Washington Redskins Free Agency: 6 Best Free Agent Fits Still on the Market

After a frantic and arguably very successful first few days activity in free agency, there is a relative calm at Redskins Park.

Many of the immediate needs were answered early.  Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen were excellent reinforcements for the defensive line and guard Chris Chester is a smart addition to the porous offensive line.

But the Redskins still have needs to address one way or another if they are to be considered true contenders in the NFC East this season.

Cornerback and inside linebacker remain areas of concern on defense.  Offensively, the line could use more help.  Despite how crowded things look at wide receiver, a standout target might make everyone feel a little more confident about the passing game.

Here are the six best fits for the Redskins still on the market.

Stephen Cooper, Inside Linebacker, San Diego Chargers

He may be 32 but Stephen Cooper would immediately upgrade the Redskins' entire defense.  Adding Cooper to the linebacking corps would give the unit an intimidating look heading into the new season.

Cooper is an extremely intelligent player, capable of quarterbacking the defense.  Pairing Cooper with the equally cerebral London Fletcher would give the 'Skins a defensive brain trust capable of adjusting to and outwitting any offensive signal caller.

Kevin Burnett recently jumped ship to the Miami Dolphins so securing Cooper might have become more difficult.  But San Diego has already acquired Takeo Spikes and also have rookie Jonas Mouton.

The Chargers could opt instead to retain Brandon Siler and allow veteran Cooper to seek employment elsewhere.  The dependable 3-4 practitioner would be a wise investment for the Redskins.

Barrett Ruud, Middle Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed big money on the table to retain Quincy Black, Barrett Ruud's future in Florida looks even more tenuous.

He is an active player and an excellent student of the game.  He has good coverage skills and would be an asset to the Redskins in both base and nickel packages.

Ruud may have played his first six seasons in a 4-3 but he has good enough size and smarts to make a quick transition to Jim Haslett's 3-4 schemes.

Ruud will likely still be drawing interest from a lot of 4-3 teams, but on a favourable deal he could surprise many in Washington.

Justin Blalock, Left Guard, Atlanta Falcons

If Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen wanted to make one big splash in free agency, they could do worse than offer substantial money to Atlanta Falcons left guard Justin Blalock.

The Falcons recently invested heavily in retaining right tackle Tyson Clabo and securing the services of defensive end Ray Edwards.  They may no longer be able to manage the kind of deal needed to keep Blalock around.

The 27-year old, 6'4" 329-pounder would solidify one side of the Redskins line.  With Blalock and Chester at guard, Washington's front office would have turned one of the team's biggest weaknesses into a strength.

The Falcons have already seen Harvey Dahl join the St. Louis Rams in free agency and would likely put up a fight for Blalock.

But with Davin Joseph now re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Blalock is the best guard available.  He is difficult to ignore for the Redskins who still badly need help up front.

Ryan Harris, Right Tackle, Denver Broncos

Ryan Harris has already expressed a desire to move to Washington.  He is experienced in Mike Shanahan's zone blocking schemes and would be a tremendous asset on the right side of the Redskins line.

The Redskins may have an interest in retaining right tackle Jammal Brown.  But Brown has suffered with injuries and favours a return to left tackle.

Harris is four years younger than Brown and a better fit for the blocking system the coaches are trying implement.

Adding another player accustomed to zone techniques could reap huge dividends for the Washington running game in 2011.

Antonio Cromartie, Cornerback, New York Jets

A lucrative deal for Antonio Cromartie might be a bit of a reach at this stage.  But with the possible departure of Carlos Rogers, the Redskins have a genuine need at cornerback.

Now that Nnamdi Asomugha and Jonathan Joseph are off the market, Cromartie becomes the finest cover man available.

An aggressive corner who will often gamble in coverage, Cromartie can occasionally get caught out, but he has excellent zone instincts and is a solid tackler.

Pairing Cromartie with DeAngelo Hall would give the Redskins two dangerous ball hawks.  Cromartie would certainly boost the turnover tally Mike Shanahan placed such a premium on when he insisted on a switch to a 3-4.

Plaxico Burress, Wide Receiver

Plaxico Burress is an intriguing option for the Washington Redskins.  Before his imprisonment he was one of the most consistent playmakers in the game.

Burress will be eager to redeem himself after his fall from grace and offers the Redskins the skill set to make whoever is under center better in 2011.

Burress played a key role in making Eli Manning a better quarterback with the New York Giants.  By offering such a reliable outlet, Burress allowed Manning to build his confidence and become a more assured passer.

He could do the same thing for John Beck in D.C.  Burress is a physical receiver, with the size and strength to routinely outmatch the majority of the league's corners.

Burress possesses excellent hands and runs precise routes.  His big play potential will be invaluable to the offense.  Defenses will be unable to regularly deploy eight men in the box with Burress on the field.

He will benefit the running game and open up the underneath zones.  His ability to make plays out of errant throws would be invaluable given the Redskins' uncertainty at quarterback.

There's no doubt that his past legal troubles and time away from the gridiron make Burress a huge risk.  But Mike Shanahan is a coach with a strong enough will to keep Burress in check and the tall wideout will be eager to prove he can still be an elite NFL player.

Besides, what would an NFL offseason be without at least one high profile controversial signing by the Redskins?

So far the Redskins have conducted themselves quietly and efficiently in the free agent market and concluded some excellent business.  One or two more smart signings would round out an impressive looking roster for 2011.