Gauging the Flight Risk for Washington Redskins' 2012 Free Agents

A couple weeks ago I predicted who I thought would return to the Redskins next season and who would be donning new colors.

For this slideshow, I've focused only the free agents that the Washington Redskins must face this offseason. Rather than taking guesses on guys that aren't even at the ends of their deals, this list includes only players that face their future in Washington whether they want to or not.  

With more than $40 million to spend this offseason and numerous holes throughout the roster, no one Redskins free agent is guaranteed to be back in 2012. 

Phillip Buchanon

It's hard to call Phillip Buchanon a flight risk because it's hard to believe that he'll even find another gig, but he makes this list nonetheless. 

After coming off of his suspension last season, Buchanon struggled. And for a team with as many holes as the Redskins, the team can't afford to employ place-holders. 

Adam Carriker

As I've said before in my 2012 Redskins' Free Agent Wish List, I believe defensive end Adam Carriker is a guy that the Redskins need for next season. 

Carriker was on his way to earning the label of "draft bust" before landing in Washington as part of a 3-4 scheme and becoming very productive as a containing defensive bookend. 

The return of rookie Jarvis Jenkins next season could create the misconception that Carriker is expendable. As a result, the Redskins have to be very careful of other pursuing teams that would love to land an experienced defensive end under the age of 30. 

Fred Davis

After hearing that safety LaRon Landry once again declined surgery on his often-injured Achilles—and the fact that he's looking more like a beast than a player—the Redskins have the no-brainer decision of hitting tight end Fred Davis with the franchise tag. 

It's not that I was more in favor of Landry receiving the tag than Davis, or that I don't think Davis is deserving, but the question certainly lingered on what star the tag would be used on. 

Over the past few seasons, the tight end position has been revolutionized. No longer is the tight end actually a "tight" position. Nowadays, tight ends are more like split ends. They're bulky athletes with skills more closely related to a receiver than a blocker. And although the new tight end position appears easily attainable, the market in 2012 serves as the outlier.  

Fred Davis was by far the Redskins' best playmaker last season. And while I do believe the team will address the lack of gamebreakers this offseason, allowing a player like Davis to walk isn't wise. 

That said, giving Davis the one-year franchise tag is the best move. Davis is one joint away from being suspended for an entire season. Albeit while earning top-dollar, this season will serve as a behavioral audition for Fred "Doobie" Davis.  

London Fletcher

Redskins fans don't like the idea of seeing London Fletcher playing elsewhere next season, but it's very possible. 

It's great to hear that Fletcher believes in the coaching staff and the direction of the franchise, but that doesn't indicate Fletcher getting any younger. 

Realistically, the Redskins aren't favorites to win the Super Bowl next season. With Fletcher's career coming to an end, perhaps he looks to join a contender in order to earn his ring.

Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen should make it a priority to re-sign their leader on the field and their leader in the locker room. Whether we're talking about a three- or four-year deal, the front office needs to make it happen. 

Kedric Golston

After an abrupt end to his 2011 campaign by way of a torn MCL and partially torn ACL, Kedric Golston has likely played his last days in Washington. 

Although good when called upon, Golston can find work elsewhere as a better fit in a 4-3 scheme. 

Rex Grossman

There are some that believe retaining Rex Grossman in a backup role is a good idea. And while I partially understand your reasoning, there's no chance I agree with it. 

Assuming that the Redskins draft a quarterback in April's draft, he'll either be holding the clipboard behind a serviceable veteran or starting on Sundays and listening to tips from a backup veteran. In what way is Grossman good for either role?

Familiarity with Kyle Shanahan's system has now become a weak argument, as John Beck even has a decent grasp of it by this time. 

Grossman is a turnover machine, whether it be actual or in form of mentoring. There's no room for him in Washington anymore and he and Kyle will need to end their bro-mance. 

Tim Hightower

With the emergence of rookie Roy Helu last season, some have forgotten about last offseason acquisition Tim Hightower. 

Before going down with a mutilated knee, Hightower was off to a decent start. Now, after observing Helu's style and ability, the Redskins should look to retain the style of Hightower. 

Hightower is a hard runner—down-hill and strong. He's also the best pass-protecting running back on the roster. If the Redskins are confident in his recovery and rehabilitation, then the 25-year-old Hightower should be retained. If not, there will certainly be some other teams giving him a call. 

LaRon Landry

Even beyond LaRon Landry declining surgery on his seemingly forever-aggravated Achilles, he was also a player that appears to have had enough of the Washington Redskins. 

It's hard to say where the relationship broke down—although I'd side with the team—and Landry's future in Washington is very dim.

Unless Landry is willing to accept an incentive-laden contract with the Redskins, I could see another team taking a chance on an intimidating safety that is an asset in run-support.

And—knowing the Redskins and their track record of free agents that leave Washington—Landry will probably go to another team and completely redefine himself.  

Sean Locklear

Because I feel that the team will look to deepen the offensive line this offseason, I don't think Sean Locklear is retained. 

Not only did Locklear not impress when called upon last season, but he's also 30 years old. Shanahan appears to be getting young along the offensive trench and Locklear would be a step in the wrong direction. 

Kory Lichtensteiger

Given that he's a restricted free agent, I don't think the Redskins are concerned about losing guard Kory Lichtensteiger. 

Lichtensteiger deserves a new deal with the assumption that his knee is fully healed and he has the ability to come back and start for the entire season. 

Once the Redskins lost him last season, the team went to crap. For all fans know, 'Steiger is the team's best offensive lineman. 

Rocky McIntosh

Even as a fan of Rocky McIntosh, I don't think he's back in the burgundy and gold next season. 

McIntosh was only on the team as part of a one-year deal and he found himself in Shanahan's dog house towards the end of the season. 

McIntosh is better fitted in the 4-3 and a team will pay him a fair deal for his athleticism. Happy trails and best wishes, Rocky. 

Donte' Stallworth

Donte' Stallworth's career in Washington was likely a short-lived one, as I don't see the Redskins finding the space on the roster to retain the 31-year-old receiver. 

Stallworth played well last season in tough situations, but Shanahan is a believer in the youth movement and the position is an already crowded one with plans of undergoing a major face lift. 

If I were Stallworth, I would think about calling the New England Patriots for one last hoorah. 

Graham Gano

You either like him or you don't. Personally, I like him. But I'm very much in favor of some competition. 

Gano is a restricted free agent, so he's likely on his way to nowhere, but his leg strength is an asset. If Gano can get his accuracy taken care of and become more of a consistent kicker--he's the future of the position for the Redskins. 

Byron Westbrook

Local product Byron Westbrook is another guy that could find himself in competition amongst a crowded position, but coaches seem to like his dedication and effort. 

Westbrook is a restricted free agent and he's a nickelback in the NFL. That said, I can't see him finding his way out of Washington. At least not quickly.