2012 NFL Free Agents: Buy or Sell the Washington Redskins Top 10 Free Agents

The Washington Redskins have some retooling to do on both sides of the ball as they look to rebound from a 5-11 campaign. Whether that retooling takes the form of a complete makeover or simply fine tuning will depend largely on the decisions the Redskins make concerning their own top free agents.

Mike Shanahan and the front office have to decide on the futures of several high profile veterans. Some of these players are certainly worth a lucrative investment to keep their services in D.C.

Others, however, may be deemed to have come to the end of their Redskins career, as injuries and inconsistency have begun to take over. These issues make offering an extension risky for the Redskins, regardless of the pedigree and history of these players.

With these considerations in mind, here is a buy or sell list examining the potential futures of the Redskins top 10 free agents.

10. Kory Lichtensteiger, LG: SELL

Kory Lichtensteiger was one of Mike Shanahan's first signings when he assumed control of the Redskins. Lichtensteiger was brought in thanks to his experience and proficiency in Shanahan's zone blocking schemes.

His expertise in this area soon earned Lichtensteiger the starting left guard job. But the four year pro has had his brief career interrupted by a series of injuries. Despite the 26-year-old's scheme familiarity, the Redskins should part ways with Lichtensteiger.

The 6'2" 292-pounder never looked like a capable starter for the Washington front five. He offers some versatility thanks to his ability to play center, but the Redskins could use an upgrade at both positions.

They have youngster Maurice Hurt and if they trust him to develop, they can afford to let Lichtensteiger walk and target more marquee reinforcements for the interior of the line.

9. Will Montgomery, C: BUY

Although the Redskins should look at center as an area in need of a boost this offseason, they might be well served to keep incumbent Will Montgomery around in a backup role.

The 6'3" 310-pound anchor man has good athleticism and decent technique, allowing him to be quite effective in space. Like Lichtensteiger, he can also play at the guard positions, but is far more durable and would provide valuable depth.

If the Redskins were to target a center in either free agency or the draft, they could do worse than slide Montgomery over to left guard. At the very least, the team should consider bringing the 28-year-old back as a key reserve for 2012.

8. Kedric Golston, DL: SELL

Hard working defensive lineman Kedric Golston seems to be the odd man out in the Redskins three man front. It's time for the team to part ways with the six-year veteran

Golston faces an uphill struggle to make himself a significant factor in Washington's defensive line rotation. In terms of depth, the Redskins already appear to be able to count on youngster Chris Neild and can look forward to welcoming back potential filled youth Jarvis Jenkins for next season.

Golston's hustling style has always made him an easy player to like. But he seems better suited to an active role in a 4-3, rather than the space eating responsibilities of the Redskins current 2-gap 3-4 system.

7. Tim Hightower, RB: BUY

If possible, the Redskins should try and work out an agreeable short-term deal to keep Tim Hightower around. The former Arizona Cardinal is a bit hit and miss as an every down runner, but his pass catching and blocking skills could make him very useful as a third down outlet.

The Redskins offense lacks a multi-purpose back and Hightower has the skill set to fill that void. Youngsters Roy Helu and Evan Royster will rightfully be the primary runners next season.

Keeping Hightower around would give the backfield an experienced and suitable system fit. Hightower's injury means he is unlikely to receive starter's money elsewhere and that could convince him to try and work his way back via a reduced role.

6. Rocky McIntosh, LB: SELL

It is a shame that a player as talented and athletic as Rocky McIntosh hasn't been able to adjust to the Redskins 3-4 scheme. But given how committed the team is to making the 3-4 work, they have no room for poor system fits.

McIntosh was supplanted by Perry Riley in 2011 and he lacks the size to function as an inside 3-4 'backer or the explosive quickness to work as an edge rusher. The six-year pro is unlikely to want to stick around as a backup and should be given the opportunity to pursue a spot on a 4-3 team.

The Redskins need to concentrate on stocking their linebacker rotation with players suited to the specific requirements of the 3-4 and that means moving on from McIntosh.

5. Adam Carriker, DE: BUY

Adam Carriker has worked hard to adjust to the 3-4 and has made himself a valuable member of the Redskins front three rotation. The 27-year-old is coming off his best pro season, having registered 5.5 sacks in 2011.

He is one of the few success stories of the Redskins transition to 3-4. At 6'6" and 315 pounds, Carriker has the ideal size for the 5-technique defensive end position, crucial to making the Redskins defense work. 

Carriker's familiarity with coordinator Jim Haslett and the improvement he has made in the last two seasons warrant a new deal for the former 2007 first round pick.

4. Rex Grossman, QB: BUY

As much as he contributed to the disaster that was the Redskins 2011 campaign, Rex Grossman could still have some use in 2012. His future in D.C. will largely depend on how the team chooses to recruit a new quarterback.

If Mike Shanahan goes the draft route and tabs his new signal caller with the Redskins first overall pick, it would be prudent to keep around a veteran with knowledge of the playbook as insurance. Even if the Redskins opt for an established pro, getting rid of Grossman would open up another roster spot that needs to be filled.

Grossman was brought in as a backup and if he is willing to return that kind of role, Washington should keep him around. Of course, not many fans may be comfortable with the idea of Grossman being only an injury away from being back under center.

3. LaRon Landry, S: BUY

The decision concerning LaRon Landry's future presents a very tricky dilemma for the Redskins. Landry has always been too much of a flash player, able to gloss over some indifferent performances with a few highlight reel plays a season.

But it is hard to deny that the 27-year-old does possess some playmaking skills, making him one of the few true impact players in the Redskins defensive backfield. Given what Jim Haslett is trying to do with the defensive scheme, the strong safety is an important weapon at the line of scrimmage.

The heart of the issue is Landry's health. His persistent Achilles injury and baffling decision to delay surgery make offering Landry a bumper new deal a major gamble.

The Redskins have the option of offering a one-year deal but that makes Landry nothing more than a stop gap. If he returns to form next season, he could command serious money in the subsequent free agent market.

But if his injury has robbed him of his athleticism and still hinders his performances, Landry is just a passenger on the roster and the team will once again have to adapt to missing a key starter. Fifth round rookie DeJon Gomes did a respectable job in relief this season and has some potential.

But this Redskins defense lacks big play capability and Landry's ability and versatility as a box player probably make a minimum length deal worth the risk.

2. Fred Davis, TE: BUY

A four-game suspension prematurely ended what was shaping up to be a banner year for talented tight end Fred Davis. The surprisingly fleet footed 6'4" 258-pounder finished four yards shy of 800 receiving yards in only 12 games.

His excellent hands and ability to stretch the field make Davis a potent downfield threat and one of the most dynamic players in the league at his position. But character concerns continue to blight the promising career of the 26-year-old.

The Redskins pass offense would struggle to replace the playmaking skills and big play potential offered by Davis. If Shanahan is convinced that Davis can remain professional on a more consistent basis, then the Redskins should take the chance and offer him a new deal.

1. London Fletcher, LB: BUY

Retaining London Fletcher should be the easiest decision that Mike Shanahan ever makes as Redskins head coach. The diminutive tackling machine remains one of the finest linebackers in the game and is the fulcrum of Washington's defense.

Fletcher may be 36, but the Redskins would be wise to pepper their move towards a younger team with some experienced leaders. These veterans can set an excellent example and lead a young squad in tough moments.

Fletcher is the perfect player for such an important role. The 5'10" 245-pounder has the intelligence and instincts to call the defense and still possesses the physical skills to be an active playmaker.

With Fletcher in the lineup, the Redskins defense is guaranteed to always remain aggressive and competitive.

If This Team Is Headed in the Right Direction, Retaining a Strong Core Is Vital

A common argument made in defense of Mike Shanahan's tenure in D.C. is that despite the losing records, the team is on the verge of being competitive. If the coaches believe this Redskins group is headed and truly primed for contention, then retaining a strong nucleus is essential for 2012.

Improving general squad depth has to be a priority heading into next season. Keeping established veterans like Hightower and Grossman in place can help to do that.

Allowing key starters to walk would set the team back and extend what has already become a longer transition period than initially anticipated.