The Redskins lost two more veterans Tuesday. As with Clinton Portis, neither of these moves were surprises.
The Redskins released linebacker/defensive end Andre Carter and guard Derrick Dockery, who was benched after the second game this past season and eventually was inactive for nine games. Washington had cut Portis on Monday. According to the NFL Network, the Redskins are expected to release NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu by Thursday. Kemoeatu did not provide the strength in the middle the Redskins hoped, partly because he struggled to recover from an Achilles’ injury the previous season.
Meanwhile, Dockery
“I knew this time was coming,” Dockery said. “I’m excited man. I’ve always worked hard and I know I’ll be somewhere next year. I cant wait.”
Carter also knew he eventually would be released. The Redskins owed him a $4.1 million bonus by July. But the big reason is that Carter was ill-fitted to play linebacker in a 3-4 after spending all but one season of his career at defensive end.
In fact, his last year in San Francisco was spent in a failed experiment at linebacker. That’s why he signed with Washington in 2006. Carter recorded 11 sacks in 2009, the second most of his career.
“That was one of my best seasons, by far,” Carter said. “It was definitely memorable. I told everyone it was a tough pill to swallow playing in a 3-4 for the second time in my career.”
He had 2.5 sacks this past season.
“I told [Mike Shanahan], ‘I’m a defensive end,’ ” Carter said. “That’s something I was bred to do. I’ve been very successful from it and I have a few more years left in me and I want to finish it the best way I know how.
“I definitely got better [as a linebacker]. We all had to make that adjustment to a 3-4. Either you do it or you get left behind. You take a new scheme, you embrace it the best way you know how. That’s what I did. If I started playing this a long time ago, I’m sure I could have excelled. But I am what I am; I’ve played end my whole life and it’s something I love to do….I can’t complain. I’m very blessed and I gave it my all for the organization. I’m proud of how I’m walking away.”
Dockery spent six years in Washington, starting 79 games. He signed a lucrative free agent contract with Buffalo after the 2006 season, but returned in 2009 following his release from the Bills. The Redskins brought him back last offseason, even though he was bigger and not as quick as the typical guard under coach Mike Shanahan.
Eventually, Kory Lichtensteiger — nearly 30 pounds lighter — replaced Dockery in the starting lineup.
“Yeah I was surprised,” Dockery said. “But sometimes things happen and you roll with it. I wasn’t going to complain or be one of those guys and be a distraction. I went with the flow.
“They felt I wasn’t playing up to a certain level I guess. Who knows? But I’m moving forward. I told coach I wish him all the best.”
Cutting Dockery will save the Redskins approximately $1.6 million against the salary cap — assuming there is one after the collective bargaining agreement is reached.
“I’ll miss the guys, I’ll miss the city and the organization,” Dockery said. “It wasn’t a big shock. I’m excited about the opportunity and what the future holds.”
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