
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The Redskins went for youth over size at cornerback, re-signing DeAngelo Hall just before he would've become a free agent, and cutting Shawn Springs. They got bigger and younger at left guard, letting Pete Kendall walk while bringing back Derrick Dockery after two years in Buffalo.
But the big news was on the defensive line where Washington landed the top free agent prize, former Tennessee tackle Albert Haynesworth, and released end Jason Taylor, a six-time Pro Bowl player with Miami but a major disappointment during his lone year as a Redskin. Also, end Demetric Evans signed with San Francisco leaving Washington very thin at that position and at linebacker beyond starters London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Defensive end: Having cut Jason Taylor, voided Phillip Daniels and let Demetric Evans depart as a free agent, the Redskins have no one proven here besides Andre Carter. H-E-L-P.
2. Linebacker: Having cut Marcus Washington, the Redskins are left with 5-10 H.B. Blades as the strongside starter. Alfred Fincher and Khary Campbell are free agents, leaving no proven backups on the roster. H-E-L-P.
3. Tackle: Right side starter Jon Jansen wore down at the end of last season, turned 33 in 2007 and missed virtually all of 2004 and 2007 with injuries. But he kept second-year man Stephon Heyer on the bench for most of 2008. The Redskins want to add someone here.
MEDICAL WATCH: LT Chris Samuels won't be ready for the start of the offseason conditioning program after having his left triceps operated on in December. The same could be true for RG Randy Thomas, who had neck surgery in January. Everyone else should be ready on March 16.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--DT Ryan Boschetti was re-signed during the season after being cut in camp but hardly played. If he's back, there won't be a signing bonus.
--LB Khary Campbell remains the top special teams tackler. He should return for a small signing bonus.
--DE Phillip Daniels was a reliable run-stopper for four years before suffering a season-ending knee injury on the first snap of camp last July. Could return for inexpensive contract.
--OL Jason Fabini was a surprise starter at right guard for most of 2007 after Randy Thomas was hurt. Didn't play much in 2008 and will only be back for a cheap, 1-year deal.
--S Mike Green was signed off the street after Reed Doughty was hurt in September. Green started a couple of games and could return for a cheap contract.
--G Pete Kendall has played well in his two seasons with Washington, but the re-signing of Derrick Dockery could affect his future.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)
--C Justin Geisinger (not tendered as RFA) suffered a season-ending knee injury when pressed into service at tackle on Dec. 7 at Baltimore.
--LB Rian Wallace (not tendered as RFA) spent 2008 on injured reserve after being hurt in August.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--DT Kedric Golston (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) was a starter for most of 2006 and 2008.
--DT Anthony Montgomery (tendered at $1.01M with fifth-round pick as compensation) was a starter in 2007 and has potential because of his massive frame.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--LS Ethan Albright: Potential UFA; terms unknown.
--S Reed Doughty: Not tendered as RFA; $535,000/1 yr.
--LB Alfred Fincher: UFA; $620,000/1 yr.
--CB DeAngelo Hall: UFA; $54M/6 yrs, $22.5M guaranteed).
--K Shaun Suisham: RFA tendered at $1.01M; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--RB Anthony Alridge (waivers Broncos).
--OG Derrick Dockery: FA Bills; $26M/5 yrs, $8.2M guaranteed.
--DT Albert Haynesworth: UFA Titans; $100M/7 yrs, $5M SB/$41M guaranteed.
PLAYERS LOST
--DE Demetric Evans: UFA 49ers; $3.8M/2 yrs, guarantees.
--P Ryan Plackemeier (released).
--CB Shawn Springs (released).
--DE Jason Taylor (released).
--LB Marcus Washington (released).