It’s never too early to prepare and project for the offseason as a Redskins fan
We have seemed to have gotten to this point of the season early. Even by Redskins floating dumpster fire in a flood standards. Typically fans would could wait for the indigestion of Thanksgiving dinner to turn into the indigestion of finishing at .500 with no chance of the playoffs.
It has become increasingly clear as this grim 1-8 season has dragged along in the mud there are major holes that need to be filled. If we think this roster looks Channing Tatum acting mediocre to bad now, wait until the 2020 offseason begins.
Jordan Reed, Trent Williams, and Josh Norman are not expected to be on the 2020 opening day roster. That means, as of right now, the Washington Redskins have 43 players under contract, or potentially under the franchise tag for 2020. The moves of cutting Reed, Williams, and Norman will save them approximately $33.7 million in caps space and give the Redskins a projected $74.4 million in cap space to play with in free agency per Spotrac.com.
With that being said, here are the projected top five biggest needs for the Washington Redskins in 2020.
Left Tackle
It is the worst kept secret in the NFL. Trent Williams is not likely to be back with the Redskins in 2020. With his departure comes a hole that will need to be filled to see Dwayne Haskins, or Alex Smith, or whomever, succeed. Donald Penn has done an admirable job this year, but he is not getting any younger. Geron Christian has shown that he is a serviceable back-up who’s strength is at right tackle. There is an opportunity with where the Redskins will be drafting in 2020 to get a top end left tackle whom they can plug and play.
Middle Linebacker
This position has arguably been the weakest link on the Redskins defense for the past couple of years. Reuben Foster is having trouble staying on the field for a variety of reasons. Shaun Dion-Hamilton was expected to be the starter in 2019, but rookie Cole Holcomb as supplanted him in that role. The Redskins will need to keep getting younger and faster at this position. You cannot assume Foster will come back 100-percent in 2020 and will Holcomb and Dion-Hamilton be ready to take that next step. The middle linebacker position could end up looking better with a new defensive coordinator, but the talent level is lacking compared to other units in the NFL. Look for them to continue to upgrade here.
Cornerback
Quinton Dunbar has started to exceed expectations. He is continuously one of the highest rated cornerbacks on Pro Football Focus. Though we take those rankings with a little more than a grain of salt here at FPC. After Dunbar, there are still major questions.
This secondary keeps getting torched for one reason or the other. Norman has lost a step, inconsistent play by other cornerbacks, or really bad defensive schemes by defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Personnel wise Fabian Moreau is hit or miss, Jimmy Moreland seems better set for the slot, and Greg Stroman’s play continues to be more miss than hit. This is a deep free agent class at this position, so it would not surprise me if they chose to fill this gaping hole with one of those individuals than through the draft.
Tight End
Jordan Reed’s with the Redskins seems to be over. Vernon Davis is getting older and Jeremy Sprinkle has not shown enough for everyone to be “wowed.” When the Redskins offense was clicking was when Reed was on the field and healthy. A great tight end, like Zach Ertz or Travis Kelce, can create match-up nightmares on defense. With the lack of reliable options on the roster for 2020, look for the Redskins to make this one of their top priorities.
Wide Receiver
Since the departure of Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson the Redskins have been lacking in deep wide receiver talent. They have found their own Aladdin, a diamond in the rough, with Terry McLaurin. McLaurin alone is not enough.
Kelvin Harmon has started so show his potential the past three games and Steve Sims, Jr. is showing how he can be utilized with gadget plays and on special teams. Trey Quinn has been underwhelming and Paul Richardson has not been able to be healthy enough. It is important to note that Richardson could be a cap casualty, but there seems uncertainty there as this season has gone on. Even with all of this talent, there are always more weapons needed.
Honorable Mention
The rest of the offensive line and running back. Because, our offense just flat out sucks.
