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The Redskins have a history of aggressively pursuing free agents in the offseason--and this year promises to be no different.
Head coach Jim Zorn has said that he expects the team to be active when free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday.
“We will have some guys in,” Zorn said during the NFL Scouting Combine last week.
Last year, the Redskins basically sat out the free agency signing period, adding a handful of minor players. It was a surprise departure from the team’s aggressive approach to free agency earlier this decade.
Since the 2008 season ended with a 27-24 loss in San Francisco, the Redskins have had dozens of internal meetings to evaluate the roster and pinpoint needs.
Team officials remain tight-lipped about their plans.
Asked if the Redskins had enough salary cap space to be active in free agency, Zorn replied: "Yes. I don’t know how much, but that plays a part in how active we can be. Some teams can be more active than others."
First and foremost, the Redskins are expected to negotiate with their own free agents, a group that includes cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
DeAngelo HallHall, an unrestricted free agent, joined the Redskins midseason last year and posted 25 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended.
Coaches like Hall’s playmaking ability. He is a 5-year veteran and a two-time Pro Bowler. At age 25, his best years may still be ahead of him.
Pete Kendall, Phillip Daniels, Demetric Evans and Khary Campbell headline the Redskins’ other unrestricted free agents.
Restricted free agents Anthony Montgomery, Kedric Golston and Shaun Suisham were tendered contracts, so the Redskins can match any offer they receive from other teams.
It's uncertain if Reed Doughty and Justin Geisinger, also restricted free agents, were tendered contracts.
The Redskins could look to the defensive side of the ball in free agency.
Given that four of the club’s defensive linemen are either unrestricted or restricted free agents, the team could need help at those positions this offseason.
The Redskins could pick up a strong-side linebacker to replace Marcus Washington, who was released on Feb. 20.
If the team cannot re-sign Hall, then cornerback could become a need as well.
The offense appears set at quarterback (led by Jason Campbell), running back (led by Clinton Portis) and tight end (led by Chris Cooley).
Zorn said last week that he expected most of his veteran offensive linemen to return for another season.
“I fully suspect they will be back to prepare themselves physically,” Zorn said.
If Kendall signs elsewhere, then the Redskins could look to fill his position with a younger lineman on the roster.
Or they could look at bringing back Derrick Dockery, who was released by the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Dockery played left guard for the Redskins from 2003-06 and has kept close ties with the organization while in Buffalo.
Coaches are also focused on getting Chad Rinehart, Devin Clark and others “up to speed” this offseason so they can compete for playing time, Zorn said.
The Redskins could add more depth at wide receiver, but coaches are hoping that second-year players Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly emerge next season. Thomas and Kelly were second-round draft picks in 2008.
On special teams, the Redskins could look to sign a punter.
With the release of Ryan Plackemeier on Feb. 12, the Redskins’ only punter on the roster is untested Zac Atterberry, a first-year player.
Redskins agreed to terms with Albert Haynesworth on a seven-year, $100 million contract. The deal includes $41 million guaranteed and could reach $115 million.
The $41 million is guaranteed in the first three years, which could make it relatively easy to revisit the contract then. We'll see how he reacts to all the money, but Redskins coordinator Greg Blache usually gets the most from his linemen and Haynesworth is the best free agent available in a decade. In a market full of mediocre players, he's worth it. Life just got far easier for Jason Taylor and far worse for NFC East opposing centers. A presser is scheduled
Redskins informed CB Shawn Springs of his release.
The Skins unsurprisingly found no takers in a trade for the 34-year-old. Springs can still play, but GM Vinny Cerrato tipped his hand by immediately putting him on the block after re-signing DeAngelo Hall. At that point Springs' release had become inevitable and nobody would have given up a pick for him. Hall and Carlos Rogers will be Washington's starting corners in 2009. The Saints and old DC Gregg Williams figure to show interest in Springs.
The Redskins have canceled their scheduled Friday visit with free agent DL Chris Canty.
GM Vinny Cerrato played the game right with Canty, but he's no longer in the plans with Albert Haynesworth in burgundy and gold. Look for Canty to move his meeting with Tennessee up and possibly be a Titan by day's end
The Lions appear to have entered the bidding for free agent G Derrick Dockery.
If so, they are the Redskins' only known competition. Detroit already has one starting guard in place (Stephen Peterman) and is considering moving LT Jeff Backus inside. If Dockery is signed, the Lions could take Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe with the first pick in the draft and cut Backus outright.
Jesus Christ, the Redskins potentially have the best d-line in the game now. Big Al is going to make everyone around him better and I hope Jason Taylor can come back and play like his oldself. I know Taylor was pretty decent at the end of the year, so that gives me some hope.
ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reports that Albert Haynesworth's deal with the Redskins is effectively for four years, $48 million.
The $100 million figure looks good to his agent's potential clients, but Haynesworth isn't likely to see the last half of the contract. Haynesworth is due a $29 million "poison pill" in salary and bonuses in 2013, his age 32 season. It's possible that the contract will be renegotiated down the road, but the important number for Haynesworth is the $41 million in guarantees
Redskins signed G Derrick Dockery to a five-year, $26 million contract. $8.5 million is guaranteed.
Dockery, who was drafted by the Redskins in 2003, bounced back quickly after getting cut by the Bills Thursday. This is great money and a sensible fit for an old Redskins line, but we can't help but notice that the guard market was depressed compared to year's past. Dockery, Brandon Moore, and Chris Kemoeatu signed relatively reasonable deals.
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