Redskins On the Verge of Signing DT Haynesworth

It has been reported by Lance Zierlein and Sportingnews.com that the Redskins are going to sign free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Instead of re-signing with the Titans, Haynesworth decided he would like to test the Free Agent market for this first time in his career.

While Haynesworth is a dominating player, he has never completed a full NFL schedule and he does not play every down. If the Redskins are going to backup the Brinks truck in Albert's driveway, he better not have a Jason Taylor type year.

I am VERY mixed on this decision to purse Haynesworth knowing that he has risks of character and injury. At least we know he hates the Cowboys as he has already face stomped their center a few seasons back. Albert in burgundy and gold? Sources say it is virtually a lock. With all of this said, I think Danny Snyder is planning on the NFL to have an uncapped year because of the expiring deal with the owners and NFLPA.

Well, at least Haynesworth is still fairly young and has a good 5 years at least left in him. Let's see how this plays out after the FA period begins.....

SKINS RELEASE MARCUS WASHINGTON

Today, the Redskins released former pro bowl linebacker Marcus Washington. He was a beast a few years ago, but he just can not stay healthy. He was definitely not playing at a high level last year, so this is not a huge shocker.


Now without a staring outside linebacker, does this change the focus of their upcoming 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft? I think they will definitely take a DE or LB in this spot if they do not trade down. I will go through the scenarios after the combine, as teams are gathering more information. We are sure to see some guys fall hard and climb fast in the draft, it happens every year.

Redskins Off-Season Review (SO FAR!)

OVERVIEW OF OFF-SEASON ACTIVITY:

- Restructured DE Andre Carter's contract to save the team $2.4M in 2009. Lowers cap salary from $2M to $1.5M. Contract now runs through 2015 instead of 2012.
- Restructured WR/KR Antwaan Randle El's contract to save $2M in 2009. Lowers base salary from $4M to $1.5M. Contract now runs through 2015 instead of 2012.
- Re-Signed CB Byron Westbrook.
- Signed K Dave Rayner.
- Re-Signed LS Ethan Albright.
- Signed RB Anthony Alridge.
- Released P Ryan Plackemier.
- Signed KR Dominque Dorsey from the CFL. He is a 5'7" lightning bolt. Reminds you of a poor man's Darren Sproles maybe...(see video).

Portis Courting Boldin?

Clinton Portis and Terrell Suggs did some reporting from the Pro Bowl. Check out the video:

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e9e042

Jump to 2:47 in the video where Portis jokes with Boldin. Pretty funny, but it would be nice to see Boldin in a Redskins uni. He is a physical and tough receiver that the Skins have lacked for years. I do not think it would be financially viable though. Oh well, one could only dream.....

Skins on the Clock!

Check out the Bleacher Report NFL Mock Draft. The Skins are on the clock....

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/125116-2009-br-nfl-mock-draft-you-make-the-call-washington-redskins

The attention is now on the Washington Redskins, who had a rocky season. At times, experts considered them the best team in the entire league, but Washington proved that theory incorrect.

While their season was marred by inconsistencies, the Redskins still have a solid foundation of young talent. A good draft could propel them to the top of the NFC East.

Here are the Redskins' top needs heading into day one of the 2009 NFL Draft.

1. Defensive End

2. Outside Linebacker

3. Defensive Tackle

4. Interior Offensive Linemen

You make the call Redskins fans. Vote in the poll for who you think should be the 13th overall pick in this year's draft.

1. Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

If you have read any of these articles, you know exactly what I think about Cushing. He has the versatility to play either inside linebacker in the 4-3, all the way to outside linebacker in the 3-4 at the next level. The Redskins would vastly improve their defense with him on board.

2. Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

Andre Carter is mediocre, and Jason Taylor is on the downside of his career. Brown would be an excellent addition to the Washington defensive line, and would benefit greatly from the tutelage of Taylor.

3. Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU

Jackson is not a traditional pass rushing defensive end, but the Redskins may want a more physical player with this pick. He is a great run stuffer, who can also provide adequate help in the passing game.

4. Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Mississippi

This may be a bit high for Jerry, but he is undoubtedly the best defensive tackle on the board. He is a pass rush specialist, while being able to push the line back and beat the double team. Jerry will need some work at the next level, but he could end up as a starter his rookie season.

5. James Laurinaitis; Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

At one point, this would have been considered the biggest steal of the draft. However, Laurinaitis could be a good fit in Washington, and the Redskins don't have the extra picks to trade up and get him later in the draft. He is a tackling machine and would be a great replacement for the aging London Fletcher.

There you have it Redskins fans. Vote in the poll for the player you think is best fit for the 13th overall pick.

Skins to take look at Drafting a QB?

From ProFootballWeekly.com:

Word is the Redskins are kicking the tires on some college quarterbacks perhaps a bit closer than they have in recent years. Jason Campbell’s job is not in jeopardy yet. But it’s possible that the Redskins will consider drafting a QB as someone who can put pressure on Campbell at some point down the road, perhaps in 2010.

This is an interesting tidbit as I thought the Redskins were content with not giving Campbell some competition other than Brennan. If they target a QB next year, I would have to think it would be late in the Draft. Maybe a diamond in the rough type deal. There is no way they would carry 4 Quarterbacks, so I am not sure how that would work out seeing that Collins is locked up and Brennan seems to be a project of Zorn's.

Offseason Depth Chart: Offense

Here is a look at the current depth chart. What sticks out to me an aging offensive line. Chad Rinehart was taken in the 3rd round last year and I am not even sure if the Skins know if he can play or not. I hope Kelly and Thomas make strides this offseason because they are weapons that need to be developed and used. Positions at RB and QB seem pretty much locked in before the draft and camps.


QB:
Jason Campbell
Todd Collins
Colt Brennan

RB:
Clinton Portis
Ladell Betts
Rock Cartwright
Anthony Alridge

FB:
Mike Sellers

WR:
Santana Moss
Antwaan Randle El
Devin Thomas
James Thrash
Malcolm Kelly

TE:
Chris Cooley
Todd Yoder
Fred Davis

OT:
Chris Samuels
Jon Jansen
Stephon Heyer
Jason Fabini

OG:
Randy Thomas
Pete Kendall
Chad Rinehart

Alridge Claimed by Skins

Last Friday, the Redskins claimed Anthony Alridge off of waivers from the Denver Broncos. The former University of Houston star was out all last season with a foot injury. Having seen him play a few times in college, I think he has potential to take over Rock Cartright's kickoff return duties. While I like Rock, I think it is time to make a move at that position. He also gives them flexibility and another threat out of the backfield. He is clearly a different runner than Portis and Betts. I really like the move. It is low risk and high reward.

Check out this highlight clip from his college days:

2009 Draft : Skins Pick 13th

The 2009 NFL Draft is still over 2 months away, but it is never too early to speculate on what the Redskins will do. At 13, it may be a good spot to trade down unless your guy falls to you.

Hopefully they will target a DE, because we need some pass rush in the nations capital!

Potential candidates:

Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State - An explosive 6'3" pass rusher who can make an impact.

Brian Orkapo, DT/DE, Texas - The anchor on the D-Line for the Longhorns. Is versatile and can play at tackle as well as DE.

Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi - Just a mauler on the O-Line. If the Redskins have doubts about Heyer and their depth at tackel, they could go this direction. I think Oher could start at RT from Day 1.

Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - A tall and speedy pass rusher off the edge. He had a good year at LSU, but not a great one. Pick 13 may be too early. Could trade down later in the 1st and pick up an additional first day draft pick.

Brian Cushing, ILB, USC - This may be a stretch, because there are more pressing needs, but Cushing is a hard hitter would make an impact and provide depth at linebacker.

There is plenty of time for things to sort out. The combine is upcoming and will give everyone more information to sort through the draftees.

Ethan Albright: An Ace at One Trade

Albright, a steady special teamer for years, is most notably know as being the lowest rated player on Madden 07. Even though he does nothing but long snapping, he is a master at his trade and is a millionaire as result. Why more people train there kid to be an NFL long snapper is beyond me.

It is nice to see Big Red is staying with the Skins because he did have a flawless 2008. How do I know that? Well, how many times did you hear his name all season? Exactly. A long snapper is neither seen nor heard. Just do your job...and that is what he has done.

Wanted: A Skinnier Punter

Today the Redskins cut ties with tubby punter Ryan Plackemier. In my opinion, he was not too impressive last season and I believe it was a mistake to let Frost go. Maybe the Skins will draft ANOTHER punter this year....

Redskins Bring Back CB Westbrook

Westbrook will be competing for a spot on the 53 man roster.

REDSKINS PARK, LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA. -- The Redskins have re-signed cornerback Byron Westrbook, the team announced on Wednesday.

Westbrook has spent the last two seasons on the Redskins’ practice squad.

He has seen preseason action each of the last two years.

Last year, Westbrook recorded seven tackles and one pass defended in preseason. In 2007, he posted six tackles and recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

He has also served as a kick returner. In preseason last year, he returned six punts for a 7.7-yard average and three kickoffs for a 22.7-yard average.

Westbrook, of course, is the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, a two-time Pro Bowler.

Since they have similar body types, Byron Westbrook has played his brother on the scout team in the practices leading up to Redskins-Eagles games.

Westbrook, 5-10 and 194 pounds, originally signed with the Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent in May 2007.

He grew up in Washington, D.C., attended Dematha high school and played college football at Salisbury University.

By Gary Fitzgerald