With less than 30 hours until NFL Free Agency begins, the Washington Redskins plan is based around the 3F model: Finally financially free!
After two seasons of a $36 million salary cap penalty looming over their head, they can now attack the market in hopes of improving the team.
In a previous article, I outlined key defensive backs the Redskins should pursue this offseason, and it looks like they took some of my advice.
Recent reports show the Redskins are heavily pursuing Aqib Talib, arguably the best corner on the market this year. Talib would be a great addition to a defense that has a lot of holes. A lockdown corner makes things a lot easier for the rest of the defense.
After shutting down the likes of AJ Green, Jimmy Graham and Julio Jones last year, Talib has proven he is well worth the money he'll be demanding this offseason. Here is a reminder of him stopping these great receivers last year.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7PsWBxPSFA[/embed]
Reports also state the Redskins expressed interest in Bills safety Jairus Byrd, Panthers Safety Mike Mitchell and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, and Ravens cornerback Corey Graham.
Byrd, the best safety available, will instantly make a big difference in the secondary but will cost the team another huge cap hit.
Although not as known as the other safeties in free agency like Byrd, TJ Ward or even Donte Whitner, Mitchell proved to be a quality starting safety.
In his lone year with the Panthers, Mitchell totaled 67 tackles, four interceptions, four sacks and two forced fumbles. The hard-hitting safety that is known to do most of his damage in the box would be a great fit in the Jim Haslett's defensive scheme.
For a team like the Redskins that has several holes to fill, a quality safety at a cheaper rate makes the most sense.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=licqwUnqp3o[/embed]
Offensive line and wide receiver are also team needs the Redskins will look to take care of this offseason. Fortunately, this draft's depth at both positions is very deep and will prevent the Redskins from overpaying free agent busts like in the years past.
Reports say the Redskins will pursue Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Anthony Collins which makes total sense. Not to mention new Head Coach Jay Gruden is quite familiar with the tackle.
The Redskins offensive line last year was pitiful to say the least. If Collins is signed, he will more likely start at right tackle, replacing Tyler Polumbus. Collins has not given up a sack in more than 713 pass attempts according to Pro Football Focus.
The Redskins will also take a look into improving their receiving corps, but don't look for them to pursue Eric Decker. Reports say the word around the NFL is that he is not a true #1 receiver and may be a big bust.
Look for them to pursue someone like James Jones. Jones is a proven starter and will be considerably cheaper than Decker.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTqfbkQdelw[/embed]
Stay tuned as more free agency updates will be released these next few hours.
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