Washington Redskins: Buying or Selling Top-25 Potential Free Agents of 2012

The yesteryears of Redskins owner Dan Snyder opening his checkbook in the offseason and signing every washed-up veteran available is thankfully over. But that doesn't mean that the new regime running the team's front office won't take full advantage of more than $40 million in cap space this summer.

Fans are just hopeful that it's money well spent. 

Head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen are in their third year of a five-year plan to turn the Redskins from an overspending joke to a playoff-caliber franchise. Needless to say, this offseason is huge. 

Although the 2012 free agent market is flashy on paper and impressive in the box scores, there are numerous red flags in the shadows—proving that not every juicy name is worth the squeeze. 

Mario Williams

Sell. 

As nice as it would be to have a freakish athlete like Mario Williams coming off the edge, the Redskins are surprisingly well-stacked at the position. 

For a guy like Williams that has such a natural ability and versatile skill set, passing on his services is tough. But Williams will demand top-dollar, and there are plenty of other areas the Redskins could afford to spend it. 

Lean: Williams ends up in Florida—Tampa Bay, Jacksonville or Miami. 

Mike Wallace

Sell. 

It's tough to say "sell" here, but it's not based off talent or need. 

Without question, the Redskins would prosper with a guy like Mike Wallace. As arguably the best fly-route-runner in the NFL, Wallace is the exact style of playmaker the Redskins are looking for. 

Unfortunately, Wallace is a restricted free agent in Pittsburgh, and the Redskins would be required to trade their first-rounder in 2012 as part of the tender. 

Here's an idea: San Francisco or New England. The Niners are in need of a receiver and likely plan on using their late first-rounder to take one anyway, while the Patriots have two late first-rounders with a big need at the wideout position. 

Brandon Carr

Buy. 

There's no arguing the Redskins' need at the defensive back position, and Brandon Carr would fit the bill.

After four solid seasons in Kansas City, Carr has put his name atop the cornerback free-agent market. Set to turn 26 in May, Carr would fit the mold of Shanahan's youth movement in Washington, and defensive coordinator Jim Haslett would love Carr's ability in press-coverage. 

Lean: The Redskins will battle the Cowboys for Carr's services. 

Matt Flynn

Sell. 

The Redskins need a quarterback, but not in the form of Matt Flynn. 

Before he blew up this season, I supported the idea of nabbing Flynn in free agency. But now that his stock has skyrocketed and his price tag is so high, I'm completely turned off. 

There's no denying that Flynn has talent, but it's hard to justify. Flynn had a few starts in one of the highest-powered offenses in the league and was told to complete passes.

I'm not saying that I could do it, but I don't think it's mission impossible for an NFL signal-caller. And that's not taking anything away from Aaron Rodgers—he's the reason the offense is what it is to begin with.

Lean: Miami makes sense with Flynn's former coordinator at the helm, but my money is on the Browns. 

Marques Colston

Sell. 

Marques Colston's name floods the free agent market as a "top-tier" wide receiver, but I'm nowhere close to convinced. 

Colston is a 29-year-old former seventh-round pick with durability issues. After denying the team that gave him his shot a hometown discount, it's easy to see that Colston is shooting for the big payday before he hits 30. 

I can envision Colston signing elsewhere and everyone realizing that he was a product of the system. 

Lean: No idea. But I don't think the Saints are wasting their time begging. 

Carl Nicks

Buy. 

As one of the best guards in the league, Carl Nicks has to be on the Redskins' wish list. 

Not only do the Redskins have holes along their offensive trench, but Nicks is a near-perfect fit in terms of age and technical strengths. 

Nicks is probably better suited in an angle-blocking scheme, but he has the talent, athleticism and intelligence to kill it under Shanahan.

Now that the Saints were forced to use their franchise tag on Drew Brees, they could very well face the sad story of watching a 27-year-old stud walk away from New Orleans. 

Lean: Redskins are on the phone as soon as possible.

Reggie Wayne

Sell. 

In the unfortunate case that Peyton Manning ends up in Washington, then Reggie Wayne is doable. 

With the firm belief that Manning will end up elsewhere, there's no way Reggie Wayne winds up in DC.

I love Wayne as a pro—and the Redskins are certainly in need of a receiver—but the 33-year-old isn't quite what Shanahan is looking for. 

Lean: Why not follow Peyton back to Miami?

Cortland Finnegan

Buy. 

But only at the right price. 

At 28 years old, Finnegan is likely looking to cash in. And while his talents are worthy, his attitude is questionable. Some may like the attitude and over-physicality, but it comes with some risk. 

Could you imagine Finnegan and DeAngelo Hall as personalities in the same secondary? 

Lean: Dallas will make a strong run at Finnegan. 

Vincent Jackson

Sell. 

Other than the San Diego Chargers, I can't understand why any team in the slightest of rebuilding modes would waste their time. However, I seem to be the minority in that argument.

To make things simple, here's why I'm not interested in Jackson's services:

1. He's one more DUI away from a one-year suspension.

2. Bizarre and awkward relationships with the front office throughout his career. 

3. Offered the Chargers a hometown discount and publicly announced that he wanted to stay put.

4. He's 29 years old, and that's not that attractive.

Lean: If he walks, it will be because San Diego let him. Keep an eye on New England. 

Ben Grubbs

Buy. 

Arguably a better fit in the zone-blocking scheme than Carl Nicks, Ben Grubbs is about as solid a guard as you'll find in the NFL. 

Although the Ravens have used their franchise tag on running back Ray Rice, I still find it hard to believe that they let Grubbs get away. 

Other than Nicks, Ben Grubbs would be the Redskins' most valuable free agent signing this offseason.

Lean: Somehow, someway, Grubbs stays in Baltimore. 

Curtis Lofton

Buy. 

Eventually, London Fletcher's career will come to an end. It may not be for another decade, but the ageless wonder will someday hang up the pads. 

To account for the loss, the Redskins are interested in finding Fletcher's replacement. A tackling machine at inside linebacker like Curtis Lofton would be a superb acquisition. 

Lean: Falcons can't let Lofton get away. 

Peyton Hillis

Buy. 

With caution. 

As a former Shanahan draftee, Peyton Hillis would be an interesting addition to the Washington backfield. 

After picking up Tim Hightower via trade last offseason, the Redskins watched him blow out his knee and miss the entire rest of the season. Hightower is now a free agent, and the Redskins are probably pondering the decision on whether or not to re-sign him. 

If the front office can go out and acquire Peyton Hillis for a reasonable amount of money, he could be a great complement to Roy Helu and whoever else the Redskins decide to throw on the field. 

Lean: Unsure at this point, but he's a great "thunder" in a two-punch backfield. 

Scott Wells

Buy. 

Even at 31 years old, Scott Wells has a bright future ahead of him. 

The center position in Washington is up for grabs with the uncertainty of Kory Lichtensteiger and the search for Will Montgomery's best position, but Wells would settle that argument really quickly. 

Lean: I think the Redskins could be serious players depending on the confidence they invest in 'Steiger following his injury last season. 

Peyton Manning

Sell. 

I could go on for days about this, but I'll keep it simple. 

Peyton Manning is one of the best to ever play the quarterback position. I love Peyton Manning. But I don't love him for my beloved Washington Redskins. Not now, anyway.

If he weren't 36 years old, if he weren't a hit away from IR and if the Redskins weren't continuing their rebuild, then I'd be all about Peyton Manning in Washington. But that simply isn't the case.

Lean: Miami. 

LaRon Landry

Sell. 

I'm not necessarily selling based on what I'd want, but I think that's ultimately the road the Redskins take. 

Landry has the potential to be a regular Pro Bowler as one of the most enforcing safeties in the league. His nagging Achilles injury, however, refrains him from doing much at all. 

After going against the team's wishes and refusing surgery for a second time, the Redskins and LaRon Landry are likely on the outs—both equally fed up with each other. 

Lean: No one in particular as of yet, but Landry will end up with a legitimate contender. 

Jared Gaither

Buy. 

I was supportive of the Redskins' signing tackle Jared Gaither the last time he hit the free agent market, but Shanahan declined to discuss the move with me (rude).

Since then, Gaither has suffered some injuries—most notably his back—and teams will have to approach with caution. 

For a Redskins team with injury problems of their own at the right tackle spot, I wonder if they'd even be willing to take a chance on another guy that may not finish 16 games. 

Lean: Redskins will like his upside, but his injured back will scare them away. 

Chris Myers

Buy. 

The Redskins have a need at center, and Chris Myers is a former Shanahan draftee (2005) with valuable experience in the zone-blocking scheme. 

Myers may be 31, but he'd be an immediate starter in Washington, and he'd be a great security blanket for Robert Griffin. (See what I did there?)

Lean: Shanahan gives Mr. Myers a buzz. 

Dennis Dixon

Buy. 

With the anticipation of Robert Griffin III in Washington, Dennis Dixon is a rarity. But shouldn't this guy be given a fair competition in a camp somewhere?

Dixon offers a lot, and he has the potential to be something special. Although it may not be the Redskins (unless he's willing to backup a rookie), Dixon will hopefully find an opportunistic landing place. 

Lean: Denver, Cleveland, New York Jets and Arizona. And I'm completely spit-ballin' here. 

DeSean Jackson

Sell. 

Until DeSean Jackson recognizes football as a team game, I'm not interested. 

Lean: He seems like a fit with the Dallas Cowboys, but that's not happening. 

Kyle Orton

Buy. 

I'm not necessarily a fan of Kyle Orton, but he's better than Rex Grossman, and Robert Griffin could benefit from a veteran backup. 

Orton may demand better money and expect a starting job, but I think he should be thankful for a fair shot in training camp and gladly accept a second-string gig. 

Lean: Any team looking for a quarterback...of any kind. 

Tim Hightower

Buy. 

I'll play the role of Captain Obvious and say that this is only a buying situation if Hightower is completely recovered from an ACL tear that cut his season short last year. 

Hightower is a good complement in the Redskins' backfield alongside Roy Helu, but he's nothing without durability. 

Lean: Assuming he's healthy, Redskins re-sign him. 

Pierre Garcon

Buy. 

Although I don't necessarily believe Pierre Garcon to be the playmaker the Redskins are looking for, I do believe he's a solid receiver. 

Initially, I was sold on Garcon as a byproduct of Peyton Manning. However, after posting career-highs last season with Curtis Painter as his quarterback, perhaps Pierre is for real. 

Garcon needs to continue to develop his inconsistent hands, but he's a sizable target with valuable years (26 years old) ahead of him. 

Lean: After he declined a $35 million deal from the Colts, money talks for Garcon. 

Carlos Rogers

Sell. 

For comedy purposes only. 

If Carlos Rogers wants to remain relevant in the NFL, he won't return to Washington. Whether or not LASIK eye surgery saved his career or not, Rogers would most certainly revert back to hands-of-stone if he ever returned to the Redskins. 

Lean: I want to say he stays in San Fran. But at 31 years old, Rogers may be on the hunt for a new home. 

Mario Manningham

Buy. 

With caution. 

Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham could fill the Redskins' void at playmaker, but durability is a concern. 

Lean: If he's not chasing the cash, Manningham could wind up on another Super Bowl team next season.

Stephen Tulloch

Buy. 

Referring back to the eventual replacement for London Fletcher, Stephen Tulloch could take on that role and contribute immediately to the inside linebacking corps. 

Lean: Detroit wants him, but Philly won't go down without a fight.