Sunday, April 30, 2017

Washington Redskins Jersey Number Updates

Several returning Redskins players have changed their previous jersey numbers; ahead of the upcoming season. Additionally, this year's free agent newcomers and those who signed Future/Reserve contracts have been given new numbers.

INCUMBENT VETERANS

Colt McCoy: Quarterback
No. 16 to No. 12

Robert Kelley: Running Back
No. 32 to No. 20

Kendal Thompson: Wide Receiver
No. 87 to No. 10

Su'a Cravens: Safety
No. 36 to No. 30

Kendall Fuller: Cornerback
No. 38 to No. 29

Josh Evans: Safety
No. 45 to No. 39

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

Terrelle Pryor: Wide Receiver
No. 11

Brian Quick: Wide Receiver
No. 83

John Kling: Offensive Lineman
No. 69

D.J. Swearinger: Safety
No. 36

Zach Brown: Linebacker
No. 56

Chris Carter: Linebacker
No. 55

Stacy McGee: Defensive Lineman
No. 92

Terrell McClain: Defensive Lineman
No. 97

FUTURE/RESERVE SIGNINGS

Khairi Fortt: Linebacker
No. 46

Phil Taylor: Defensive Lineman
No. 99

Tharold Simon: Cornerback
No. 37

Earl Wolff IV: Safety
No. 32

Pete Robertson: Linebacker
No. 45

Friday, April 28, 2017

Redskins Extend Contract with Key Offensive Lineman

The Washington Redskins quietly made an impact move that was overshadowed by Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

Morgan Moses, the team's starting right tackle, agreed to a five-year extension to stay in Washington. At 26 years old, Moses is now the second-highest-paid right tackle in the game. The new deal prevents the humble Virginia native from hitting the open market next offseason.

"I look back at three years ago where I was at the draft—to be here where I'm one of the first guys in my class to sign a big extension, it just shows you that if you stay blessed and you stay true to your process, anything can happen," Moses said in a team-released statement.

Photo: The Washington Post
Moses, selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has been a key contributor to Washington's improved offensive line over the past two seasons. His emergence as a starter allowed the team to shift last year's first-round pick, Brandon Scherff, to right guard.

The ability to stay healthy, though, was a concern for Moses after missing half of his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury. After landing on injured reserve, he was determined to bounce back and brush himself off.

Since the foot injury, Moses has not missed a regular season game. In 2016, he received the Ed Block Courage award, which honors one player from each team who displays professionalism, courage, and sportsmanship while facing adversity.

Off the field, Moses stays busy with charitable work in the community. A strong believer in education, he created the Morgan Moses Foundation, which strives to motivate children through fun and educational activities.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Khairi Fortt Coming to a Small Screen Near You

Washington Redskins linebacker Khairi Fortt may not be a household name to NFL fans, but he will soon tackle a big endeavor. No, the second part is not copied from a fortune cookie.

Fortt, 25, will portray the late Redskins legend Sean Taylor on an Investigation Discovery program. He auditioned for the part last year, and ironically, the role of Taylor's father (Pedro) will be played by Fortt's father, Guy Fortt. The show, titled "The Perfect Murder," incorporates real-life interviews and reenactments of homicide cases to detail how detectives solve intricate mysteries.

Photo: washingtontimes.com
Taylor's death occurred nearly a decade ago, on November 27, 2007, when intruders entered his Miami home attempting to steal money. Taylor and his girlfriend, Jackie Garcia Haley, were awakened by loud noises, which prompted Taylor to grab a machete for protection. Garcia Haley and their then-18-month old daughter hid under the bedding. An armed intruder broke into the bedroom, confronting the NFL star by firing two shots—the first one missed, but not the second.

The femoral artery in Taylor's leg was severely damaged from the bullet, leading to significant blood loss. He went into a coma and never regained consciousness; dying one day later. Only 24 years old, Taylor was a family man with a promising football career ahead of him.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Redskins Sign Low-Risk, High-Reward Playmaker

Continuing to overhaul their woeful defense, the Washington Redskins agreed to terms with a big-name free agent, not named Haynesworth.

Inside linebacker Zach Brown signed a one-year deal worth up to $4.65 million, according to his agent.

After four seasons with the Tennessee Titans—the team that drafted him No. 52 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft—Brown signed with the Buffalo Bills on a one-year deal. The 27-year-old notched 149 tackles last season in Buffalo, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance.

Considered an excellent athlete, Brown provides the Redskins with more stability at the inside linebacker spot—something they have missed since London Fletcher's playing days. Incumbent starters Will Compton and Mason Foster are decent, but Compton is a restricted free agent, and better suited in a backup role. Foster, meanwhile, has a good chance of starting alongside Brown, unless the team finds a better option in the draft.

Speaking of Compton, his April Fools' Day antics upset many fans; tweeting a [fake] congratulations message to Kirk Cousins for signing a new deal. The addition of Brown, for those at home doing the math, occurred just two days after Compton's not-so-funny tweet. See definition of Karma (noun): fate or destiny resulting from one's previous actions.