road playoff games.
The USFL exiles excelled in the ninth game. Williams replaced a slumping Jay Schroeder and threw touchdown passes to Bryant and Clark in a 20-13 victory over Detroit. The threesome did it again in the NFC championship when they outlasted Minnesota 17-10, though Darrell Green’s tipped goal-line deflection to save the game might be the most memorable moment.
The Redskins then won their second of three Super Bowls under Gibbs with a 35-point quarter in the 42-10 victory over Denver. Timmy Smith’s 204 yards rushing grabbed the headlines, but Clark and Sanders combined for 12 catches and three touchdowns, while Williams completed 18 of 29 passes for 340 yards and four scores.
The quartet’s lasting impact varied. Bryant played two more seasons as a fair backfield receiver. Williams started 11 games in 1988 and four in 1989 before retiring. Clark spent another five solid seasons in Washington and retired after the 1995 season with 699 receptions. Sanders played another six years for the Redskins and he also retired after 1995 with 483 receptions.
If Washington can again find four such productive players, the postseason may loom.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
