Rich Tandler’s five things possible related to the Washington Redskins and other matters.
5. It seems like both the Redskins and London Fletcher are running out of options. Inside linebackers just aren’t getting paid like they used to. At this point, Fletcher should be happy to match the $5 million/year average he received in the contract he just completed. That is what Stephen Tulloch got in the deal he got from the Lions and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Curtis Lofton got the same from the Saints. Of course neither one of those players is coming off of back-to-back Pro Bowls as Fletcher is but both are considerably younger. From the Redskins’ standpoint, there aren’t many alternatives out there. David Hawthorne of the Seahawks is the top inside linebacker left and the dropoff after him is precipitous. Fletcher and the Redskins need each other at this point and hopefully something can be worked out soon.
4. March Madness? It’s been more like March Mundane. With the notable exceptions of the wins by 15 seeds Lehigh and Hampton the NCAA tournament has been largely to form and lacking in buzzer beaters. Not many games have been compelling to the casual fan of college hoops (and I’m one of those). I’ve had it on TV the whole time but I’ve found my attention consumed by NFL matters and other things. It’s a blue blood Final Four and it looks like it will be Kentucky blue cutting down the nets in New Orleans. Hopefully one of the three remaining games will provide a memorable moment.
3. We’ll have plenty more on the salary cap penalty situation today and every day until it is resolved. But a lot of fans have been asking if the Redskins can expect to get a draft pick as compensation if the ruling is in their favor, something to make up for the lost opportunities they had in free agency due to getting the cap dollars subtracted. Although there is little precedent to refer to here, that is highly doubtful. The most they can hope for is to get the penalty removed and the money reinstated. They aren’t going to get flowers and a box of chocolates on top of it.
2. Another frequently asked question is about the right tackle position. The ideal solution there is either a healthy Jammal Brown or an improved Willie Smith. We won’t know much about either until OTA’s start up in mid-May. If one can get it done then the job likely is his with the other one providing depth. If not and the draft does not produce a solution they could look to see who is left in free agency. It is not the ideal solution but given the salary cap hit and the lack of talent at the position in free agency it will have to do.
1. Even if the Redskins are able to add another player or two via the draft or in late free agency, the defensive backfield is largely set. DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson are the main cornerbacks, Brandon Meriweather, Reed Doughty and Dejon Gomes will see a lot of action a safety, Cedric Griffin could play safety or nickel corner and Kevin Barnes will fight for playing time. That is not the strongest group in the league by any means and a good pass rush will be needed to keep opposing passing attacks under control.
Rich Tandler blogs about the Redskins at www.RealRedskins.com. You can reach him by email at RTandlerCSN@comcast.net and follow him on Twitter @Rich_Tandler.
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