Redskins Take Care of Own

The Washington Redskins positioned themselves to make moves on the first day of free agency that were directed at protecting their own core of players from hitting the open market. Redskins GM Scot McCloughan has made his intentions on how he plans on rebuilding the team clear saying, “We want to take care of our own, build through the draft,” anytime he’s been asked.

For Redskins fans, McC’s way of doing things should be a welcomed break from the normal path the team travels down this time of the year. The days of signing the biggest free agent names to overwhelming contracts are gone. This front office is geared towards doing things the right way.

Some may be hesitant to give praise initially after the team slapped its franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins last week. The one-year tag will count for $19.95 million dollars in 2016 and is fully guaranteed. Fact is after seeing Brock Osweiler get a huge contract yesterday (4 years, 72 million with only 6 starts to his credit), most should now realize that the money in the NFL QB market is on the steep incline. To be able to keep a quarterback with any talent in this league you have to be willing to pay them. The Redskins couldn’t reach an agreement with Cousins agent on a long-term deal, but that could work in the teams favor in the long run. The Redskins now have the chance to gauge Cousins for another season and determine if he can continue to improve. If they would have overpaid, and then Cousins regresses next season, it would be a disaster.

With Cousins signed, the team decided to part ways with several players including Robert Griffin III, Jason Hatcher, Jeron Johnson and Dashon Goldson. The team also decided that Tom Compton, Darrell Young, and Terrance Knighton were not in their plans for 2016.

The Redskins re-signed backup quarterback Colt McCoy to a 3-year, $9 million deal ($1.8 million guaranteed). McCoy had been with the team on one-year deals the last two seasons, so this gives him a little more stability. The team has the option to void the deal after the second year.

The Redskins also re-signed linebacker Mason Foster and defensive lineman Kedric Golston. Golston is the longest tenured Redskins player, 2016 will be his 11th with the team.

Foster was one of the brightest surprises of the 2015 season for Washington. After signing in late September, he joined the starting lineup in Week 13. In 13 regular season games, Foster totaled 37 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

The team is actively trying to re-sign linebacker Junior Galette and cornerback Will Blackman. Galette is seeking a one-year “prove-it” deal, while the team is looking to lock the edge-rusher up long term. Galette recently hired agent Drew Rosenhaus and has said several times on twitter that he only wants to play in DC.

The Redskins still have needs at safety, defensive tackle, defensive end and tight end, but could look towards the draft to fill those needs. Don’t expect any high profile signings, if McCloughan does make a move it will likely be for a lower tier player.

The team currently has $21,641,537 in cap space according to the NFLPA website.