M. Washington released

[frankcal20]

Marcus Washington Expected To Be Released Today

The Redskins will be making a roster move at 4 pm today, and from everything Jason Reid and I are hearing at this point, that will result in former Pro Bowl LB Marcus Washington being let go.

Washington has been injured much of the past four years, but when healthy performed well. He was signed as a free agent in 2004, and was one of the emotional leaders of the defense. But, as I reported a month ago, several sources taking part in the Redskins' offseason personnel meetings indictated Washington would not be back with the team.

If released, Washington would save the team $4 million in cap space (a $2 million dead cap feee remains from a signing bonus proration, but his salary is off the books). Washington was very popular with fans and teammates alike, but could not get on the field with regularity and had a difficult time making plays in 2008.

Down the line the Skins could also release DE Jason Taylor and/or CB Shawn Springs for more cap relief. They are also likely to restructure several more contracts, with Dt Cornelius Griffin and T Chris Samuels among the candidates to rework deals to provide more cap space

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

[Irn-Bru]

Sad. But sadly necessary, too.

[frankcal20]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

[CanesSkins26]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

We need a better front four to keep those big bodies off of our LB's. We can keep blaming them but theres a bigger issue at hand and many fail to see the rippling effect a porous dline has throughout the other sections.

I think Ray Lewis is a prime example. When Baltimore lost their dline, people said Ray was washed up and should retire... Baltimore gets Ngata/others and people are saying he has a lot left in the tank.

Everyone is going to shine brighter and be injured less with some big bodies absorbing the big contact.

[VetSkinsFan]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

We need a better front four to keep those big bodies off of our LB's. We can keep blaming them but theres a bigger issue at hand and many fail to see the rippling effect a porous dline has throughout the other sections.

I think Ray Lewis is a prime example. When Baltimore lost their dline, people said Ray was washed up and should retire... Baltimore gets Ngata/others and people are saying he has a lot left in the tank.

Everyone is going to shine brighter and be injured less with some big bodies absorbing the big contact.

I agree and been saying that for more than a year now.

[CanesSkins26]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

We need a better front four to keep those big bodies off of our LB's. We can keep blaming them but theres a bigger issue at hand and many fail to see the rippling effect a porous dline has throughout the other sections.

I think Ray Lewis is a prime example. When Baltimore lost their dline, people said Ray was washed up and should retire... Baltimore gets Ngata/others and people are saying he has a lot left in the tank.

Everyone is going to shine brighter and be injured less with some big bodies absorbing the big contact.

I agree about the dline. However, I think it's pretty obvious from watching Washington the last couple of years that he isn't anywhere close to being the impact player that he was from 2004-2006. If you look at his numbers from 2007 and 2008 you'll see that his production was mediocre at best. Besides, Fletcher and Rocky have to play behind the same set of linemen and both played well last season. The defensive line obviously leaves a lot to be desired but I don't think that they are to blame for Washington's poor play over the past two seasons. He is getting older and the injuries that he has suffered have obviously taken a toll on him.

[1niksder]

Marcus Washington Expected To Be Released Today

It's a done deal

[gibbsfan]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

We need a better front four to keep those big bodies off of our LB's. We can keep blaming them but theres a bigger issue at hand and many fail to see the rippling effect a porous dline has throughout the other sections.

I think Ray Lewis is a prime example. When Baltimore lost their dline, people said Ray was washed up and should retire... Baltimore gets Ngata/others and people are saying he has a lot left in the tank.

Everyone is going to shine brighter and be injured less with some big bodies absorbing the big contact.

i agree 100% that we need the people in the trenches .....

[Countertrey]

Have mixed feeling about this. Wash. is an emotional leader on the team. The fans love him and I really feel he plays with everything he's got.

Thats the biggest problem though. He really doesn't seem to have much left. Now its probably b/c he just needs to get 100% healthy but we could bring him back. Will be interested to see where he goes and how quickly.

This is absolutely the right move and there is no reason to bring him back. His numbers have declined every season since he got here and with the injuries and diminished skills he doesn't bring much to the table anymore. He had some great years for us but it's time for him to go somewhere else.

We need a better front four to keep those big bodies off of our LB's. We can keep blaming them but theres a bigger issue at hand and many fail to see the rippling effect a porous dline has throughout the other sections.

I think Ray Lewis is a prime example. When Baltimore lost their dline, people said Ray was washed up and should retire... Baltimore gets Ngata/others and people are saying he has a lot left in the tank.

Everyone is going to shine brighter and be injured less with some big bodies absorbing the big contact.

I'd love to agree with you on this, Chris, but unfortunately, Marcus has also lost his ability to cover... his speed is gone, and his ability to change directions is gone. This tells me that, in his case, it's more than the D'line not protecting him...



It's time.

[NJ-SKINS-FAN]

dl or not he was always hurt

[ICEMAN]

Sad to see him go...He was a "True Redskin" in his play and his approach to the game.

Gonna miss you buddy!

[oneman56]

I hate to see this, I just met Marcus earlier this month at the Super Bowl and he was such a nice guy and seemed very genuine. It's hard to see players go that you root for and you see play with so much passion for your team. All that being said, I do agree that his play has diminished and this was probably the right decision moving forward for the team. I wish him all the best though!

[Skeletor]

This creates a big hole on that defense. We don't have a third starter right now. Blades is just not ready to be a starter. neither is Fincher

Could be an early priority in free agency...

[MDSKINSFAN]

Sad. But sadly necessary, too.

I agree. I like Marcus, but he had to be let go. He's not what he used to be

[SkinsFreak]

I'd love to agree with you on this, Chris, but unfortunately, Marcus has also lost his ability to cover... his speed is gone, and his ability to change directions is gone. This tells me that, in his case, it's more than the D'line not protecting him...

It's time.

Yeah, I totally agree, Trey. I've always loved Marcus and I hate to see him go... but, it's definitely the time. The NFLN said this frees up $4.5 million in cap space.

However, this does leave a major hole on defense. Gary Fitzgerald from Redskins.com had this to say...

Question: How big of a priority are the Redskins placing on acquiring more linebacker depth?

-- Brian E.

Gary: I would say that acquiring more linebacker depth--and maybe even a potential starter--is a big priority. Strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington, a great Redskin the last five years, was released on Friday. H.B. Blades could fill his position--he played well down the stretch last season when Washington was injured--but he is a natural middle linebacker and could eventually take over for London Fletcher. The team is likely in the market for at least one linebacker, either in free agency or the draft. Also, backups Khary Campbell and Alfred Fincher are scheduled to be free agents this offseason. If they depart, then the team may need to add some young linebackers who can excel on special teams.

I believe we need a starter, not necessarily guys for depth. I agree that Blades is not the solution on the strong side. He's better suited in the middle and I'm also not sure how confident I'd be with him as a full-time starter at OLB.

I know Fincher played fairly well in a few preseason games, but I'm not very confident with him as a full-time starter either. After being drafted in the 3rd round by the Saints in 2005, he hasn't done anything since. He's was previously cut by the Saints and the Lions, and if you can't make it with either of those lousy defenses, I'm not sure of his chances in the NFC East. Fincher and Khary Campbell are scheduled to be free agents and it will be interesting to see if the club has any interest in re-signing them.

Nevertheless, I think this makes getting a OLB a priority this offseason. This years draft class is stocked with 1st round talent. Scout's Inc. currently has 6 LB's ranked in the top 32. As I've said before, I believe a RT is a bigger need, but if the top three are gone, a stud LB or DE/OLB may be the best available and the best value at #13. I also agree our LB's will be better served with a better pass rush from the DT position, so we'll need to do something there as well. At #13 however, like I said, if the top three tackles are gone, there's not a DT who would be ranked higher and of better value than one of these stud LB's coming out this year. But, we'll see.

The free agent class of LB's this year isn't all that great. I definitely do not want Ray Lewis. He's been a great player but I don't want any more past-their-prime aged players. We need to get young. Jonathan Vilma will be a free agent and he's only 26, although I believe his natural position is a ILB. I'm not sure who else might be available in free agency that would be attractive.

Also saw this fan response on Matt Terl's blog on Redskins.com...

Here's my thought: move Taylor into the linebacker position. People kept saying he was too pinned down as a defensive end and that he needed to roam more like he did in Miami. So now that he's healthy, rework his contract so he's not counting $8.5M against the cap and put him in a position where he can do what he does best and can help the team.

[TincoSkin]

this move shows the ability of those making personnel decisions to let go favored guys in favor of change. this gives me hope that as zorns tenure matures he can be an effective leader, respected for making tough decisions. if MW can go who is next? if players have that understanding they will play for their jobs instead of, as has been the case in the past, go to the redskins to get paid and end their careers.

[Gibbs4Life]

Terrell Suggs makes Marcus Washington look like an old feable man. Of course having a Dline that creates pressure would've helped MW's numbers.

[PulpExposure]

this move shows the ability of those making personnel decisions to let go favored guys in favor of change. this gives me hope that as zorns tenure matures he can be an effective leader, respected for making tough decisions. if MW can go who is next? if players have that understanding they will play for their jobs instead of, as has been the case in the past, go to the redskins to get paid and end their careers.

If this was done last year, maybe. He clearly was on the decline and had to be let go now. This wasn't a hard move.

IMHO, where this FO doesn't succeed is it does not recognize and release players who are about to decline, who may have 1 or two years at top ability left, but aren't worth the money due on the rest of their contracts. The really top notch FOs do this (Eagles, Ravens).

[Skinsfan55]

I'm gonna miss Marcus, but it was time.

[crazyhorse1]

Thinking purely of Marcus, of whom I am an fan, and not of the Skins or their future, it's time for Marcus to go. He's absorbed enough punishment and should take his winning and go before ending up like Namath and other famous cripples for life. The sad thing in the report is that Griffin is going to hang around for more skeletal damage and brain alteration--without even
enough skill, speed, flexibility, etc. to avoid being a sitting duck.

Reports have shown that virtually all ten-year vets in the NFL end up with permanent neck injury. I wonder what the stats are for the rest of the body.

[chiefhog44]

thanks for bleading burgandy and gold MW. We need more like you.

[Chris Luva Luva]

What I'm saying is that MW has suffered the result that CP will someday face. He's being needlessly abused cus we have a horrible line. Our LB corps will be a lot healthier if they weren't having to go thru a crap-ton of traffic to get to the ball carrier. That was proven in Baltimore with Ray Lewis.

[PulpExposure]

What I'm saying is that MW has suffered the result that CP will someday face. He's being needlessly abused cus we have a horrible line. Our LB corps will be a lot healthier if they weren't having to go thru a crap-ton of traffic to get to the ball carrier. That was proven in Baltimore with Ray Lewis.

I'm sorry, I'm missing something here. Was Ray Lewis less healthy when he didn't have Haloti Ngata?

[Chris Luva Luva]

What I'm saying is that MW has suffered the result that CP will someday face. He's being needlessly abused cus we have a horrible line. Our LB corps will be a lot healthier if they weren't having to go thru a crap-ton of traffic to get to the ball carrier. That was proven in Baltimore with Ray Lewis.

I'm sorry, I'm missing something here. Was Ray Lewis less healthy when he didn't have Haloti Ngata?

Yeah. He was banged up, missed quite a bit of time. I think that was when Ed Hartwell really shined...but I could be wrong cus I don't follow them too heavily. Aside from his healh, his numbers fell. But as soon as they got the line situated, he went back to normal and has been killing.

I believe they got Ngata and Kelly Gregg. Two beasts. Their FO is always on point.