Washington Redskins: Predicting Players Who May Not Be Back Next Season

Some are a topic of debate, while others appear to be more set in stone. But one thing that's certain when it comes to NFL rosters is that they're never the same the next season. 

Mock drafts are entertaining, free agency speculation is fun, but predicting cuts are tough. Not only does it hurt some feelings when your favorite player is somehow in the way of a red tag hanging in his locker, but it's also near impossible to predict. 

The following was made to generate discussion. The names that I list in the title of each slide do not necessarily indicate that I don't think that specific player will be back playing for the Redskins next season. However, it does indicate that there's at least a chance that he's playing elsewhere in 2012. 

Have at it. 

David Anderson

David Anderson was a decent pickup for the Redskins last season. He joined the team after spending his first five seasons in Houston, most of which came under the offensive direction of Kyle Shanahan.

Although Anderson came up with some big catches down the stretch for the Redskins, it doesn't appear that he'll be back next season. With the likelihood of upgrading the position via free agency and/or the draft, Anderson should find himself in a new uniform in 2012. 

John Beck

The Almighty John Beck—the greatest quarterback that never was—probably won't be back next season. 

One has to respect Beck's confidence after he came out last week and stated that he was excited to compete for the Redskins' starting job, but I'd refer to that as more of dementia. 

In an ideal situation, the Redskins would acquire two quarterbacks this offseason. Whether it be two rookies or a top-draft pick with a decent veteran backup, the Redskins could look to fill out the whole position after the nix of their complete rotation from 2011. 

As a former supporter of John Beck and his chance to start last season (I don't regret it, either), I can admit that it didn't exactly go as planned. In fact, had Beck never started a game, he could have very well remained the best Redskins quarterback that no one ever knew. 

Phillip Buchanon

After missing the first handful of games in 2011 following a league suspension, Buchanon would end up finishing the season on IR. Needless to say, things didn't go well for Phillip Buchanon last season. 

He's an aging cornerback that's a free agent in 2012. I don't think there will be too many arguments for Buchanon sticking with the club. 

Rocky McIntosh

McIntosh was signed prior to last season to a one-year deal. At first, some were skeptical of how Rocky would fit in with the 3-4 scheme. 

McIntosh played well for the first eight weeks of the season—starting every game and racking up almost 60 tackles. But it wasn't long before Rocky was an afterthought in the Redskins defense. 

With the way things ended last year and the fact that he's a free agent this season, Redskins fans shouldn't expect to see Rocky McIntosh in burgundy and gold next season. 

Mike Sellers

A fan favorite for more than a decade, fullback Mike Sellers has been a sort of Mr. Everything for the Redskins. And until last season, Sellers was a regularly used fullback in Washington's offense. 

Sellers will turn 37 this season and his lack of play in 2011 (one touch for 15 yards) doesn't bode well for his future in 2012. Although he's signed through the 2014 season, Sellers could very well see an early exit in Washington. 

It'll be tough to see the Redskins release Sellers as a player, but he's the kind of guy that would likely stay on the sidelines in one form or another. He's a team guy, he's passionate about the game and he could be a post-playing-career asset to the franchise. 

Rex Grossman

No. 

Even if he wasn't a free agent this year—just, no. 

Brandon Banks

This argument should cause some stir, and rightfully so. Brandon Banks has been one of the few playmakers we've seen on the Redskins roster during the Shanahan regime. But with that, we've also seen the injuries and his limited role other than a return specialist. 

A roster move that would end Banks' tenure in Washington would have nothing to do with money, as the third-year speedster is set to make less than $500K in 2012. However, we all know how the roster can get crowded near the end of preseason and sometimes hard decisions have to be made. The moves for more room are necessary to address depth issues—issues that the Redskins happen to have. 

At this point, I'd like to see Banks return in 2012, but opinions can change when you see another player with returning abilities and the chance to see the field during regular offensive or defensive play. 

LaRon Landry

With the most recent reports stating that the Redskins are prepared to use the franchise tag on tight end Fred Davis, the future of safety LaRon Landry in Washington appears to be fading more and more. 

Despite Landry being a free agent this year, I would also guess that the Redskins aren't too happy with the fact that Dirty 30 declined to have surgery performed on his constantly hampering Achilles injury.

Although tough to face, the truth seems to be that Landry will never be the same without the proper healing (i.e. surgery). Landry played well last season before he was lost due to injury and it was a contract year that didn't prove much to the Redskins front office.

As much as I love Landry's play when he's healthy and on the field, his eventual release is becoming more of a reality.  

That being said, if Landry and the front office can agree on an incentive-laden contract, then I believe both players and the fans would welcome LaRon back with open arms. 

Terrence Austin

I'm a regular supporter of wide receiver Terrence Austin and I have been since he was drafted in the seventh round two years ago. Out of all the receivers the Redskins have, I felt strongly that Austin was the only one that showed fight after catching the ball, actively pursuing the beloved YAC. 

But once again, with the anticipation of the team addressing the wide receiver position this offseason and not entirely sure of how they'll go about it, Austin could be on the wrong end of a roster move to clear space. 

If it were up to me, Austin stays. Sure, he may be a bit undersized, but the young man has shown his fight and he clearly wants to get better. It would take someone that is undoubtedly better than Austin in order for me to come to grips with his potential release. And even if that player is better than him, I'd still take Austin over half the receivers we saw line up for the Redskins in 2011. 

Anthony Armstrong

Without a doubt, Anthony Armstrong was one helluva find. In Armstrong's 2010 rookie season, he played in 15 games, racked up 871 yards and posted an average of almost 20 yards per catch. 

Last season, however, Armstrong had just seven receptions in 14 games for just over 100 yards. 

I hate to harp on the wide receiver position, but I honestly believe that it could one of the newest looking positions when the Redskins take the field in 2012. When you're dealing with scenarios like that, the game tape for receivers in 2011 could go along way. For Armstrong, there isn't much tape. 

Jammal Brown

Jammal Brown's nagging hip injury continues to cause him trouble and it could very well cost him his job as a right tackle in Washington. 

Although the Redskins signed Brown to an extension before last season, I don't think Shanahan anticipated the injury to flare the way it did. 

Brown is signed through 2015 and is set to make $3.25 million this season, but don't expect Shanahan to keep Brown around if he doesn't feel that his right tackle is 100 percent. 

Santana Moss

At this point, with so many receivers on this list, perhaps I should have just put them all on one slide. But any way you look at it, Santana Moss' name has to be included. 

Moss will be 33 this season and Kyle Shanahan made it perfectly clear in a radio interview that the front office would be in search of playmakers—hinting subtly at the receiver position.

It's a broken record at this point, but crowded positions will see changes. Moss is an aging player that most believe has lost a step since last season. Even with his extension last season through 2013, Moss isn't guaranteed a roster spot in 2012.  

Donte Stallworth

Donte Stallworth really made the most of his one-year deal last season, showing up down the stretch and coming through during crucial times. 

But a combination of both age and free agency status this year mean that Stallworth is likely a one-and-done in Washington. 

Adam Carriker

Pay the man!

I've enjoyed Carriker's stay in Washington as a starting defensive end in the 3-4 scheme. He's strong and consistent and I think his return could work very well with a healthy recovery of second-year lineman Jarvis Jenkins. 

I feel like there may be some people that are on the fence about re-signing Carriker as a starter, but I am all for it. I think he's an effective end and he's a positive force in the locker room. 

London Fletcher

Pay the man!

All indicators point to London Fletcher returning to the Redskins next season, but nothing is guaranteed as a free agent. 

Fletcher may receive some offers from legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but his expressed approval of the changes being made by Mike Shanahan in Washington is a positive sign for fans.