Washington Redskins: What the 'Skins Must Do to Have a Successful 2011 Campaign

In the 11th hour, the NFL owners and the players' association made a deal, and we will have a 2011 football season. 

While 2010 was another whack in the face for Redskins fans, things seem to be going in the right direction under the Bruce Allen/Mike Shanahan regime. 

With the signing of Oshiomogho Atogwe before the lockout, the trade of Donovan McNabb, and the re-signing Santana Moss the offseason is looking good in Washington. 

Also, the Redskins had a really good entry draft as well with drafting high character players and gaining some much needed depth to the roster. They have also signed some quality players to upgrade the defense with DT Barry Cofield from the New York Giants and CB Josh Wilson from the Baltimore Ravens.

So far, the 'Skins have also signed some veteran wide receiver depth in Donte Stallworth and Brandon Stokley.

While preseason can start, there is still work necessary to continue the success the Redskins have shown so far this offseason. 

Trade/Release "the Big Headache" Albert Haynesworth

It is past time. Albert Haynesworth needs to be sent packing.  As much as I want something in return for the $100 million investment, if McNabb only fetched two sixth-rounds picks, I'd take a seventh-rounder for Big Baby Albert. 

He has not been worth the amount of money Snyder and company signed him to two seasons ago.  He's missed time because of injury and being on the wrong side of the coaching staff. 

Albert must go as he is more detrimental to the team as a part of the Redskins then he would be playing against them.

The Redskins are reportedly waiting on a deal with the New England Patriots for Haynesworth to be completed.  

Re-Sign Linebacker Rocky McIntosh and Rex Grossman

Rocky McIntosh had become one of the steady forces on the linebacking core in Washington.  With a 110 tackles last season McIntosh was only behind London Fletcher on the team. 

He's steadily improved in his six seasons in Washington and with a lack of depth at a position that is necessary in the 3-4 scheme, the Redskins need to re-sign him. 

As much as I hate saying this, the Redskins need to re-sign Rex Grossman now that Donovan McNabb is a Minnesota Viking. 

It leaves them with only John Beck as the only quarterback on the roster and Grossman did an alright job down the stretch taking over for McNabb.  Even though Beck may be the quarterback to start the season, Grossman would be a quality backup behind the unproven Beck. 

Besides McIntosh and Grossman, there isn't another unrestricted free agent leaving the team that is a must re-sign. 

Jammal Brown missed games with injuries, and Carlos Rogers has already stated he does not want back with Washington.  The rest are decent reserves that can be filled with rookie free agents or eventually re-signed.

Sign Quality Offensive Linemen

The Redskins are in desperate need of a offensive line overhaul again.  Currently Trent Williams is the only offensive lineman on the team that should be a starter.  Otherwise, the rest need to prove they should be starting in the NFL. 

Casey Rabach is near the end of a good career but he lost his starting job middle of last season.  Kory Lichtensteiger and Clint Oldenburg improved by the end of the season but are not necessarily starter material. 

Two quality offensive tackles on the market that are in the price range for the Redskins are Ryan Harris and Matt Light.  Ryan Harris is a Mike Shanahan draft pick in Denver and would be a perfect fit on the other side from Trent Williams. 

Matt Light is a quality offensive tackle from a championship offensive line in New England.  While Light would be a risky venture considering his age, he would be a quick fix and provide some much needed veteran leadership on a young offensive line. 

Upgrading the interior lineman is the harder part.  Guard Mike Briesel from the Houston Texans would be the best fit again as he would know the system as he played for the offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. 

While inconsistent in run blocking, Deuce Lutui would be an upgrade at the guard spot as well. 

Linebackers, Linebackers and Even More Linebackers

Currently the Redskins have a total of seven linebackers on the roster.  That does not include any defensive ends to be converted  but that is not enough for a 3-4 defense. 

When only two of these current roster holders are starting material, the Redskins need to sign another starting linebacker besides re-signing Rocky McIntosh. 

What is needed is another pass rushing linebacker.  While Ryan Kerrigan was drafted in the first round he is currently slated as a defensive end.  He will most likely be converted, but signing another quality linebacker would be a good. 

Linebacker Manny Lawson is the top overall linebacker currently available and would be a nice signing but would possibly be out of the Redskin's pay range. 

Nine-year veteran Stephen Cooper could be a high-risk/high-reward signing as he comes off a down year, but during his prior three seasons, he was averaging 100 tackles with a 1.5 sacks per season.

Time for Graham Gano to Go

I believe a lot of Redskins would want this to happen.  Graham Gano is not, I repeat not a NFL worthy placekicker.  While being 100 percent on PAT's, he was an abysmal 69 percent field-goal kicker. 

I don't care who it is but Graham Gano needs to be sent packing.  The Redskins lost too many close ball games last season that could have easily been won if Gano made more field goals. 

If the Redskins want to make a big splash, they can go after David Akers.  Shayne Graham, Matt Bryant and Matt Prater are also available and would be upgrades to the position.