Ranking Washington Redskins Best Remaining Free-Agency Options

Beefing up the defensive line and adding to a threadbare secondary have already made this a successful free-agency period for the Washington Redskins. But that doesn't mean there aren't still things left on new general manager Scot McCloughan's to-do list.

Specifically, he needs to find a pass-catching speedster to freshen up the third-down offense, as well as adding a safety. McCloughan's first market making the calls also won't be complete unless he finds an edge-rusher to offset the loss of Brian Orakpo.

Fortunately, all those things still remain on the market. McCloughan can even find a thumper to play middle linebacker on 2015's bigger front seven.

Find out which six players represent Washington's best remaining free-agency options.

6. Joe McKnight, RB

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The offensive skill positions are probably the most loaded on this roster. Washington has a deep threat in DeSean Jackson and two versatile possession receivers in Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts.

There's also a pair of dynamic "move" tight ends, Jordan Reed and Niles Paul. They're joined by flexible fullback Darrel Young and workhorse ball-carrier Alfred Morris.

The one thing obviously missing is a speedy pass-catcher who can strike out of the backfield on third downs. Roy Helu Jr. was the closest, but he wasn't the most dynamic, even if he was a little underused.

Since Helu bolted to the Oakland Raiders this team lacks dual-threat options in the backfield. One overlooked free agent who makes sense is Joe McKnight.

His speed and shiftiness are exceptional. So is his ability to catch passes from a variety of positions. McKnight amply showcased the latter skill during Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season.

He caught six passes for 64 yards and a pair of scores to help the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins 34-15. McKnight attacked the Dolphins from the backfield, the slot and even when split out wide as a classic receiver.

He displayed an ability to run various routes, such as lateral screens, middle screens and circle patterns. That's the kind of versatility Washington needs in a third-down back.

McKnight only had a brief cameo before a torn Achilles wrecked his season, but the 26-year-old did enough to prove he can be very effective in a role that emphasizes his flexibility.

His talent as a kick returner, frequently displayed during three seasons with the New York Jets, would also be a major bonus for a tepid Redskins special teams.

If McKnight can prove he's made a solid recovery, he's a low-cost, low-risk bargain for this team.

5. Dwight Freeney, DE/OLB

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ESPN 980 writer Chris Russell floated the idea of Washington being Dwight Freeney's final NFL stop shortly after Orakpo joined the Tennessee Titans. Frankly, Russell's suggestion is a brilliant one.

Now, before you start screaming "he's 35!" at your screen, calm down. Freeney may be in the winter of his career, but he's a pass-rushing natural.

Players don't lose that skill, even if Freeney's managed just nine sacks in the last three seasons. But those numbers are more due to injuries than any regression in his skills.

Freeney's age also won't be an issue if he's given the right role in Washington's defense. Specifically, that means a situational role.

Freeney should only see the field on third downs in burgundy and gold. His ability to flex from a three-point stance to a standing rusher, as well as move around formations, would increase the creativity of Washington's pressure schemes.

Imagine a four-man front comprised of Freeney, Ryan Kerrigan, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Paea. Quarterbacks beware.

Freeney would also be an invaluable mentor for 2014 second-round pick Trent Murphy. The former Stanford man is a solid edge-setter against the run, but his dynamism as a pass-rusher is questionable. Freeney would certainly teach Murphy a few moves he's never even thought of.

Natural pass-rushers for third down are invaluable to a defense. Washington has missed that type of player after botched attempts to make it work with a veteran like Darryl Tapp.

Freeney would arrive with a stronger established reputation for getting to the passer. New coordinator Joe Barry worked with the graybeard rush end with the San Diego Chargers last season and knows what he can still offer.

As short-term deals go, this would be one of the best fits for both team and player.

4. Brandon Spikes, MLB

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McCloughan prefers bigger players. He said so and proved his words weren't empty when he added house-sized nose guard Terrance Knighton to bulk up the D-line.

Getting bigger in the trenches can also extend to the linebacker level. That makes Brandon Spikes an option Washington should consider.

The 6'2", 255-pound 27-year-old is a naturally thick thumper in the middle. He lives in the guard-center-guard box and his game is all about delivering a wallop in the running game.

That niche skill has become very relevant for every defense in the NFC East after the Philadelphia Eagles acquired two 1,000-yard runners during free agency. Stopping DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews twice a season is going to be no easy task.

The Redskins will also face running backs Mark Ingram, LeGarrette Blount, Matt Forte and LeSean McCoy in 2015, per their scheduled opponents. Consistently strong run defense will be a must in the new season.

Put Spikes behind Knighton and that need is taken care of.

3. Pierre Thomas, RB

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It's surprising that Pierre Thomas is still on the market. But if the Redskins want a sure-handed, tough runner they can trust, they won't find better.

Thomas is a smart and dependable veteran who excels catching passes out of the backfield. Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler endorsed the 30-year-old as a "one-year solution" and also highlighted his ability to block.

Thomas has never been a game-breaker in terms of speed and elusiveness, but he has an excellent understanding of pass routes, blitz pickup and inside, power running.

Washington's offense needs all those qualities. Put Thomas in the backfield and he instantly becomes the best friend of a struggling quarterback rotation.

2. Sam Acho, OLB

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Sam Acho is an intriguing possible solution to the hole in this team's outside linebacker corps. The 26-year-old is a natural edge-rusher in a 3-4, although injury woes and inconsistent production are obvious question marks.

Acho's best season was his rookie year in 2011 when he registered seven sacks. But he's never built on the early promise.

Only four sacks in 16 starts during 2012 was a major low point. In fairness, Acho's 2013 season was disrupted by a broken leg that kept him sidelined for 13 games. Acho was marginalized last season as neck issues also proved problematic, but he did at least finish the season strongly.

Acho logged a sack in the regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers and followed it with a sack-fumble against the Carolina Panthers in the playoffs. Earlier in the season, Acho intercepted a pass in a win over the New York Giants. He also broke up three passes during 2014.

He's a versatile rush linebacker with skills perfect for an aggressive, multiple-front 3-4 like the one the Redskins are planning for 2015. He can pressure the pocket, drop into coverage and make plays against the pass.

Acho fits as a useful sub-package weapon with the potential to grow into a starting role. His arrival would offer insurance and support for Murphy and Kerrigan.

It would also free McCloughan to focus on the so-far overlooked offensive line once the 2014 NFL draft begins.

1. Will Hill, S

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McCloughan's early moves retooling this roster grade well, but he's taken a chance overlooking nearly every marquee safety on the market. He shouldn't prolong that mistake with Will Hill, the best remaining option.

The Baltimore Ravens technically brought Hill back after an impressive 2014 season. Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reported Hill was given a one-year, $1.542 million restricted tender on the eve of free agency.

But he also detailed how the Ravens have only bought the right to match any offer made to Hill by another team. Significantly, Baltimore won't be owed any picks if they don't match an offer.

That should tempt the most safety-needy team in football to make a move. Hill is not without his off-field issues, but his talent between the hash marks is beyond question.

Most impressive was the Ravens' willingness to match him up against some of the game's most dominant tight ends. Hill was outstanding in a Week 12 road win over the New Orleans Saints.

He broke up a pair of passes, returned another 44 yards for a touchdown and spent most of the game nullifying matchup nightmare Jimmy Graham. Given how often the Redskins have struggled to shut down tight ends in recent seasons, Hill makes a lot of sense.

Of course, any team interested in the 25-year-old would have to accept his considerable off-field baggage. Wilson detailed a history of suspensions, drug violations and child support payment issues.

But Wilson also noted how Hill stayed clear of trouble once he joined the Ravens. Yet that hasn't stopped Baltimore from courting several new options at the position.

The AFC North club signed Kendrick Lewis and also ran the rule over Ron Parker, according to another report for The Sun by Wilson. Significantly, the Redskins already proved a willingness to take on a player's baggage when they signed Chris Culliver.

If McCloughan is willing to do the same again, he should seriously consider pursuing Hill.

Fortifying the defensive line represented an excellent start to free agency for Washington. So did adding to a deceptively thin cornerback rotation.

But McCloughan was never going to cover every hole on a team that's won seven games in two years during one free-agency cycle. But he can still plug some of the key remaining gaps with a capable veteran or two from this list.

All statistics via NFL.com.