Washington Redskins Lineman Suspended By NFL

The Washington Redskins' offense has been rolling this season––ranking third in the league in total yards––but that production may soon come to a halt.

Starting left tackle Trent Williams has been suspended for four games without pay for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, per a team spokesperson.

Photo: si.com

Williams, 28, will face his suspension immediately and can return to the team's active roster on Dec. 5––one day after facing the Arizona Cardinals. Until then, he is allowed to attend team meetings and work out at Redskins Park.

Replacing a four-time Pro-Bowler is not an easy task, especially midseason. Any thoughts of trading for a lineman are futile, with the trade deadline wrapped up (conveniently) the same day Williams' suspension was announced.

Backup tackle Ty Nsekhe will have big shoes to fill in the meantime, going against the Vikings, Packers, Cowboys, and Cardinals.

Kirk Cousins will probably lose sleep over this tonight.

Redskins Sign Key Offensive Weapon to Long-Term Extension

The Washington Redskins' offseason has quickly gone from the sound of crickets, to a sonic boom. First came the surprise signing of Josh Norman—now the highest paid cornerback in the league.

Less than a week later, the team selected a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft. The consensus among football analysts and mock drafts everywhere was for Washington to address a position of need; specifically, defensive tackle. Their wide receiver depth is considered strong, with DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and Jamison Crowder headlining the group. Not surprising, the 22nd overall pick received some backlash among fans, pondering why their team added another receiver—in the first round, that is.

Then, on Cinco de Mayo, the team generated more buzz with the signing of tight end Jordan Reed to a multi-year extension. Reed's deal is a whopping five-year, $50 million extension, which keeps the athletic 25-year-old in burgundy and gold through the 2021 season.

"Honestly, I don't want to be anywhere else than here," Reed said, per ESPN. "I love it here. I love playing for the Redskins. I love all my coaches and all my teammates. I love this area, man. They gave me that deal, and I took it. It was a solid deal, and I'm just happy to be a Redskin." Reed continued, "I'm going to show them that they made a good investment, and I'm going to prove them right in making me one of the highest-paid [tight ends]."


Firing on all cylinders with quarterback Kirk Cousins last season, Reed amassed 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. Opposing defenses began realizing the 6 foot 3 game-changer was a matchup nightmare who could not be stopped.

Durability, though, has been a concern with Reed, having yet to play an entire season. He appeared in 14 games in 2015, but only 20 games combined his first two seasons. Concussions have plagued him since his college days at the University of Florida.

Overlooking past injuries, the Redskins' decision to lock down a player of his caliber was a no-brainer. In fact, head coach Jay Gruden believes his star tight end will get bigger and have more of an impact on the run game. "He can get a lot better, that's the scary part," Gruden said.

Reed's emergence last season easily solidified his name among the top five tight ends, and now he is certainly paid like one.

All-Pro Cornerback Lands Massive Contract With Redskins

After falling short in the playoffs last season, the Washington Redskins knew they must improve their defense this offseason in order to repeat as NFC East champions.

Cue general manager Scot McCloughan, who knows a thing or two about evaluating talented football players. His philosophy is to build through the draft, re-sign his own, and let the free agent market come to him. McCloughan has done exactly that, with a recent addition that shocked the NFL.

Photo: cbslocal.com

Merely two days after the Carolina Panthers let Josh Norman walk, the Redskins swooped in and signed him to a five-year, $75 million deal. For those keeping track, he is now the highest-paid cornerback in the league, with $50 million in guarantees.

Once word got out regarding Norman's availability, at least 10 other teams besides the Redskins showed interest in his services. While that comes as no surprise, what is surprising is that Washington only had ~$11.5 million in cap space, yet McCloughan managed to lay out an enticing deal on the table.

Norman immediately upgrades Washington's secondary, which lacked playmakers, to say the least. The outspoken 28-year-old earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors last season for notching 56 tackles, 18 passed defended, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles—all career highs. Having a true shutdown corner such as Norman, paired with emerging star Bashaud Breeland, provides the Redskins with a strong tandem.

The New York Giants may have Odell Beckham Jr., but the Redskins now possess his kryptonite: Mr. Josh Norman, ladies and gentleman.

Former Redskins QB's Mansion for Sale

Redskins fans all know the story of Robert Griffin III by now, unless they have been living under a rock—which is not uncommon if you live in Bikini Bottom.

Photo: Zillow.com

Something they might not know, however, is that Griffin's mansion in Aldie, Virginia is now for sale.

Built in 2010, the single-family home is approximately 8,500 square feet, and sits on 3 acres of land, according to Zillow. The cost for all of this: only a mere $2,749,990.

If a heated swimming pool, theater room, modern amenities, and private elevator are your thing, perhaps the former Redskins quarterback's home is the one for you. Legend has is that the addition of Griffin's elevator was intended for fun, but soon became necessary for the fragile signal caller. 

Vernon Davis is Coming Home

The Washington Redskins have inked two-time Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis to a one-year deal.

Davis will have a base salary of $2.38 million, with $1.1 million of that fully guaranteed, per CSN Mid-Atlantic. Considering his base salary makes him the highest-paid tight end on the roster, Davis will see plenty of snaps this season and likely be the No. 2 tight end behind Jordan Reed. His only competition comes from the likes of Logan Paulsen and Niles Paul; both coming off serious injuries.

Signing with the Redskins gives the 32-year-old Washington D.C. native an opportunity to come home. Davis was drafted sixth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft after attending the University of Maryland.

For his career, Davis has amassed 461 receptions for 5,841 yards and 55 touchdowns. His production has dropped over the last few seasons, but he still provides Kirk Cousins with a big-bodied red zone target.

Redskins Brass Face Upcoming Free Agent Decisions

Kirk Cousins:
Fear not, for Captain Kirk will unequivocally be donning the burgundy and gold in 2016—and well beyond. Besides, his viral catchphrase is enough reason to keep him around. Look for him to be a strong candidate for the franchise tag, though.

Colt McCoy:
McCoy, drafted by the Cleveland Browns 85th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, has yet to make a name for himself as a reliable starter. However, he may have found his niche as Kirk Cousins' backup quarterback. When duty called, McCoy played well and has shown enough for Washington to retain him. At this stage in his career, it would be hard to imagine another team offering McCoy a starting role.

Photo: nbcsports.com

Alfred Morris:
Nice guys finish last; just ask Alfred Morris. During his outstanding 2012 rookie season with the Redskins, he was quickly recognized as an elite running back. A man of faith and perseverance, Morris is a team player and role model for not only the fans, but for other players as well. Having a good heart, though, does not produce results on the field where it truly counts. Morris' numbers have declined since that magical season when he helped carry his team into the playoffs. Head coach Jay Gruden believes that last year's draft pick, Matt Jones, is their RB of the future. This leaves Morris with a great opportunity to test the free agent waters and sign a (potentially) lucrative contract elsewhere.

Pierre Thomas:
A late signing for the Redskins as they made their playoff push, Thomas immediately stepped in and helped contribute at the RB position. At 31 years old, however, his best days are behind him. Still, Thomas is a smart, reliable athlete who could add depth, if the price is right.

Darrel Young:
Much like Morris, Young has seen a decreased workload over the past few seasons. Despite that, he has made it clear he wants to stay in Washington. The need for a dynamic fullback is often overlooked, but with limited cap space and pressing needs elsewhere, Young should not be re-signed.

Logan Paulsen:
By no means should No. 82 be re-signed. There simply isn't a use for his mediocre play at the tight end position. Niles Paul and Derek Carrier are both recovering from injuries, so look for Scot McCloughan to draft a big-bodied TE in this year's draft.

Alex Smith:
Similar to Paulsen's situation, Smith lacks the talent to warrant an open spot on the 53-man roster.

Josh LeRibeus:
The Redskins wasted a third-round draft pick on LeRibeus, it's as simple as that. He was described as having arms that were too short and being overweight. Well, his arms didn't grow and his weight is still mostly there. Having to fill in for injured starter Kory Lichensteiger, LeRibeus was subpar and struggled mightily with his snaps. BYE FELICIA!

Terrance Knighton:
Pot Roast had a solid, but not spectacular, first year in Washington. He brought more stability to the defensive line—something the team has been lacking for quite some time. Sure, he will turn 30 this summer, had migraine issues, and signed a one-year, prove-it deal last offseason due to weight concerns. But, unless McCloughan drafts a defensive tackle early on, Knighton should stick around for at least another season.

Keenan Robinson:
After becoming the starting inside linebacker in 2014, Robinson notched 109 tackles (13 games), and appeared to be the perfect replacement for London Fletcher. However, this past season was a different story—starting only eight games due to injury and overall performance. Robinson is only 26 years old though, and fellow ILB Perry Riley has not stepped up. Assuming the 'Skins finally release Riley (who counts for $5 million against the cap), and do not retain Robinson, who's left to fill the voids? Perhaps this is another position McCloughan will address on Draft Day, or even free agency.

Mason Foster:
Playing alongside tackling machine Will Compton, Foster filled in well for the injured Perry Riley Jr. Foster, 26, could be a cheaper, slightly better alternative to Riley Jr., assuming that's the route the organization chooses. Regardless, the world will not end if he leaves and signs elsewhere.

Junior Galette:
This is a no-brainer. The Redskins need more pass rushers, Galette racked up 22 sacks in just two seasons with New Orleans, and he has been quite vocal about staying here in Washington. In fact, he recently tattooed the Redskins logo onto his arm. Galette is not going anywhere, and is motivated to prove himself this upcoming season.

Kedric Golston:
Somehow this guy keeps sneaking his way onto the roster year after year. A decent backup, Golston has played all 10 seasons with the Redskins, but it would be surprising to see him re-signed at this point in his career, unless injuries arise along the defensive line.

Frank Kearse:
A seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins, the 27-year-old Kearse has bounced around in his short NFL career thus far. Last year, he played in four games, notching only 4 tackles and 1 sack. McCloughan will find a player with more upside than Kearse has to offer.

Will Blackmon:
Originally signed by Washington due to injuries at the defensive back positions, Blackmon ended up starting 10 games and had a career year. He would provide quality depth next year if the Redskins so choose to re-sign him at a reasonable price.

Cary Williams:
Signed late in the season for depth purposes, Williams barely had time to settle in. The Redskins will utilize the draft for adding cornerbacks to the roster.