Season Summary:
Jay Gruden's first year as head coach of the Washington Redskins didn't go well. The Redskins were the textbook example of a quarterback controversy. Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy and Robert Griffin III all started and they combined for a last place NFC East finish. The defense wasn't much help, getting the worst cumulative grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Figuring out what to do at QB is step one and shoring up the defense is step two for Washington.
Projected Salary Cap (via Spotrac):
$13,590,322
Team Needs:
1. Quarterback: Uncertainty surrounds Robert Griffin III. It's more likely than not he comes back, but a veteran or developmental player isn't out of the question. More than anything, just committing to RGIII (or Cousins or McCoy) is what is needed. McCoy is a free agent too.
2. Defensive End: Jason Hatcher has played well, but the duo of Jarvis Jenkins and Stephen Bowen has not. Bowen is a potential cap causality and Jenkins is a free agent. The time is ripe for an upgrade.
3. Safety: Ryan Clark and Brandon Meriweather are both free agents. Neither were very effective last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The Redskins might give Phillip Thomas a shot next season, but help is needed badly.
4. Cornerback: Bashaud Breeland and David Amerson have flashed potential, but upgrades are still needed. DeAngelo Hall is aging and overrated, while E.J. Biggers isn’t that good.
5. Offensive Tackle: Unless Morgan Moses suddenly develops, a right tackle is needed. Free agents Tom Compton and Tyler Plumbus weren’t very good last year.
6. Middle linebacker: Both Keenan Robinson and Perry Riley struggle against the pass. An upgrade(s) would be smart. Riley was solid against the run, but Robinson struggled.
7. Outside linebacker: The team doesn’t need to resign Brian Orkapo, as Washington can get by with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy as starters. Still, Orakpo is damn good. If they elect to let him walk, a backup pass rusher is needed.
8. Nose Guard: Chris Baker started to take over for Barry Cofield, who struggled. Baker was average and an upgrade isn’t out of the question. Cutting Cofield would save Washington a little over $4 million.
9. Wide Receiver: Some depth could be added. A late round pick makes sense.
Potential Cap Casualties:
DE Stephen Bowen: potential savings of $5.5 million
DT Barry Cofield: potential savings of roughly 4.12 million
*All figures from Spotrac
Free Agents:
QB Colt McCoy
RB Roy Helu
RB Chris Thompson (ERFA)
WR Leonard Hankerson
WR Santana Moss
TE Niles Paul
OT Tom Compton (RFA)
OT Tyler Polumbus
DT Chris Neild
DT Travian Robertson (RFA)
DE Jarvis Jenkins
OLB Brian Orakpo
CB E.J. Biggers
CB Justin Rogers
S Ryan Clark
S Duke Ihenacho (RFA)
S Brandon Meriweather
S Trenton Robinson (ERFA)
K Kai Forbath (RFA)
Draft Picks:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Transactions:
— Hired Scot McCloughan as GM
— Mutually parted ways with DC Jim Haslett (12-31)