Keep or Cut Decisions for Washington Redskins 2015 Free Agents
The Washington Redskins have to overhaul their roster after winning just seven games in two seasons. The natural place to start is with the team's free agents, where at least 11 pending players can be shown the exit door.
The biggest decision undoubtedly rests with the future of the player who wore the franchise tag from the treatment room for over half the 2014 NFL season. With younger players on the roster, as well as a draft loaded with talent at this position, Brian Orakpo's days in D.C. could well be numbered.
His departure can form part of a front seven shakeup that will also include a pair of burly but unproductive linemen. The hulking pair can have company for the trip out of Redskins Park, in the form of three ageing and ineffective defensive backs.
Offensively, the main decision regards the futures of tight end Niles Paul and running back Roy Helu Jr. Both are very useful pass-catchers, particularly from sub packages.
However, neither is used as much as they ought to be. They could each decide to turn solid numbers in 2014 into improved contracts and expanded roles elsewhere.
Here is a full breakdown of the keep or cut decisions for each of Washington's free agents.
Santana Moss, WR: Cut
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It would be a shame to dump Santana Moss unceremoniously onto the NFL scrapheap. But the truth is there is very little room for the tenacious and capable veteran.
Wide receiver is one of the few truly strong positions on the roster. DeSean Jackson is a big-play dispenser, while Pierre Garcon is a terror over the middle and after the catch. Andre Roberts has good skills working both inside and outside routes.
The only reasonable fit for Moss would be as a possession-style slot receiver, one who's especially relevant in the red zone. Yet the 5'10", 193-pounder was barely used in that role during head coach Jay Gruden's first season calling the offense.
Moss tallied just 10 receptions in 2014, totalling 116 yards but yielding no scores. He essentially became a forgotten figure, a real shame for a receiver with his savvy.
Part of the problem is that Moss doesn't fit Gruden's mold of a taller, beefier pass-catcher. Neither does Jackson, but his deep speed guarantees his value. Sadly, Moss lost his ability to stretch a defense long ago.
It's a safe bet 2014 fifth-round pick Ryan Grant will eventually take the possession role, if Gruden allows one, in this passing game. That's going to make Moss surplus to requirements.
But the soon-to-be 36-year-old doesn't sound as though he's ready to be put out to pasture just yet, per Liz Clarke of The Washington Post:
"I know I can still play, physically, therefore, I’m still going to try to play. When it comes down to it, what player wants to go out the way I went out this year, you know what I mean, as far as the season ended this year?
"
Moss won't find either redemption or playing time in Washington. Instead, he should be given the chance to find a new home for his winter years.
Leonard Hankerson, WR: Cut
2 of 13
On the surface, the decision to cut Leonard Hankerson would seem like one of the easiest the Redskins will have to make this offseason. However, the issue isn't totally clear cut.
Yes, Hankerson has been blighted by a catalog of injuries and inconsistency since Mike Shanahan drafted him in the third round in 2011. Questionable effort, dubious concentration and even more suspect hands have doomed Hankerson's chances most of the time he's been on the field.
But purely from a physical standpoint, Hankerson is a Gruden-style receiver. At 6'2" and 211 pounds, he has the frame to win inside as well as the speed to get vertical on the outside.
However, like Moss, the quality and depth of the group in front of him all but ends Hankerson's hopes for sticking around. There's little value giving a receiver with this many question marks a new contract when the position is far from short of playmakers.
Chris Neild, NT: Cut
3 of 13
Chris Neild has been practically snake-bitten when it comes to injuries. He lost both the 2012 and 2014 campaigns to various issues.
That's a shame because the 2011 seventh-rounder has always been surprisingly effective whenever he's seen the field. He could be the closest thing this team has to a natural 3-4 nose tackle, in terms of having the right style and temperament for this vital position.
However, Neild's durability, or lack of it, cannot be ignored. His absence was particularly costly this season when now ex-defensive coordinator Jim Haslett tried a host of players over center with little success.
It's very easy to feel sympathy for Neild, but it would be difficult to justify keeping him around.
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Jarvis Jenkins, DE: Cut
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The perfect nose tackle for this team is already on the roster. He's just rarely given a chance there.
Jarvis Jenkins has the thick, wide frame and two-gap strength to effectively anchor a 3-4. Playing him on the nose would make more use of what he does well and serve to mask what he doesn't.
What the former Clemson standout doesn't do well is rush the passer. That's something the coaches want to see more of, according to ESPN Redskins reporter John Keim:
"He wants to return but must work on his pass rush. Coach Jay Gruden told Jenkins he’s too athletic to not record a sack. That will, once more, be his offseason focus.
"
Gruden should stop asking. Jenkins is never going to be a player who regularly sends quarterbacks fleeing from the pocket. Two sacks in the last three seasons should be ample proof of that.
If the Redskins want an interior pass rush, they should instead focus on coaxing more from Jason Hatcher, Chris Baker and Barry Cofield Jr. The team also knows it can count on unheralded but surprisingly effective Frank Kearse to generate some pass rush.
But Jenkins is purely a bulky road grader. He was born to occupy double teams and stuff the run.
Yet if this team won't stick him over center full-time, then there's no sense in keeping him around.
Tyler Polumbus, OT: Cut
5 of 13
This really is the easiest decision the Redskins will make during the offseason. Polumbus' fate was sealed when Gruden benched him in favor of Tom Compton, a natural left tackle drafted in the sixth round in 2012.
Not only did Compton replace him, he kept Polumbus on the lumber even though his own form was far from great. It wasn't even good.
That became the nadir moment of Polumbus' career in Washington. It's a career that's been defined by total ineptitude in pass protection.
While the one-time Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks rotational player has been effective blocking for the run, he's been every quality pass-rusher's dream opponent.
Polumbus has been toyed with, outrun and overpowered by nearly every opponent he's faced. In the process, he's probably featured in the nightmares of every quarterback who's taken a snap for Washington since midway through the 2011 season.
Count on Washington giving 2014 third-rounder Morgan Moses a longer look at right tackle next season. Or perhaps, or rather hopefully, significantly upgrading the position via free agency or the draft.
Roy Helu Jr., RB: Keep
6 of 13
Roy Helu Jr. is definitely a player this offense needs. He's not only the best pass-catching back on the roster, but a very effective backfield receiver by any standard.
Helu proved that this season by hauling in a solid 42 catches for 477 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He's an invaluable outlet with excellent hands and good moves and speed after the catch.
Speaking of speed, the 2011 fourth-round pick also offers that priceless quality to the running game. Helu is shifty and possesses credible acceleration.
In this sense, he offers the perfect complement to Alfred Morris' sharp cuts and straight-ahead power. Now if only coaches used his skills more often.
That's going to be the big problem when it comes to keeping Helu in D.C. He needs a bigger role in the offense, both as a receiver and a runner.
But Helu was given just 40 carries during Gruden's first year patrolling the sideline. That's nowhere near enough.
Yes, Morris is a workhorse who thrives on the rhythm of repetition. But an already prolific running game would be even more effective if a few more carries were shared between Morris and Helu.
That's how any new contract should be sold to Helu. Fresh terms should be offered with the promise of more pages in the playbook being dedicated to his name.
Not using Helu more just wastes one of this team's best and most versatile offensive weapons. That should change next season.
Niles Paul, TE: Keep
7 of 13
Niles Paul should stick around after a very surprising and useful season. The converted wide receiver who'd been toiling in special teams anonymity for his first three seasons in the league enjoyed a career year in 2014.
Paul posted personal-best marks for both receptions (39) and yards (507). In the process, he established a niche as a productive "move" tight end.
In fact, Paul spent most of the 2014 season doing the things this team expects from Jordan Reed, but the latter's injury woes and growing inconsistency make Paul too valuable to ditch.
Reed is a much better natural athlete. Toward the end of the season, however, he wasn't displaying the sudden shiftiness, quick cuts and leaping ability that usually make him a mismatch against any coverage. His erratic form was a far cry from Paul's consistency.
It certainly won't hurt this offense to have two roving weapons at the tight end position. If Reed continues to falter, at least Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay know they can turn to Paul.
Ryan Clark, S: Cut
8 of 13
For all his experience and noted leadership qualities, Ryan Clark's physical skills just aren't up to scratch anymore. There's no shame in that for the former Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After all, Clark is now 35 and being asked to play a particularly demanding position without much talent around him. In many ways, it was inevitable that he struggled as much as he did during the 2014 season.
Clark can still lay the wood with the best of them, that is if he gets to his target in time. But with his closing speed and range deteriorated to distant memory status, Clark will soon become a passenger if he's again asked to lead this secondary.
Washington needs greater agility and quickness along the last line of its defense. That means there can be no room for this solid vet in 2015.
Brandon Meriweather, S: Cut
9 of 13
If Clark's exit needs to be handled with respect and understanding, Brandon Meriweather just needs to be booted through the back door. He's had a trio of seasons in Washington and those three years have been defined by ill-discipline, suspensions and poor coverage.
Meriweather has become the symbol of this team's long-standing woes in the secondary. They are woes stemming from a bizarre willingness to persist with mediocrity and hope that longevity means the same as smarts.
Well, it doesn't, and Meriweather is the living proof of that. It's beyond time his position was upgraded and he was sent packing.
E.J. Biggers, CB: Cut
10 of 13
Like Meriweather, E.J. Biggers is a symbol of the damage a flawed recruitment process has done to this pass defense. Biggers has done absolutely nothing to make the key slot cornerback role his own.
In fact, the best illustration of Biggers' career with the Redskins would be the sight of him helplessly trailing a receiver into the end zone. There are plenty of examples, just pick one.
Biggers hasn't been effective on the blitz, in run support, or in underneath coverage. You know, all the things a competent nickel corner is supposed to be able to do.
The more troubling aspect of his struggles is that he can't even be trusted to line up outside in sub-package defenses. If he could, Washington could move one of starters Bashaud Breeland or David Amerson inside.
Biggers has undermined this defense long enough. He was just one of many short-term, cost-effective stop-gap signings that were never going to solve deep problems at a vital position.
Colt McCoy, QB: Keep
11 of 13
Any decision involving Washington's rather convoluted quarterback situation is likely to be contentious. Certainly, keeping the man Robert Griffin III was benched for late in the season is going to court controversy.
However, there's just more to recommend retaining Colt McCoy than cutting him. It starts with his knowledge of and comfort with Gruden and McVay's schemes.
That's something ESPN's John Keim has highlighted as a major factor in determining McCoy's future status:
"He started four games and the coaches felt he was in sync with what they wanted from the offense. A big help in the meeting room, too. But best used in a backup role.
"
Don't underestimate the value of McCoy's ability to execute the type of offense Gruden wants. That was the main sticking point between the coach and Griffin in 2014. Even if he is just Griffin's deputy in 2015, Gruden will no doubt welcome having McCoy's scheme knowledge readily available.
There's also the 28-year-old's natural mobility to consider. Let's say Gruden does craft a more Griffin-friendly offense next season, what he should've been doing in 2014.
That's likely to be a system featuring read-option looks and concepts, as well as moving pockets and rollout passing. McCoy can also be effective in this kind of scheme.
He proved that during the early stages of Week 15's road game against the New York Giants, where McCoy ultimately succumbed to the neck injury that gave Griffin his job back.
Of course, there's also the possible presence of Kirk Cousins to consider in this particular version of quarterback dominoes. Cousins may not demand to start, but he's unlikely to want to stay as a third-stringer.
Cousins is the best pocket-based passer on the roster. That could impact McCoy's eventual status.
However, Gruden has already indicated there'll be a quarterback competition ahead of next season, according to another article from Keim:
"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL. But all three have shown they need some work. That’s the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We’re going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there.
"
That means you can count on McCoy sticking around, at least during the offseason.
Brian Orakpo, OLB: Cut
12 of 13
At his best, Brian Orakpo is a very effective pass-rusher and a disruptive edge defender in a 3-4. The trouble is, Orakpo's best is a rare and elusive thing.
This offseason represents the best opportunity for the Redskins to say they are tired of waiting. They've run out of patience for Orakpo to get and stay healthy and be fully focused on living up to his talent.
That unquestionable talent earned him the franchise tag after a 10-sack season in 2013. But through seven games in 2014, Orakpo managed half a sack. Yes, that's right, half a sack.
That's practically beneath contempt for a player supposed to be one of the signature pass-rush threats in this 3-4 defense. It doesn't help that Orakpo has trouble staying off the treatment table.
He missed nine games in 2014, after missing 14 in 2012. Orakpo also failed to complete a full season in 2010.
Ultimately, it's this brittle streak that should bring Orakpo's stay in Washington to an end. He can't be counted on to stay on the field and fulfil his role as a natural playmaker on defense.
That's going to be a major problem even if the team ditches the 3-4 it's run for five seasons and moves back to a 4-3 in the wake of Haslett's long overdue departure.
There are players on the roster who should be given the chance to try and make Orakpo's key position their own. Young pair Trent Murphy and Jackson Jeffcoat have that potential in either a three- or a four-man line scheme.
Washington also has the comfort of knowing there are ample options to replace a quality pass-rusher like Orakpo, available in both free agency and the draft.
Veterans such as Jerry Hughes, Pernell McPhee and Brandon Graham should all appeal to the Redskins. Or the team could use the draft's fifth overall pick on a player like Nebraska rush end Randy Gregory.
That's something endorsed by CBS Sports analyst Dane Brugler:
"The Redskins are a mess right now and could go in several directions with this pick, but with Brian Orakpo set to hit free agency, a pass-rusher could be high on the wish list. Gregory's functional strength is a question mark, but his hand use, burst and easy change of direction skills are enticing.
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What's clear is that Washington has choices when it comes to pass-rusher, both in-house, on the veteran market and from within the college ranks. Any of those choices make more sense than giving the brittle and inconsistent Orakpo a new long-term deal.
Kai Forbath, K : Keep; Trenton Robinson, S, Justin Rogers, CB: Cut
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Lumping Washington's trio of restricted free agents together, let's start with kicker Kai Forbath. He's worth keeping for a couple of reasons.
After beating out rookie Zach Hocker, Forbath recorded yet another solid season. He hit 24 of 27 field goals and would've been flawless on extra points had it not been for a J.J. Watt block against the Houston Texans in Week 1.
Forbath is a player this team always seems to want to upgrade. Yet somehow, he manages to keep sticking around. There are certainly less dependable kickers in the league.
Another significant bonus Forbath offers is his ability to handle the treacherous surface at FedEx Field. It proved a killing field for more than one otherwise capable kicker in 2014.
Greg Zuerlein of the St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles starter Cody Parkey both endured their own personal nightmares at FedEx. Yet Forbath has gotten used to the conditions and mastered them.
As for defensive backs Trenton Robinson and Justin Rogers, they can be casualties of what should be a ruthless and large-scale purge in the secondary. If the Redskins enter free agency with just Breeland, Amerson and young safety Phillip Thomas left over from 2014, it would be a step in the right direction.
Yes, the defensive backfield needs depth. But this team should be targeting quality cover, along with new marquee starters. No more bargain bucket alternatives.
The fact that most of the decisions on this list result in players being cut is a reflection of the shakeup necessary in D.C. Gruden has somehow earned a stay of execution after a diabolical first year in charge.
If 2015 is going to be any better, Washington must enter the new season with a roster practically unrecognizable from 2014's disappointing version.
All statistics via NFL.com.
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