Dan Snyder has courted top free agents, shuttling them about in his private plane. Joe Gibbs loves the idea of a quick fix, preferring free agents to draft picks.
Which is why the Redskins don’t hide their preference for free agency. Notthat it’s gotten them anywhere, with only two playoff seasons in Snyder’s first eight seasons in charge — and he had little hand in shaping that first playoff roster in 1999.
“Most teams try to build through the draft and fill in spots in free agency,” said NFL analyst Gil Brandt.
Not the Redskins. So they’ll be at it again starting Friday, when free agency begins at 12:01 a.m.
It remains to be seen how aggressive they can be in what is considered a rather weak free agent market. The Redskins need help at defensive line, linebacker, defensive back and tight end.
The Redskins, who are approximately $1-2 million under the $109-million cap, cut tight end Christian Fauria and could free up more money but cutting placekicker John Hall and receiver David Patten. They can also redo deals for ends Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels — or cut them. And Mark Brunell’s new contract saves them approximately $5 million against the cap.
But keep in mind other teams have lots more money, which could drive some price tags beyond their reach and make them less busy.
Another option for Washington this offseason: trades. The Redskins reportedly are interested in Detroit corner Dre Bly and some reports link them to New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who could be available because he does not fit the Jets’ 3-4 system.
Another busy offseason means — if they lose guard Derrick Dockery to free agency — at least 14 of their 22 starters would have arrived via free agency or trades.
House cleaning?
The Redskins have garnered a reputation for taking care of players outside the organization rather than inside. Here are their in-house free agent priorities this offseason:
Unrestricted
» LG Derrick Dockery: He’s their fifth best lineman, but it would be costly to replace him — they have no alternatives on theirroster. Sources say he’ll give the Redskins a chance to match any offer, but will it be too late?
» LB Warrick Holdman: Defensive problems weren’t his fault, but he’s merely average. The Redskins have other alternatives.
» CB Kenny Wright: He had a good game, or two, but is mostly a No. 4 corner. The Redskins need to find a better one.
Restricted
» P Derrick Frost: The Redskins need to, and likely will, re-sign him. He improved in the second half of last season and is still young (26).
» DT Ryan Boschetti: He played with lots of energy, but it’s easy to find cheaper alternatives who can do the same. He’s likely gone.
» OL Jim Molinaro: It’s hard to imagine him returning. Then again, it was hard to imagine him making the team last year, too.
The market
Three free agents the Redskins will pursue
» LB London Fletcher-Baker: He played for Gregg Williams in Buffalo and, though considered an overachiever and 32, still has something left. He can cover and is considered a strong leader.
» CB Nate Clements: Picked the right time to have a terrific season. He’s physical and can cover, but he’s also had down years and it’s questionable if he’ll be worth the dough.
» DE Patrick Kerney: He’s a top end when healthy and would allow Washington to perhaps trade down from No. 6, get more picks, and select a DT in the first round. But he missed the last seven games of the season with a pectoral injury.
Three free agents the Redskins should pursue
» S Ken Hamlin: It won’t happen because they’re overstocked, and overspent, at this spot. But the Redskins still need a safety who knows how to cover.
» TE Reggie Kelly: He could fill the need for a blocking tight end. The 30-year-old has 133 career receptions and 103 career starts.
» LB Napoleon Harris: If they can’t get Fletcher-Baker, Harris should be pursued. He’s younger, bigger and coming off a standout season.
