Lockout limbo: Redskins report

[1niksder]

By Eric Edholm

With NFL teams stuck in a state of limbo thanks to the lingering lockout, we are taking a tour around the league and looking at where teams stand as they await the opening of the 2011 league year. Today, we offer our take on where the Redskins stand.

Top three story lines

1. There is no team in the NFL with a less secure quarterback situation than the Redskins, who intend to rid themselves of Donovan McNabb and move in a different direction. They could go with Rex Grossman, a free agent who replaced McNabb down the stretch with alternate swells of good and bad, or make the eye-opening shift to John Beck, who has not taken a regular-season snap since his rookie season of 2007, which was two teams ago. Beck, whom the team added last August, has earned the praise of head coach Mike Shanahan this offseason and appears to be Plan A at this point … that is, if adding a veteran is not a part of the team's hidden plan. The idea of Vince Young has been run up the D.C. flagpole, but it doesn't appear to be a great fit. Other free-agent and trade-target QBs have been mentioned, but it's not a great year to be looking for a starter there. It might be Beck who opens the season against the Giants on Sept. 11 if the season starts on time.

2. In addition to McNabb, another veteran is on the outs. DT Albert Haynesworth will be traded or released once the offseason begins, and the team will wash its hands of that mess. The NT position hasn't been fully settled, and it's one of the key spots in making coordinator Jim Haslett's 3-4 scheme hum properly. The team drafted pieces to repair the defense with its first two selections this April but still has work to do on that side of the ball.

3. There's a situation to be dealt with at receiver. Santana Moss will be a free agent, and coming off perhaps his finest season, he just might attract some serious attention. As much as the Redskins appreciated Moss' contributions last year when all else was failing around him, they have talked about showing more restraint in free agency and might not want to give three-year, No. 1-receiver money to a 32-year-old with a history of injuries. Perhaps the team will let Moss walk and turn things over to some of the youngsters at the position. Or it could roll the dice on a reclamation project such as Randy Moss or Plaxico Burress. Right now, the skill-position talent is a bit lean if Santana Moss leaves.

2011 free agency — whenever that happens

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

Analysis: The Redskins used restraint in the draft, trading back several times and adding picks, and could use a measure of patience in free agency, too. Don't expect the team — in an offseason in which previous mistakes Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth will be cast away — to make any shocking or bold moves, although the roster still needs help in a few ways. Rogers openly has spoken about moving on, and Moss could land elsewhere, too. That means cornerback and receiver would become two positions of need. The team also must decide what to do along the offensive line with both Brown and Rabach. Brown had a down season, but the team traded draft picks (including a third-rounder) to get him, so it would make sense that the 'Skins would want more return on what they gave up. Rabach is getting up there in age, but he's still a good fit for another year or two. McIntosh might not be back, depending on his free-agent status.

[yupchagee]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

[1niksder]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

Not sure what P Buchanon wants to do, Hall and Rabach are not FA but Rabach will get PAID if he make the roster. We almost must resign Moss.
You're spot one with the rest of it. IMHO

[VetSkinsFan]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

I still don't think Heyer's worth a roster spot (again this year). Buchanon needs to go. Doughty's solid reserve IMO. Rabach, thank you, but your time is past. Hall I'm still hot and cold on. I don't think we can do without Rogers and Hall. Moss is important IMO.

[Chris Luva Luva]

LB H.B. Blades - expendable
OT Jammal Brown - keep
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep at the right price...maybe....
S Reed Doughty - keep
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - goodbye
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye
ILB Rocky McIntosh - keep
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep
CB Carlos Rogers - keep
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - not sure

[The Hogster]

LB H.B. Blades - expendable
OT Jammal Brown - keep
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep at the right price...maybe....
S Reed Doughty - keep
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - goodbye
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye
ILB Rocky McIntosh - keep
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep
CB Carlos Rogers - keep
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - not sure

Here's my crack at it.

LB H.B. Blades - keep for depth (not a starter)
OT Jammal Brown - keep (compete to start)
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep for depth
S Reed Doughty - expendable
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - keep for depth (not a starter)
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye (Elevate Selvish Capers)
ILB Rocky McIntosh - goodbye (Elevate Perry Riley or Henson)
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep (make him compete with Montgomery)
CB Carlos Rogers - Goodbye Not Worth Money He Will Get (might as well get Namdi)
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - keep good depth player and situational rusher

[KazooSkinsFan]

Here's my crack at it.

LB H.B. Blades - keep for depth (not a starter)
OT Jammal Brown - keep (compete to start)
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep for depth
S Reed Doughty - expendable
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - keep for depth (not a starter)
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye (Elevate Selvish Capers)
ILB Rocky McIntosh - goodbye (Elevate Perry Riley or Henson)
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep (make him compete with Montgomery)
CB Carlos Rogers - Goodbye Not Worth Money He Will Get (might as well get Namdi)
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - keep good depth player and situational rusher

Pretty good list. I don't think we'll keep Jammal because he wants to play LT. I predict we'll keep Heyer, though I have no idea why. The guy's lasted through like three regimes now, they see something we don't. I'd like to sign Rockey, though I agree we probably won't keep him. Last year I'd have said he's gone, but his attitude's improved more then Carlos who was in the same situation so I now move him to the maybe category.

[tribeofjudah]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

Hmmm...Furry, is that the Furry little rabbit...? OH, you mean Furrey?

[VetSkinsFan]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

Hmmm...Furry, is that the Furry little rabbit...? OH, you mean Furrey?

That's all you have to contribute? Correcting my typos? It's like I'm dealing with my kids...

[skins2357]

Vet - Just curious why your down on Buchanon? I know he had ups and downs, but I thought he had a pretty decent year last season.

I know he got benched 1 game, but I recall numerous games last year the announcers giving him preps as having a great game. I think he will and should be our #2 CB

[yupchagee]

LB H.B. Blades - expendable
OT Jammal Brown - keep
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep at the right price...maybe....
S Reed Doughty - keep
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - goodbye
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye
ILB Rocky McIntosh - keep
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep
CB Carlos Rogers - keep
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - not sure

Here's my crack at it.

LB H.B. Blades - keep for depth (not a starter)
OT Jammal Brown - keep (compete to start)
CB Phillip Buchanon - keep for depth
S Reed Doughty - expendable
WR Mike Furrey - goodbye
DE Kedric Golston - keep for depth (not a starter)
QB Rex Grossman - keep
CB DeAngelo Hal - keep
OT Stephon Heyer - goodbye (Elevate Selvish Capers)
ILB Rocky McIntosh - goodbye (Elevate Perry Riley or Henson)
WR Santana Moss - keep
C Casey Rabach - keep (make him compete with Montgomery)
CB Carlos Rogers - Goodbye Not Worth Money He Will Get (might as well get Namdi)
CB Byron Westbrook - expendable
DE Chris Wilson - keep good depth player and situational rusher

If Rochy goes (I think he stays) give Blades a shot at starting.
Doughty keep if practical (someone might give him starter money)
Heyer stays. Capers hasn't taken a snap in a game that counts. Heyer is good depth.
Keep Rocky.
Rogers doesn't want to stay.
We may need to keep Westbrook for depth if Rogers & Buchanon both leave.
Wilson expendable.

[HEROHAMO]

This lockout sucks. It just seems to be going on forever. I fear we may not have a season this year.

[tribeofjudah]

By Eric Edholm

Unsigned players: LB H.B. Blades (4), OT Jammal Brown (6), CB Phillip Buchanon (9), S Reed Doughty (5), WR Mike Furrey (8), DE Kedric Golston (5), QB Rex Grossman (8), CB DeAngelo Hall (7), OT Stephon Heyer (4), ILB Rocky McIntosh (5), WR Santana Moss (10), C Casey Rabach (10), CB Carlos Rogers (6), CB Byron Westbrook (2), DE Chris Wilson (4). [Editor's note: The number after a players' name is his years of service in the league. If the NFL decides to go with free agency under the same rules as used in 2010, then a player would become a restricted free agent after three years and an unrestricted free agent after six years.]

I think we will keep Brown, Buchanon, Golston, Grossman, Heyer & Rocky

I don't think Hall is a FA, nor is Rabach. Doughty will leave if he thinks he will get a chance to start elsewhere. I hope we resign Moss. Furry won't get an offer.

Hmmm...Furry, is that the Furry little rabbit...? OH, you mean Furrey?

That's all you have to contribute? Correcting my typos? It's like I'm dealing with my kids...

Haha....yeah that's all I got....slow off season, you know....

And this......Keep Chris Wilson

[VetSkinsFan]

Vet - Just curious why your down on Buchanon? I know he had ups and downs, but I thought he had a pretty decent year last season.

I know he got benched 1 game, but I recall numerous games last year the announcers giving him preps as having a great game. I think he will and should be our #2 CB

He's aging and he's not consistant. He may be able to go as a nickel or reserve, but I'd settle for Rogers' consistancy over Buchanon's flashes.