With the end of the 2018 NFL season, it is time for the Offseason War to begin.
Many would argue that the first win and loss of the season actually comes here. What will teams do with their free agents? Where will young prospects go to start their NFL journeys? These are questions that only time can answer.
The Redskins are notorious for being neutral in the trade and free agent wars, but being condemned to “salary cap hell” with the Alex Smith contract, it is time for some moves to be made.
To quote now-Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, “No risk it, no biscuit.”
The decisions will not be easy; some will be heartbreaking, but necessary to advance the franchise. We’re going to play a little game called ship or skip. The Redskins have quite a bit of free agents that they will need to decide on. They can decide to ship a contract and extend their time with the organization, or skip over them and let them walk.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: Skip
Yes, he was traded to the Redskins mid-season, so it might have taken his time to adjust. However, that does not excuse his poor positional play. Six was slow and late to tackles. Although he would not be a big cap hit and he is not terribly aged, skipping on him would free up a spot for a potential upgrade at safety.
Adrian Peterson: Ship
No doubt a future Hall of Famer, the 33-year old was given another shot at redemption. Arguably the only positive on offense, “All Day” stacked the stat deck with 1,042 total yards and seven touchdowns. While age might be just a number, Father Time remains undefeated. The Redskins do have a young stud running back in the injured Derrius Guice. Perhaps Peterson could serve as a mentor to Guice and share the workload to ensure proper recovery. After, he could be the No. 2 back, with Chris Thompson as the third-down back. Peterson wants to play for a few more years so ship him a contract, and do it fast.
Mark Sanchez: Skip
Skip him faster than a YouTube ad. Way past his prime, Sanchez is 33-years old and hadn’t played in two years before he was brought on due to the absurd quarterback situation. Thanks for the help, but no thanks.
Rob Kelley: Skip
Again, thank you for your services in the past, but your services are no longer needed. Plagued by injuries and decreasing production has no place for a team in need of reconstruction. Perhaps take Semaje Perine along, as well.
Josh Johnson: Ship
Johnson was brought on again because of a terrible situation. It is noted that Johnson was a journeyman, did not start, so on and so forth, but what if the Redskins want to tank without tanking? Johnson would be the perfect start. Trot out Colt McCoy as the starter, with Johnson to back up. The world knows McCoy is only good for two to four games. Johnson is now in. He may get lucky and win a game or two, but that is the ceiling for him. The Redskins would receive a Top Five draft pick and have a chance to start the reconstruction correctly. However, no hard feelings if he is skipped.
Preston Smith: Skip
The Redskins will more than likely move on from Preston Smith. It is not surprising, seeing as though he fell off pace for his sack totals (four). As an unrestricted free agent, Smith will likely be offered decent pay somewhere else, but not in D.C.
Ty Nsekhe: Skip
This is a conditional skip. At right tackle, his numbers are average. However, the Redskins have one of the oldest rosters in the league. Neshke is 34. If a younger right tackle could be brought in, that would be great.
Arie Kouandjio: Skip
The former DeMatha Stag has not had the stalwart success everyone thought he would. Sad to say, but he has not had much of an impact anywhere. Maybe keep his jersey on hand in case there is another wave of injuries, but let him walk for now.
Maurice Harris: Ship
Referred to as “Ryan Grant 2.0,” Harris is a decent receiver. Not flashy, not the fastest, and not really a threat requiring double coverage, Harris runs solid routes.
Jamison Crowder: Skip
Crowder was arguably the best receiver playing once Paul Richardson went down. The only reason Crowder warrants a skip is his inconsistency. True: he played sixteen games his first two seasons. However, also true: that number it dropped to nine in 2018. Not a big deal to the naked eye, but Crowder is a player that is often injured and plays injured thus it affects his productivity on the field. If the Redskins could get a more talented receiver, losing Crowder would not hurt.
Michael Floyd: Skip
Out on Michael Floyd. Yes, he had a year here in which he only amassed 100 yards. The previous year he had 78. That is a significant drop off from the years before that, where his lowest total yards were 488 and his highest was 1,041. This is one of the arrow trending down situations at a position that has plagued the redskins for years.
Byron Marshall: Ship
Assuming the Redskins keep Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson manages to stay healthy, and Derrius Guice returns, the running back corps will be solid. Marshall will add to the solidity, providing relief that will not be a significant drop off in talent.
