5 Veterans the Washington Redskins Must Part with Before 2015 Season

While adding new faces to a roster is currently the mode of operation in the NFL, smart general managers will also still be thinking about moves that will further trim the wage bill.

Washington Redskins team builder Scot McCloughan is no exception. He's already done some good work clearing the decks to facilitate a regeneration of the defensive line.

A few more members of last season's front seven could soon join Barry Cofield Jr. and Stephen Bowen. It's also tough to see a veteran cornerback who did nothing to bolster the pass defense in 2014 sticking around, especially if McCloughan adds a defensive back or two in free agency.

As newbies arrive with new contracts, somebody has to make way for them. It really will be a case of out with the old, in with the new for these five members of the Redskins roster.

Kedric Golston, DE

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It's hard not to like Kedric Golston. After all, he gives everything he has on each snap and plays wherever coaches tell him he's needed.

Since joining the Redskins in 2006, he has played both tackle spots in 4-3 schemes. He's also lined up at end and nose guard in the 3-4 the team has been operating since 2010.

But while his versatility is welcome, Golston's lack of explosion may finally force him off the roster. Under McCloughan and head coach Jay Gruden, the Redskins are transitioning to a one-gap, attacking form of defense.

It's a scheme that will require dynamic linemen—the type of linemen McCloughan has been busy recruiting.

He's already signed Ricky Jean Francois and used the opening day of free agency to add Stephen Paea, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post. Both are quick, slanting defensive tackles who will split gaps rather than simply fill them.

As a barrel-chested plugger, 31-year-old Golston doesn't fit the new scheme the way undersized nose tackle Frank Kearse might. Expect this to be the offseason Washington finally waves goodbye to a likable veteran.

Gabe Miller, OLB

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As Golston heads through the exit door at Redskins Park, Gabe Miller won't be too far behind him. He only joined the team in 2014 to help add depth to the pass-rush rotation.

But the 27-year-old should expect to receive his walking papers as the Redskins refresh their options at outside linebacker this offseason. Those options are more likely to include 2014 undrafted rush end Jackson Jeffcoat and veteran Ricky Sapp ahead of Miller.

The latter was signed to a reserve/future contract in January. Like Jeffcoat, he has more upside applying pressure than Miller offers.

With Sapp and Jeffcoat competing with 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy to make the roster behind Ryan Kerrigan and a possible new starter, there won't be any room for Miller.

Chris Chester, G

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Chris Chester is just too small for a general manager who dubs football a "big man's game." The 6'3", 303-pound (probably a generous estimate) guard is also 32 and carrying a major cap hit for 2015.

Chester is due to make $3.5 million this year. In total, the ex-Baltimore Ravens rotational blocker could count for $4.8 million against the team's cap, per Spotrac.com.

That's simply too much to carry for a player who's no longer a scheme fit and has struggled during the last two seasons. During that time, pass-rushing defensive tackles have routinely rocked Chester back on his heels. He's also failed to create movement in the running game.

Mike Jones of The Washington Post noted how axing the player whose release would save $4 million seems inevitable after the arrival of new offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

He's a blocking guru who will covet more size and physical dominance in the trenches. Chester offers neither.

Although the Redskins have so far stood pat in free agency in terms of adding some marquee blockers, the team should still dump this underwhelming vet and see what last year's third-rounder Spencer Long can offer.

Logan Paulsen, TE

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Like Golston, Logan Paulsen is a player who is easy to like. He's another try-hard grafter who never complains about his role in the offense.

The 28-year-old is also the closest thing the unit has to an able blocker at the tight end position. That's something of a niche skill in a rotation otherwise populated by roving Joker-types Jordan Reed and Niles Paul.

With Washington having wisely retained Paul, and with Reed full of exciting potential, there's plenty of explosive, big-play capability at tight end. Paulsen won't ever offer that, and his core skills aren't as strong as they ought to be.

Despite some natural bulk, Paulsen doesn't always block like he's carrying 261 pounds on his frame. The 6'5" pass-catcher can be a good outlet over the middle, but his hands aren't the most reliable.

Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay could easily replace what Paulsen offers by utilizing fullback Darrel Young more often. He's a punishing blocker and an effective receiver who merits a bigger role in the offense.

Paulsen has won many over with his effort, but he'd hardly be missed on 2015's offense.

Tracy Porter, CB

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Tracy Porter did nothing to merit the two-year, $6.25 million contract he signed to join the team last offseason. Injuries and poor form contributed to his missing 13 games and making just one start.

Now's the time for McCloughan to cut bait with a cornerback set to earn $2.25 million in base salary this year, according to Spotrac.com.

On the surface, that's a risky proposition, especially considering some of the question marks concerning Washington's other options at cornerback.

DeAngelo Hall tore the same Achilles twice last season and might find a successful comeback difficult since he'll turn 32 during the 2015 campaign. At least when he's healthy, Hall can generally be relied upon to play at a high level.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for 2013 second-round pick David Amerson. He's had more than his share of tough moments as a two-year starter. In fact, he's had enough scary episodes to share among a few cornerbacks.

Amerson needs to step up his play and match the level of last season's fourth-round surprise package Bashaud Breeland. If he can't, Washington will be in trouble at the edges of the secondary.

But simply spelling out the problem doesn't automatically mean Porter can do anything to solve it. In theory, he's a useful player because of his aggressive opportunism and blitz skills from the slot. But he has to stay healthy to show those.

The need for better play at cornerback doesn't mean the Redskins should keep underperforming players. Valuing numbers over quality won't turn any team into a winner.

McCloughan would be better served releasing Porter and using the savings to recruit an upgrade, one with starter's potential. He may already be putting that plan in motion, as San Francisco 49ers corner Perrish Cox is ready to visit the team, per NFL.com Media Insider Ian Rapoport.

Washington can afford to let every player on this list walk away and still field a better, more competitive team in 2015. In the case of Chester and Golston, changes in the schemes up front are pushing the sand through the hourglass on their Redskins careers anyway.

Meanwhile, releasing Porter and Paulsen will help trim the cap. That will possibly make way for more new additions or simply balance the books, as McCloughan wraps up his first free-agency cycle making the calls.