Free Agent Wish List

I try to make the most of the off-season by digging into potential Draft Picks and Free Agent targets for my Redskins.

Today's focus on potential Free Agents targets.

Free Agent Wish List

Bruce Irvin - LB Seahawks - Irvin is a quick, versatile linebacker with decent cover skills.  I would imagine his role with us would be more at ILB, with some OLB in sub-packages.  I think the market will drive his asking price up, but, if the price is right, he would be a nice chess piece for Coach Barry's defense and could develop into a legit, 3-down linebacker.

Janoris Jenkins - DB Rams - Jenkins is a young and dynamic player with a huge potential upside.  Though he hasn't lived up to his potential, he has quietly improved every year and has become a solid starting NFL corner.  Perry Fewell may be able to really help him become a true lock-down corner.  He also is a very talented Special Teams player.  The Rams are purging all sorts of talent, but Jenkins may just be the pick of that "litter".  There is still a chance the Rams will make an attempt to resign Jenkins, Jermain Johnson will garner most of their attention (and cap room).

George Iloka - SS Bengals - All signs point towards the Bengals letting Iloka walk.  At 25 years old, with great combination of size and speed, Iloka is bound to be on McC's radar.  He would create more favorable match-ups versus Tight Ends, something every team is looking for at SS.  I could see us making a serious run at Iloka.  This is one guy I wouldn't mind us paying a premium price for.

James Lauriniatis - ILB Rams - The Redskins look to be willing to let Keenon Robinson go in Free Agency and it seems Perry Riley will be testing the market, as well, leaving a void in the middle of our defense that could really, really use a stable, veteran presence.  Lauriniatis may have a few miles, but is only 29 years old, never missed a game, and is coming off another strong season.  He would bring consistency to ILB that the Redskins have not had in decades.  The market for ILB with his ability will be thin, so I am not sure we win the bidding war, but he wants to play for a contender and I feel many players recognize the Redskins as just that.  I get a real "London Fletcher" feel when I talk about this signing.  

Damon Harrison - DT Jets - Harrison has started every game the past three season and has proved to be among the best run-stuffing true nose-tackles in the NFL.  At only 27 years old, he is likely to garner a lot of attention in Free Agency, but, the market has many admirable veterans to be had (Pot Roast Knighton and B. J. Raji, Malik Jackson, and Nick Fairley...to name a few).  My hope is that we bring back Knighton to man the middle of our line again, but if not, Harrison is the great option, plus Harrison, like Pot Roast, has a great nickname....Snacks.

Kelechi Osemele - OG Ravens - The Redskins struggled running the ball for the first time in decades and part of the reason was a lack of dominating run blockers on the interior of the offensive line.  Osemele is the best run-blocking G in Free Agency and would be a great addition.  If not Osemele, Alex Boone may be a fall-back option.  If the market drives the price up on potential interior lineman, expect us to focus on that in the draft.

Mark Barron, ILB Rams - Barron started his career as a Safety with huge potential that never really developed, so he made the switch to LB and had a solid year.  Barron has plenty of miles left, tons of upside, and should be available for a discount price.  Could be a nice addition in sub-packages, adding cover skills, and also Special Teams kick coverage.

Stefen Wisienwski - C Jaguars - The Redskins are likely going to address Guard and Center in the draft, especially if the cut Kory Lichtensteiger, but my money is that they sign some veteran insurance at the position and Wisienwksi would be an instant upgrade.  I only see us taking a shot at him if the price is right.

Wild Card...

Aldon Smith - OLB/DE Raiders - I know...I know..."I'm the Bomb" right?  Smith has had more then his fair share of trouble off the field...most he created all by himself.  Mental issues or not, Aldon Smith is an elite pass rusher.  His unique physical gifts of size and speed are enough that teams will give him attention even though he is suspended the first two months of the 2016 season.  Teams may not sign him until October, but I bet he is on a roster and playing by December.  McC loves young, talented physical freaks, so if the money is right and the need is there, he just might give Smith the 3rd chance of his career.  Trust me, I would much rather see the opportunity go an Undrafted Free Agent or a proven Veteran, that is, if our pass-rush need isn't already solved.  If Smith is really focused on reviving his career, though, somebody could end up getting a hell of a player for a super-value price.


Scott McCloughan has stated publicly that this years draft is one of the deepest he has ever seen and that he will not over-pay for any player in Free Agency...so expect a conservative approach. focusing on low-risk, high-return players.  We should be very aggressive after the draft with Undrafted Free Agents.

Want to make your own Free Agent Wish List?

Take a peak at this great post on NFL.com on the Top 99 Free Agents!

Next post...Draft Targets - Offense.



Hail to the Redskins!