Will the Washington Redskins become offseason champions again?
After two quiet years by coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen, the Redskins have $48 million in salary cap room and no more grace period for rebuilding after an 11-21 tenure.
The Redskins need to go big, and they need to start when free agency begins Tuesday.
Peyton Manning aside, the premium position to sign in this free agency class is receiver. Fortunately, the Redskins could use a couple. While Shanahan talks of Leonard Hankerson’s potential and fans remember past efforts by Santana Moss, Washington should sign two receivers to couple with Jabar Gaffney.
New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham seems like the first target. His signing would also hurt an NFC East rival. Manningham was the third receiver in New York, but he would be the top pass catcher here. That’s not an easy role change, but Manningham wants this chance.
What about San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne and New Orleans’ Marques Colston? All aces. Randy Moss is supposedly back in form. Maybe he can squeeze in one more good season before retiring again.
The Redskins also really need another cornerback. Kansas City’s Brandon Carr is 25 and emerging — the kind of player who could become DeAngelo Hall’s sidekick and successor. Carlos Rogers is available after a standout year in San Francisco made the Redskins realize their former first-rounder was better than credited. But Rogers wouldn’t likely return.
Also on the wish list for Washington is an offensive tackle. The problem is teams never let good ones become free agents. Maybe former Maryland standout Jared Gaither, but he’s 25 and already looking for his fourth team. The more likely help comes at guard, but Shanahan doesn’t really worry about guards in his slide-blocking system. New Orleans’ All-Pro guard Carl Nicks is available, but he’s asking for $9 million annually.
With safety LaRon Landry likely leaving, Washington must reconsider both safety positions. Unfortunately, there’s not much available.
At best, the Redskins will find three key free agents to plug in. That would be a good class. The rest will come from the draft. Running back, offensive linemen and secondary help should be bolstered by rookies.
The Redskins desperately need this free agent group to revive a franchise that is seriously losing its fan base. The Nationals could become the town’s best team this season if they are able to make a run at a playoff berth. There’s nothing like winning every day to excite fans desperately looking for a team to follow, especially now that the Capitals seem past their peak.
It has been a Redskins town since 1969, but owner Dan Snyder needs to win the offseason or a new Nattitude may sweep past.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
