Remaining free agent options at key positions for the Redskins

With the first big part of free agency over and the Redskins still with a healthy amount of cap room I wanted to take a look at some options still available at each position group. Though most of the biggest names have already signed, there are still numerous starting caliber players who could make the Redskins better in 2020 and beyond. I won’t highlight every position, and while I do think they sign a QB, it appears they will go bargain basement hunting. First up is the offense!

Wide Receiver:

Options: Robby Anderson, Breshad Perriman, Demarcus Robinson, Rashard Higgins, Devin Funchess, Geronimo Allison, Phillip Dorsett, Taylor Gabriel, Chester Rogers

Notes:

Wide Receiver is a major area of need for the Redskins, particularly if they have any hope of developing Dwayne Haskins. McLaurin is clearly a very good receiver, but beyond him no one should be considered safe in their role or job.

Anderson is the biggest name of the bunch above, but he also carries numerous off the field incidents as well as a history of inconsistencies. Even when he’s at his best, Anderson is a one trick pony deep threat option. While there is some value there, the Redskins should probably look at some other options.

Funchess remains the receiver that makes the most sense as he played 4 years with Ron Rivera in Carolina, and was emerging as a good number 2 option in the league. He was injured a year ago, but should be fully healthy now, and come at a reasonable deal.

Tight End:

Options: Tyler Eifert, Delanie Walker, Ricky Seals-Jones, Geoff Swaim, Charles Clay

Notes:

The Redskins already signed Logan Thomas, but this is such a huge need area for the team. Current incumbents Jeremy Sprinkle and Hale Hentges aren’t guaranteed to make the team. It’s also one of the weaker TE draft classes in recent years. Even if the Redskins hope to draft a TE, they should still look to add another body to the mix.

Eifert and Walker are the biggest names, but both come with some injury issues. They would still be clear upgrades, but might be pricier than the Redskins should spend.

Charles Clay is an intriguing cheap veteran option. He was a solid-to-good starter between 2013 and 2017. These past two years he’s seen his role reduced, but he’s worth taking a look at. If Logan Thomas or a rookie outplay him, no worries he can be a number 2 TE (or released at a small rate). If not he can be a smart veteran addition for the young guys to learn and give Haskins a safety net.

Offensive Tackle:

Options: Jason Peters, Germain Ifedi, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Beachum, Demar Dotson, Ty Sambrailo, Cameron Erving, Donald Penn

Notes:

The Redskins already signed a swing tackle option in Cornelius Lucas, but if Trent Williams were to be traded he’s not really an option to take over. In that case the Redskins have to consider adding another tackle option, unless they plan to draft one in the first round (likely via a trade back).

Luckily there are a few tackles out there with some starting experience, though no one is going to be considered a “great” option. Cordy Glenn is intriguing, but he has dealt with some injuries recently and it could be a buyer beware type situation. Bringing back Donald Penn wouldn’t be a bad option as well, but it is a new coaching staff so they might want a different player.

Factoring age, health, production, and potential price, I believe Kelvin Beachum remains the top option for the Redskins. Since 2013 when he took over as a starter in Pittsburgh, Beachum has played in at least 13 games in 6 of 7 seasons. He has been a solid starter thoughout that time and will be 31 this upcoming season. He would be a good option for a young OT to learn from, and give Dwayne Haskins solid blind side protection.

Offensive Guard:

Options: Daryl Williams, Josh Kline, Mike Iupati, Kelechi Osemele, Michael Schofield, Ronald Leary

Notes:

The Redskins already added one guard in Wes Schweitzer to compete for the open LG job, they might consider a veteran still if the prices have dropped. If Schweitzer is the starter, the Redskins only back-up interior players are Wes Martin and Ross Pierschbacher. It’s a pretty thin group, and it’s not like Schweitzer has definitively shown he’s a quality starter in this league.

Williams is interesting because he’s young and played with Ron Rivera in Carolina. He was a solid RT with some injury history, but the Panthers moved him to guard. He wasn’t great there, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him sign for an incentive laden deal to compete for a starting role somewhere. If he can get healthy he can likely be a good starter again at either RT or guard.

After Williams it’s a number of vets sliding on the downside of their career. That being said all the names above have shown some solid starting prowness in the last two years, and would be worth a shot on a 1 year veteran deal to see if they can help out. At worst they could be valuable depth options who can add some leadership to the locker room.