Why Do Redskins Defensive Free Agents Never Work Out?

By the time your daily afternoon ritual of asking yourself “How are the Washington Redskins going to screw up the draft this year?” rolls around, Marcus Washington will be known to you as a former Washington Redskin. He also could be among the first of several high profile Skins defenders to hit the road to free agency this spring.

Washington has been injured much of the past four years, but when healthy performed well. He was signed as a free agent in 2004, and was one of the emotional leaders of the defense. But, as I reported a month ago, several sources taking part in the Redskins’ offseason personnel meetings indictated Washington would not be back with the team.

Here’s the question that immediately comes to my mind. Are there any defensive free agent signings that don’t result in injury-assisted tragedy or an unceremonious release from underperformance?

Marcus Washington, who was among the best LBs in the NFC and had a wicked tackle dance when he wasn’t injured, will likely leave with Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs this offseason, joining an extensive list of former free agent standouts who didn’t pan out with the Redskins.

Bruce Smith? Deion Sanders? Too old. Although Deion did have a decent cameo in Baltimore as a nickel corner. Cornelius Griffin? Andre Carter? I guess they are okay, but you’ll likely get more push from Senate republicans than from the Skins defensive line on any given Sunday. Adam Archuleta? Jeremiah Trotter? Jesse Armstead? Dana Stubblefield?

The list goes on. Far too long to evoke such painful memories of horrible signings.

It seems like the team doesn’t believe in youth and building with consistency and development.

It’s as if the Redskins were the New England Patriots before their time with rampant free agency exercises. Just without the decent owner, knowledgeable general manager, and consistent coaching staff.

So, back to wondering how the Redskins are going to blow up their draft.

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