Washington Redskins: 5 NFL Free Agents They Must Not Pursue

It's almost time to start talking about this, so let's indulge. We've been patient enough.

If the current lockout was described by owners, players and fans alike as trying, it would certainly be one of the more understated phrases of recent memory.

But amidst finding the correct adjective to call the recent events, we can take comfort in other calls soon to be made—the calls from general managers to free agents.

The Washington Redskins will be an intriguing team to watch once the facilities' gates open. Will the perennial headline-makers of the offseason land this summer's biggest names? Or will they resume a more disciplined approach and spread the wealth among multiple needs?

Either way, if the front office wants to continue the positive offseason momentum which started on draft day, there is a short list of players to avoid once De Smith and Roger Goodell shake hands:

1) Vince Young, 2010 Team: Tennessee Titans

What a shame this is.

I could go on and on about how unfortunate it is that a quarterback with all the talent in the world may never reach his true potential. It's difficult to say where he would rank in the league even if he did. This writer would guess near the top.

What is not difficult to assess, however, is that for Vince Young to scratch the surface of what he is capable of, he needs a new place to start. Washington is just not that place.

The 2010 season was a disappointing year for the Redskins that included just as much insult as injury, stemming from Donovan McNabb's benching to the Albert Haynesworth saga. If the "Shan-allen" regime is looking to shy away from further drama, then why actively seek a player who threw his well-respected coach under the bus just one season ago? Talented or not, Mike Shanahan has to ensure all his players are on his side after last season's fiascoes.

Even if Young is willing to handle the challenges of playing in D.C., it may not be enough. Put yourself in Shanahan's shoes:

Today is July 18, which means the regular season is less than two months away. How confident would you be on opening weekend with a signal-caller who has spent mere weeks holding a playbook with a Redskins' logo on it?

Keep in mind, Shanahan is a man who benched an all-pro quarterback during a critical moment last year because of his supposed unfamiliarity with the offense. Why would an organization pursue a player who will present the same scenario?  Call it exaggerated cynicism, but how much faith can be put in a person who scored a six on his Wonderlic test to absorb complex information quickly?

It's a tough pill to swallow, 'skins fans. But it's looking more and more like John Beck needs to be under center in Week 1.

2) Johnathan Joseph, 2010 Team: Cincinnati Bengals

With Carlos Rogers likely on the move (which honestly isn't such a bad thing), a veteran stopgap corner could prove useful to help ease Kevin Barnes and Brandyn Thompson into expanded roles.

Johnathan Joseph could remedy much of the headache that comes with facing NFC East rivals with potent passing attacks. The problem is, cornerbacks are widely needed throughout the league and Joseph will seek the salary of a No. 1.

But is he worth it?

Joseph certainly has a penchant for creating turnovers, but underneath Leon Hall on the depth chart. Sure, he would likely assume a similar position in Washington behind DeAngelo Hall, but much of Joseph's productivity could be obtained with a cheaper alternative (*cough* Josh Wilson *cough*).

Missing 12 games in the past three seasons sparks additional hesitation from a team that cannot afford to throw first-tier money at a second-tier corner. Other teams can and will do this, but for the Redskins, there are simply too many other expensive needs right now.

3) Jared Gaither, 2010 Team: Baltimore Ravens

At 6'9", Gaither is an absolute monster, who at peak health, unquestionably strengthened an already sturdy Baltimore Ravens offensive line.

But concerns with his work ethic have been well-documented since his college days, and have only increased in wake of missing practices and offseason conditioning programs, as well as showing up 30 pounds too-light to mini-camp in 2010.

Much of his inactivity can be attributed to nagging foot and back injuries which sidelined him for the entire season. But murmurs around Baltimore suggest that is too convenient of an explanation for a player who has long-exhibited a poor attitude.

At the right price, and at the right mentality, Jared Gaither could bolster the teetering foundation of Kyle Shanahan's offense. Unfortunately, already disgruntled players just don't seem to work out in D.C.

4) Tommie Harris, 2010 Team: Chicago Bears

Noticing any patterns here?

Harris has made a career out of being a disruptive central force, keen on swallowing up blockers and shrinking passing pockets. In his seventh season, however, the sands in his hourglass appeared to be falling fast.

The once elite talent recorded just 1.5 sacks in 15 games, and was a healthy scratch in a September showdown against arch-rival Green Bay.

Even after drafting Jarvis Jenkins, Markus White and Chris Neild, the Redskins could still use veteran guidance at what is arguably their biggest need. Harris' rich history and low price tag may sound enticing to general managers, but Harris must first prove his worth before being trusted in the significant role that the Redskins would need him to take on.

5) Nnamdi Asomugha, 2010 Team: Oakland Raiders

And this is where I'm sure to make a few enemies.

Imagine the fearful hearts of pass-happy offenses when they are greeted with a secondary comprised of Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall, Oshiomogho Atogwe and LaRon Landry. Beautiful, right?

Now, think of the sheer joy that teams will exude upon realization that the Redskins still have a pedestrian pass-rush, a porous run defense and an offensive line that couldn't block someone from Facebook, let alone someone from their backfield.

Asomugha, 30, has not seen the playoffs in his eight elite years in the league. It would take a gargantuan contract from the Redskins to reel in the perennial Pro-Bowler. With so many other needs, it just doesn't make sense at this time.

Landry, along with 15 other Redskins on the 2010 roster will be free agents following the 2011 season. If Asomugha gets his payday, it will likely come at the expense of releasing a huge part of the current core of players. The timing suggests Landry would be the first of that core to go, due to the difficult justification of having the entire starting secondary inked to lavish contracts.

In essence, Asomugha's addition to the Redskins would likely create more needs than it would fulfill.