Redskins free agent possibilities
ESPN's Adam Shefter recently wrote about the best NFL free agents left on the market and it got me to thinking about what the Redskins still need to round out their roster. Ordinarily I'd suggest staying away from more free agency, but since the Redskins seem intent on not rebuilding but reloading once again for another run at the playoffs, the roster could use some work.
S Oshiomogho Atogwe -- Definitely the best free agent on the market, Atogwe was cut loose by the Rams -- even though he is clearly their best defensive player -- because they don't want to meet his sky-high asking price. The price tag has also scared the Lions off, though they want him badly and are watching carefully to see if Atogwe adjusts his bargaining positions. Atogwe would fill a need for the Redskins, who have had huge problems at safety ever since Sean Taylor died. The Redskins are reportedly interested, but, like the Lions, not interested at Atogwe's current price. Even Dan Snyder has his spending limits and Atogwe has apparently found it. He's a big-time playmaker, but can the Redskins keep spending huge money on safeties?
LB Keith Bulluck -- He's been a tackling machine for more than a decade, but he suffered a torn ACL in week 15 last year. He's almost healthy and will soon be visiting teams looking for someone to pay him. Bulluck's price went down due to the injury so the Redskins can probably afford him. However, if Bulluck leaves Tennessee it would seem the Detroit Lions is his most likely destination. Bulluck played for years in Jim Schwartz's defense and the two know and like each other. The Redskins should probably not waste their time going after Bulluck.
WR Terrell Owens -- No, thanks. The Redskins have major needs at wide receiver, but Owens thinks he's still a superstar and demands the money and passes that a superstar commands. Problem is that Owens isn't much more than a pretty good receiver any more and his negative influence in the locker room kills this possibility for me. I don't care what Donovan McNabb says about water under the bridge, I don't want Owens anywhere close to Redskins Park.
DT John Henderson -- Really more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher now. I don't think he fits the team's new defense, though I'm sure Henderson could definitely help some other team.
TB Brian Westbrook -- He doesn't seem to be drawing the interest he would like, but the Redskins have made him an offer -- an offer he would apparently prefer to refuse. He might not get a better offer, though, and the Redskins have major needs at running back despite signing just about every over-the-hill back on the market this offseason. Signing Westbrook indicates Willie Parker's time in D.C. will be brief indeed. Westbrook can help the team as a third down back, but I wouldn't play him much more than that, even if he's healthy. His concussion problems are a major issue.
LB Adalius Thomas -- He could play for Washington as an inside linebacker, something they need. I doubt very much, though, that he leaves the comfy confines of Bill Belichick's Patriot defense.
WR Josh Reed -- He had a down season last year, but the entire Bills offense was a complete mess, starting with the running game, quarterbacking and offensive line. [Wait, that's everything!] Reed is a solid possession receiver who could step in if [when?] Malcolm Kelly injures himself or proves once and for all that he just plain sucks. Here is what Scouts, Inc. thinks of Josh Reed:
So, who do you think the Redskins should go after? Or should they stick with what they have now and leave all these guys on the shelf? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN OUR NEW REDSKINS FORUM!
