2012 NFL Free Agents: Washington Redskins' Wish List

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With over $40 million in cap space, the Washington Redskins are predicted to be major players in free agency this offseason. Conscientious players, that is.

Overspending on the elderly and fabricating false hopes during the offseason is a thing of the past for the Redskins. Since taking over the team in 2010, head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have worked diligently to help a build a team through strategic drafting and responsible spending.

So far, so good.

And while I don’t expect the excess cap dollars to burn a hole in ShanAllen’s pocket, I do have a wish list of 2012 free agents that I think are worth a bid.

Taking into account that a guy like Dwayne Bowe has no chance of leaving Kansas City, I have tried to avoid the guys that I don’t think have even the slightest chance of sniffing the open market.

First Things First: London Fletcher

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The ageless wonder. Not only the most positive locker room influence on this team, but the leader on both offense and defense.

Oh, and let’s not forget, London Fletcher is still very productive on the football field. Re-signing one of the best in the game—regardless of age—should be priority No. 1 for the Redskins.

First Things First: Adam Carriker

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After being traded to the Washington Redskins and implemented in the 3-4, Adam Carriker found his true positional calling in the NFL.

Carriker was an effective bookend last year along the defensive line, and he should be retained. The return of rookie Jarvis Jenkins (knee) will help the front three, but Carriker could also make for one helluva rotational option.

First Things First: Kory Lichtensteiger

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Kory Lichtensteiger played well in Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme last season before going down with an ACL injury. At just 27 years old going into next season, I think a careful signing is fair.

And the only reason I use the word “careful” is because the team has to perform a thorough evaluation of ‘Steiger’s health before it commits to the guy long term.

Top Tier: Ben Grubbs, Baltimore Ravens, G

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The Redskins took a stab at a former Baltimore Ravens guard last season in Chris Chester, but 28-year-old Ben Grubbs is far better.

There’s very little chance that the Ravens let Grubbs get away, but the team is also faced with retaining running back Ray Rice.

Baltimore will be forced to use its franchise tag on someone, and hopefully the Redskins can pull a fast one.

Top Tier: Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints, G

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Arguably the best guard in the NFL, 27-year-old Carl Nicks has been rumored recently to be on the outs with New Orleans.

It’s not necessarily that the Saints want to lose one of the best players on their team, but they still haven’t even come to terms with their All-Pro quarterback.

Despite not being an ideal fit in the zone-blocking scheme, Nicks is smart enough and strong enough to be successful anywhere.

Top Tier: Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers, WR

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The Redskins are not only in need of help at the wide receiver position, but they are also desperate to find playmakers. Mike Wallace just so happens to be both.

At just 26 years old, Wallace is a budding star in the NFL and a guy that both Shanahans would love to score.

It should be noted, however, that Wallace is a RESTRICTED free agent, making things tougher; a team would have to lose its first-round pick in a tender offer.

Top Tier: Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans, S

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Assuming that LaRon Landry doesn’t accept an incentive-laden contract from the Redskins, no one expects to see him back in a Redskins uniform next season.

In a very shallow market for safety talent in both free agency and the draft, the Redskins could make a move for arguably the best safety available, 27-year-old Michael Griffin.

Griffin is a versatile player in the secondary that could really benefit Washington.

Top Tier: Brandon Carr, Kansas City Chiefs, CB

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Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft, 26-year-old Brandon Carr has been nothing shy of a reliable cover corner in Kansas City.

After allowing a completion percentage of just 49.4 last season, Carr is deserving of a fair payday. If the Redskins wanted to open up their wallet for a solid corner like Carr, there should be no name-calling among fans.

Next Tier: Jared Gaither, San Diego Chargers, OT

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I was on board to sign Jared Gaither when the Redskins had their chance, but things obviously didn’t work out.

At this point in his career, the 26-year-old Gaither has the potential to be a very good tackle in the NFL. With maturity issues seemingly taking a back seat, the main concern regarding Gaither is his health (most notably his back injury).

Back injuries are never minor, and Gaither’s potential suitors should be cautious, but he could be a steal this offseason.

Next Tier: Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons, CB

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It’s not that 29-year-old Brent Grimes hasn’t been a solid cornerback in Atlanta for the past few seasons, but I’m slightly wary that he’s after the largest contract he can find.

The Dirty Birds still have their franchise tag to use, but reports indicate that they aren’t willing to use it on Grimes if they can’t get along enough to work out a deal in the near future.

I wouldn’t be angry if the Redskins offered Grimes, as the team needs a corner, but I wouldn’t want to break the bank...even by a little bit.

Next Tier: Mario Manningham, New York Giants, WR

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Before making that killer catch along the sidelines on the final drive of the Super Bowl, 26-year-old Mario Manningham had strung together an average season after being hit with a knee injury.

In 2010, however, Manningham played in all 16 games, pulled in 60 receptions for almost 950 yards and snagged nine touchdowns.

Barring injury, Manningham has the ability to be a very good receiver, and the Redskins could most certainly use his talents. My concern comes with the words: knee injury.