Hit or miss time for Skins

NFL free agency opens on Friday morning

The latest splash occurred a year ago when the Redskins waited, oh, five hours to lure the biggest name: Albert Haynesworth. Several hours later, former NFL coach Brian Billick again dubbed them the offseason champions.

They will return to their favorite time of the year again at 12:01 a.m. Friday. An uncapped year could provide owner Dan Snyder more incentive to sign players, but the market is worse now with more than 200 players restricted because of the cap situation. That could lead to more trades for restricted players.

NFL Free Agency» Rick Snider: Snyder likely to buy into uncapped year» Hit or miss time for Skins» Redskins Confidential blog» Cheers & Jeers blog: A lot of these guys could stay around

Just know that of the signings under Snyder, only four have reached the Pro Bowl (including long snapper Ethan Albright). There’s a new coach, Mike Shanahan, and GM, Bruce Allen, running the show. But Shanahan was aggressive pursuing free agents in Denver.

Here’s a recap of what the Redskins have done over the years. Haynesworth is still too new to judge accurately, though after one year he leans toward a hit.

Hits

Redskins to watchQB Jason CampbellThe Skins say he’ll return — or at least be here for minicamp. Campbell, who is restricted, is one of the more attractive QBs on the market. It’s doubtful, though, that a team would surrender high draft picks for him. None would do so last season.CB Carlos RogersHe wants to return, but will another team trade for him as a restricted free agent? He’s a solid No. 2 corner but has not ascended to an elite level. The Redskins have looked hard at corners entering the draft. They lack an adequate No. 2 starter should Rogers leave.C Casey RabachHe has been a solid but unspectacular player since arriving in 2005. Rabach’s return would ensure some stability up front, and his smaller size should fit well with what Mike Shanahan wants from his linemen. The Skins could opt for Casey Wiegmann, who played one season for Shanahan in Denver.Five NFL players to watchDE Julius PeppersHe wants a monster deal, but is he worth nearly $20 million a season, even in an uncapped year? That’s debatable. Questions persist about his motivation, but he has 81 career sacks and 30 career forced fumbles. The Redskins could be interested.LB Karlos DansbyThe Arizona linebacker can play inside in a 3-4 or outside in a 4-3. However, he’s 28 and his productivity has started to slip. He posted his second-best tackle season in 2009 but didn’t make as many big plays. Still, he’s a quality player.FS Darren SharperNobody improved his stock more than Sharper this season. He intercepted nine passes with New Orleans after recording one the previous season, when it looked as if he might be finished. But beware: He’s 34 years old. How much time does he have left?CB Dunta RobinsonHe’s coming off an inconsistent season, perhaps because of an offseason contract dispute that kept him away from Houston’s facility. But Robinson has been a solid corner in the past. He and Leigh Bodden are the best corners available.RB Leon WashingtonHe missed nine games last season with a broken leg, but he’s only 27 and is one of several complementary backs on the market who also can return kicks. Darren Sproles is another. Washington is a better runner than Sproles. The Redskins need such a back.

Class of 2004 » Only one Pro Bowl resulted from this group, but defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, linebacker Marcus Washington, corner Shawn Springs and end Phillip Daniels formed a defensive core.

London Fletcher » He has been a steady leader — and player — since signing with Washington in 2007.

Laveranues Coles » He caught 172 passes in two seasons in Washington. But the Redskins traded him back to the New York Jets for Santana Moss. So this signing resulted in giving the Redskins a dependable receiver for the past seven seasons. Both made the Pro Bowl.

Casey Rabach » OK, he gets his share of holding penalties, but center is the most important spot along the line after left tackle. Rabach, signed in 2005, has been consistent.

Misses

Class of 2000 » Redskins fans should know this one by heart: Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, Mark Carrier and Jeff George. Smith contributed for a few years. The rest? Ugh.

Antwaan Randle El » He has been a decent player but did not deliver what the Redskins needed, which is more dynamic playmaking either from the slot or as a punt returner.

Adam Archuleta » Archuleta received the most money ever paid to a safety and by midseason was no longer starting. He was cut after one year.

Jeremiah Trotter » The Redskins signed him away from Philadelphia. It was a poor fit, and he was cut after two years.

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