Redskins' Free Agents of 2015: Who Should Stay and Who Should go?

Santana Moss:

A longtime starting wide receiver and deep threat for Washington, the 35-year-old Moss has seen a significant drop in his offensive role. One of the most obvious reasons for his decline, aside from age, is that previous 'Skins personnel ignored the team's need for a true No. 1 receiver, keeping Moss atop the depth chart. This was the case until the acquisitions of starters Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. When asked about his future in the NFL, Moss said, "I know I can still play, physically, therefore, I'm still going to try to play." Given the few opportunities Moss had in 2014, he made the most of them and looked quick, despite turning 36 by the time training camp starts. Washington should keep the savvy veteran around for one last ride at the minimum cost.

Tyler Polumbus:

For some strange reason, Polumbus has been the starting right tackle for the last few seasons. Perhaps the organization was stuck in the Twilight Zone (a dimension where anything is possible) during that span. This is the only plausible explanation I have come up with. Justifying my harsh comments is not necessary if you have seen him play. Therefore, I will keep it simple: Polumbus needs to be cut; right now.

Photo: usatoday.com

Roy Helu Jr:

The speedy running back who recently turned 26 will have his first opportunity to test the free agent market. Helu is a valuable player, especially in passing situations, and the Redskins would be wise to offer him a nice contract—without overspending. It would be hard to imagine heading into the 2015 season with Silas Redd and Chris Thompson as the backups to superstar Alfred Morris.

Brian Orakpo:

After being drafted 13^th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Orakpo seemed to be a solid pick for Washington. Through six seasons, Orakpo has totaled 254 tackles, 40 sacks, 6 interceptions, 1 touchdown, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. The problem for this gifted pass rusher is keeping himself healthy. Orakpo wants to be paid as an elite player, but his inability to stay on the field does not warrant a hefty contract. Still, after all of his injuries, there are numerous 'Skins fans arguing that he should be signed to a long-term deal. As MADtv's character 'Tank' would say, "PASS!"

Ryan Clark:

Sure, he has lost a step, but the Redskins coveted Clark, not the other way around. Therefore, I cannot fathom why fans hate on him so much and call him a "bum," among other names. Clark is still a reliable team leader who came at an affordable rate. His role was used as a Band-Aid to cover up the safety position that has been abysmal ever since the death of Sean Taylor. However, it would be a huge mistake if the Redskins choose not to upgrade their safeties in 2015. Unless Clark is willing to serve as a backup, it is time to move on.

Jarvis Jenkins:

Mike Shanahan selected Jenkins 41^st overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, and Jenkins has yet to show signs of potential. He has missed time with injuries and even has a PED suspension during his brief time in the NFL. Whether through free agency or the draft, adding a pass rushing defensive end should be a top priority.

Chris Nield:

See above on Jenkins—just change "defensive end" to "defensive tackle." In Nield's defense (excuse the pun), he was not drafted nearly as high as Jenkins, nor did he have many expectations to make an impact. In addition, Nield was never suspended for PED violations.

Niles Paul:

There was a time when Paul drew comparisons to former tight end Shannon Sharpe. These were probably the same people who believed Nick Williams could be the next Wes Welker. However, 2014 proved to be a breakout year for Paul, putting up 507 yards on 39 receptions and a touchdown. When Jordan Reed went down with injuries—what else is new—Paul stepped up as the starter and showed some flash. At just 25 years old, there are two scenarios this offseason: 1) the Redskins re-sign him and continue to utilize him as a backup, or 2) they let another team entice him with the opportunity to be a starter. Unless Vernon Davis is brought to D.C. as some speculate, Paul should continue to wear the burgundy and gold.

E.J. Biggers:

The only feasible reason Biggers was brought back last year is because the team found themselves backed into a corner (no pun intended) once again by not landing a proven cornerback. He is still young and does not affect the salary cap very much, but he is not that good. There is always the possibility of the 'Skins spending on other needs first—leaving little cap room to work with—which means Biggers could be back. Still, they should look elsewhere.

Leonard Hankerson:

Standing at 6'2", he has the size of an ideal wide receiver. However, staying healthy has been a challenge for him, as has having butterfingers for hands. Not to mention, his work ethic has been questioned ever since his rookie season. Another no-brainer here: move on and find someone who can play the game.

Brandon Meriweather:

Somewhat surprisingly,  Meriweather played okay this past season, notching 55 tackles, 3 sacks (that's more than Orakpo), and 3 forced fumbles. Nonetheless, he continued to give up big plays while failing to play all 16 games—something he has not done since his 2010 season with New England. Meriweather will be 31 and can only get worse. Perhaps if Clark is not willing to serve a backup role, the 'Skins could keep Meriweather around. But, by no means should he be the starting safety in 2015.

Colt McCoy:

McCoy began the season as the third-string quarterback, but seized his opportunity when he rallied the team to beat the Dallas Cowboys in overtime. After that game, fans said he was the new face of the franchise and created "Vote for Colt" presidential logos on the internet. McCoy was injured later in the season, ruining his chance to continue proving his value. Now the Redskins are back to square one regarding their quarterback decisions. Assuming Kirk Cousins will be traded, McCoy's chances of staying in Washington should increase.

Washington Redskins Hire a New General Manager

The Washington Redskins potentially made the smartest football decision they have made in a long time.

The team has hired Scot McCloughan as their new general manager. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the deal is for four years.

McCloughan was previously the GM of the San Francisco 49ers until 2010 when they parted ways due to his past issues with alcohol abuse. The Seattle Seahawks then hired him to serve as a senior personnel executive. McCloughan resigned in 2014 due to some personal issues.

Photo: ESPN.com

Known around the league as a natural talent evaluator, McCloughan should give the lowly Redskins a much-needed GM with a true scouting background. The number of talented players acquired though the draft under McCloughan's reign is astonishing. Most of those players are still on their respective team's rosters, while a number of them have been to the Pro Bowl—both of which are foreign concepts to the Redskins. Washington fans are used to seeing drafted players either A) not make the team, or B) traded/released but then blossom for another team.

With the signing of McCloughan, Bruce Allen's title will change from being the President and GM to simply being the President. This allows McCloughan to have control over picking players while Allen handles the business side of everything with the team.

When asked about his assessment of the team's quarterback situation with Robert Griffin III, McCloughan said, "Not sure yet." His brief comment will no doubt lead to speculation and rumors surrounding Griffin's future with the franchise. After all, McCloughan was not part of this organization who gave up a king's ransom to select Griffin in the 2012 NFL Draft.

This hiring proves that there is still some hope behind the doors of Redskins Park.

Former Redskin Cory Raymer Offers Advice to Young Athletes

Cory Raymer, former NFL offensive lineman of eleven seasons, shared his beliefs as to what amateur athletes must understand in order to become professionals.

"It's not that anymore," Raymer, 41, said when referring to playing football in the backyard with friends. "You got numbers, you got names, you got responsibilities... you gotta really bare down and you know, just as much time on the field, you gotta spend probably two or three times as much off the field."

Raymer's analogy for athletes is: the step from high school to college is large enough where one would need a ladder, but from college to the NFL, one would need an elevator.

Raymer emphasized the importance of work ethic and education.

"It's like work — it sucks sometimes, but you gotta find a way to make it fun and enjoyable and it's gonna repeatedly be there and it's repeatedly gonna kick you in the butt time and time again," Raymer said. "That's just the way it is, and it's not just school, it's life in general."

The harsh reality is that most youth athletes never get the opportunity to play professional football. For this reason, Raymer encourages athletes to strive in school and reach for higher education.

"A college degree is worth as much as weight in gold," Raymer said. "I mean, it's a piece of paper, but without that piece of paper, you're going nowhere."

Raymer attended the University of Wisconsin, where he was honored as an All-American. Drafted 37th overall by the Washington Redskins in the 1995 draft, he finished his career with 83 starts at center. In 2005, he retired from the NFL.

Billy Houck Interviews Redskins Player Chris Cooley

Redskins Make Surprise Draft Choice in Second Round

Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen and recently hired head coach Jay Gruden officially completed their first NFL draft together last week.  

So, how did this duo fare with their draft picks? Expert opinions vary, with grades ranging from C to an A. The truth is, there's no reason to grade a team's draft prior to the season. Every year there are the can't-miss players that turn out as busts and the late-round players that surprise everyone with dazzling rookie seasons—Richard Sherman, Alfred Morris, Keenan Allen, to name a few.

Let's focus on who the team felt was top priority on their list.

With their first pick, coming in the second round, Washington decided to trade out of the No. 34 spot—swapping with Dallas' 47th pick. In the process, the Redskins gained another third-round choice.

Photo: Washingtonpost.com

At No. 47 overall, they chose a player that many fans and analysts considered a reach—Trent Murphy, a linebacker from Stanford.

Murphy, 23, is versatile at the defensive end or outside linebacker positions, much like Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo.

"I think he's a tough, hard-nosed kid" said former player Charles Davis.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock had Murphy rated as the fifth best defensive end in the draft.

Murphy has excellent instincts, toughness, a high motor, and outstanding sack production. He led the NCAA in sacks (15) last year as an outside linebacker. In 2012, he led his team with 10 sacks.

Checking in at 260 pounds, he isn't suited to play the end spot in the 3-4 scheme. The 6-foot-6-inch Murphy is too big to play inside linebacker and is limited in coverage. Kerrigan and Orakpo currently hold the outside linebacker positions. So, where does Murphy fit in exactly?

Gruden addressed this question in a post-draft press conference: 

"Coach Haslett has a lot of plans for him, but coming in right now, he's going to line up obviously at outside linebacker, back up Ryan [Kerrigan] and Brian [Orakpo] and provide us with some depth at that position. Anybody [who] knows the 3-4 [knows] you need to have depth at linebacker because those guys are working their tail off. They're dropping [into] coverage, they're rushing the passer, so it's very important in this day and age with no huddle that you keep these guys fresh and you're able to filter in guys in and out and make sure you can continue to get after the quarterback."

Insurance may be another reason for adding Murphy to the mix since Orakpo was not happy about being slapped with the franchise tag this offseason. He has made it very clear he would like to stay in Washington on a long-term deal. If the team does not offer him a lucrative contract before the 2015 free agency period begins, he could leave and sign elsewhere for a team that's willing to splurge.

Orakpo could potentially become the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL—or at least one of the highest paid linebackers.

Whether fans believe Murphy was a reach or not, they most likely agree that he is a better choice than Washington selecting Josh LeRibeus with their second pick in the 2012 draft. I'm speaking to you, Mike Shanahan.

Billy Houck Interviews Redskin Cory Raymer

'Skins and RFK Stadium Could Reunite

The Washington Redskins could be coming back to the District. Imagine that—a team actually playing in the city that they are named after.

Three months ago, six council members revealed a plan for a sports and entertainment complex in D.C. The plan examines "to see whether or not it makes sense to develop a 100,000-seat RFK domed stadium complex," said D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange.

Other people involved have a different idea for the stadium; 75,000 seats and a retractable roof. Meanwhile, FedExField, the Redskins' current stadium, consists of 85,000 seats.

Mayoral candidate Jack Evans also shared his thoughts on the proposal.

"I would love to see a new stadium on the site where RFK currently exists," Evans said. "The transportation, the subway, the road system, the parking, everything is there for a football stadium."

Also under the plan, the DC Armory would be remodeled into a sound stage while the Langston Golf Course would become a PGA Championship golf course. Council members say the improvements would make the city a feasible option to host Super Bowls, golf tournaments and perhaps the Olympics.

Fred Davis in Trouble Again

Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis was arrested Thursday afternoon in Fairfax County and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Photo: NFL.com

This comes just one day after Davis was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. 

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Davis was stopped around 3:45 p.m. near Gallows Road and Leesburg Pike, located in Tysons Corner. The police would not go into further detail.

"I'm disappointed for Fred," general manager Bruce Allen told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Allen did however have something positive to say about Davis. "He had to overcome a hurdle a few years ago, and he did it. He got injured and he worked hard to come back, and so it's up to Fred what his future holds."

Davis has managed to assemble quite the track record for himself. In 2011, the league suspended him for the remaining four games of the season after failing multiple tests for marijuana use.

The 28-year-old was set to become a free agent in March after signing a one-year contract with the Redskins last season. 

Davis, a once promising tight end, now with six seasons under his belt, has totaled 162 receptions for 2,043 yards and 13 touchdowns. To put these numbers into perspective, New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham managed 171 receptions for 2,197 yards and 25 touchdowns in the last two seasons. 

Washington attempted to trade Davis before the deadline, but no team had much interest. At this point, he may want to start filling out applications for a summer job before the high school students do.

Will the Redskins Coach Please Stand Up?

Photo: cheezburger.com

   There has been much speculation about who will be the next coach of the Washington Redskins. Big-name coaches, of course, were tossed around as possible candidates for the job—Jon Gruden, Lovie Smith, Bill Cowher, to name a few. However, those rumors got quiet rather fast once Gruden and Cowher both announced they have no plans to coach again, and then Smith signed a five-year deal with Tampa Bay.
   Then there were the Art Briles rumors that multiple "experts" believed to be a sure thing. Briles and the Redskins' coaching vacancy was a hot topic, causing as many negative arguments as positives ones. Yet, he will not be in the fold for the team because he has stated that his coaching days will continue at Baylor. There seems to be a pattern here. But, the truth is, it does not matter who everyone predicts will be the next man in charge; only Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen will have the final say. But hey, it does not hurt anyone to speculate.

   Mike Shanahan seemed qualified enough for the job, giving fans reason to be optimistic for a return to the promise land. That did not work out as planned. In fact, it has been too long to remember since a coach for this team has worked out as planned. Past achievements or fun personalities do not necessarily equal a winning formula, ah hem, see Shanahan, Jim Zorn, Joe Gibbs. Therefore, the 'Skins organization appears to be looking in the direction of NFL coordinators and college coaches, rather than has-been coaches and anyone that has strong ties with Robert Griffin III. 

   The list of candidates is quite long, at 11 total to date. Some of the names will have fans scratching their heads, with the likes of Rich Bisaccia and Perry Fewell. Neither one appears to be the next head coach of this franchise. But, that could be the type of thinking that has plagued the 'Skins when searching for someone in the past. 

   Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, brother of Jon Gruden, has jumped ahead of the coaching line and seems to be the front-runner for the job. On Tuesday night, Allen took Gruden out to dinner at a restaurant in Reston, Va. While this does not assure a hiring, it certainly shows interest among the two sides. Perhaps Allen will buy him dessert to sweeten the deal.

Woes and Worries in Washington

   The 2013 season has gotten off to a horrific and unexpected start for the Washington Redskins. There does not seem to be just one glaring problem, but many. Even Scooby-Doo and the gang could not solve this mystery.
   Robert Griffin III is not the same dynamic player he was before his ACL injury against the Seahawks. This does not mean he never will be the same RGIII we all love. But, it means that he needs to be honest about his health status and should not be playing unless he is near full strength.
   His road to recovery was the hottest topic this past summer. Coach Shanahan took precautions by keeping the franchise quarterback out of all preseason games in order to keep him from taking any more hits. While this may have seemed like a wise decision at the time, the slow start to the regular season has proven otherwise. Anyone watching the games can see he is uncomfortable, rusty, and lacking some of the confidence he usually has. Still, despite his throwing issues and lack of ability to run past defenders, the blame should not be solely on his shoulders.

Photo: Washington Post

   The running game has been decent, but nothing spectacular. Alfred Morris had a couple mistakes in the first game and does not seem like the 1,600 yard rusher he was a year ago. RGIII is not worrying opposing teams with running the ball, let alone throwing the ball. Roy Helu Jr. is the quickest running threat they have, but he's best for third down situations. Unfortunately, the problems don't stop there.
   Defense was supposed to be improved from previous years. On paper, it looks good. Brian Orakpo is back and his dominant play is noticeable. Ryan Kerrigan appears better than ever. David Amerson, the tallest of the cornerbacks, was the team's first pick in this year's draft to help out the secondary. Madieu Williams is no longer starting at safety, which is great! In fact, he is not even on the team anymore. Instead, 23-year-old Bacarri Rambo, also a draft pick from last year, is the new starter. Yet, with all of those upgrades, the defense still cannot stop anybody. They made LeSean McCoy and James Starks (a backup) look like the best running backs in the league.
   However, there is no reason to panic. RGIII improved in the second half of both games and looked sharper all around in the Green Bay game. Fans should look for him to gradually bounce back to his explosive form. As a result, Morris should also return to his mistake-free self that we are accustomed to. The defense is still going to have some questions. Jim Haslett recently took the blame for his unit's lackadaisical performances. Maybe he is partially to blame, but the fact is, they have rookies starting at two positions in the backfield and are without starting defensive end Jarvis Jenkins. The hard hitting Brandon Meriweather can not seem to stay healthy for more than a game, which also hurts the defense drastically. DeAngelo Hall, the ten year veteran, needs to take a leap forward himself to make it easier on the rookie defensivebacks.
   Let us not forget how the 2012 season  began for the 'Skins with their 3-6 record. There is no time for panic. In RGIII we trust!