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.

Kirk Cousins Rallies Team For Historic Comeback

Kirk Cousins has been scrutinized the last few games for his inconsistent performances, but Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have silenced his critics—for now.

The Redskins found themselves in a hole right from the start as they were down 24-0 in the second quarter. At this point, fair-weather fans, or should I say Robert Griffin III supporters, started booing the 'Skins. Some of the players, like Keenan Robinson, took note of this. After the game, he tweeted, "If yall so fed up then stay at home. We lay it all on the line every time we play. The opposing teams get paid too. Its the NFL for a reason."

Not to worry, fair-weather fans, for Captain Kirk was at the helm and did not disappoint. Cousins ran for an 8-yard touchdown, getting Washington on the board. He proceeded to throw three touchdowns, with the most crucial of them coming with only 24 seconds left. This was Cousins' second game-winning drive in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter in the month of October. The last player to accomplish such a feat was Drew Bledsoe back in 2005.

Cousins also tied a franchise record for completions (33 of 40), while his 124.7 passer rating is the highest of his career.

After leading his team to the largest comeback in Redskins history, Cousins was fired up, and rightfully so. As he walked past a local reporter, he shouted, "You Like That!," which came as a surprise to many since Cousins usually has a calm demeanor. However, it was all in good fun and presumably resulted from being scrutinized so much lately.

Unlike RG3, Cousins is proving to be a game manager and one that can stay healthy without getting sacked every other play. Hopeless fans are still clinging to RG3's magical 2012 season, constantly reminding others of what he was capable of. News flash: that was 3 years ago; he is not the same player anymore. This is Cousins' first season as the starter—let him play and continue to grow. RG3 had his share of opportunities, and now it is Cousins' turn.

Redskins 2015-16 Free Agency: Day 1

With the 2015-16 league year officially starting at 4 p.m. EST today, the Washington Redskins have signed a flurry of aging veterans with massive contracts.

No, wait, that was the old way free agency was handled at Redskins Park. The team's new regime is remaining patient and not dangling money bags above the biggest named players. In fact, general manager Scot McCloughan recently stated the draft as being "the lifeline of your organization." I cannot speak for everyone, but that is music to my ears.

Photo: zimbio.com

Still, the Redskins did sign one free agent that should have an impact on defense; 26-year-old Stephen Paea. 

Paea's deal is worth $20 million over four years. His contract seems cheap compared to Ndamukong Suh's six-year contract worth $114 million and $60 million guaranteed. 

In 2011, Paea was drafted in the second round (53rd overall) by the Chicago Bears. He is coming off a career season where he recorded 33 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. At this point, it's hard to tell if he will play at nose tackle or defensive end. Regardless, pencil him in as an upgrade for Washington.

Unfortunately, the Redskins have lost a key player of their own to free agency. Speedy running back Roy Helu Jr. was signed to the Oakland Raiders on a two-year deal. The 26-year-old is from the Bay Area, which most likely impacted his decision, considering that the Raiders' history of losing would not entice any player. Now the Redskins must begin their search for a solid backup RB behind Alfred Morris.

Kirk Cousins Shares His Drug Testing Experience

Kirk Cousins is known for his likeability, positive attitude, and honesty. Sometimes, though, he provides more information than necessary.

Photo: Zimbio.com

"The off-season drug testing protocol continues to amaze me! Got invited to the tester's home this time: Knocked on the door, introduced myself, peed in his bathroom while he watched, talked corvettes, then left. Totally weird, but great hospitality & I love a drug free sport!" Cousins said via his Sqor account.

Not only did this incident further enhance Cousins' openness, it raises the question: How did the topic of corvettes arise under such circumstances? If asked, Cousins will most certainly have an amusing answer.

No doubt he will pass his test with flying colors.

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.