Washington Redskins: Why the 'Skins Should Target Robert Mathis

The Washington Redskins should make a bold move in free agency and go after Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis.

The Redskins need to add some big-play and turnover-creating capability to their defense. Mathis is the ideal weapon for this purpose and would add an extra dimension and spark to Jim Haslett's unit.

In the modern NFL where multiple-receiver sets and intelligent, quick-reading quarterbacks pile up mammoth yards on a weekly basis, defenses simply can never have enough pass-rushers.

Washington's defense suffers from a lack of depth, particularly behind pass-rush duo Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

Mathis would solve this issue. The 30-year-old has phenomenal closing speed off the edge, having logged 83.5 career sacks in nine pro seasons.

Many defenses make great use out of specialist pass-rushers, such as the San Francisco 49ers and their top rookie, Aldon Smith.

Adding a prolific sack specialist like Mathis would allow the Redskins to align their personnel in multiple positions and increase the flexibility of the defense's pressure packages. As a career-long 4-3 defensive end, Mathis would fit in well on the Redskins' nickel and dime fronts. His pass-rushing prowess would be a huge threat any time the defense switched to a four-man line.

Mathis would occupy a situational role, but not be limited strictly to third downs. Given the pass-friendly, spread-type formations adopted by many offenses on most plays, defenses are going to nickel fronts more often.

Mathis has the quickness and range to be used on either side of the formation, or even as a standing A-gap blitzer. His presence would give Haslett even more scope when designing fire-zone schemes.

The 6'2", 245-pounder is also a turnover machine. Mathis is one of the league's finest proponents of the strip sack. He has forced 39 career fumbles.

Generating more takeaways is a priority for the Redskins defense. Haslett's unit ranked 24th in this crucial category during 2011.

Big changes are in process in Indianapolis and the Colts could be looking to cut ties with more than one mainstay of their past success.

Mathis has been said to be unhappy with his current contract for some time, and there was even some suggestion during the season that the Colts could trade Dwight Freeney's partner in crime.

Adding a stellar veteran like Mathis, who is capable of producing big plays for the Redskins defense, could be the ideal spark to push the young unit toward elite status.