Washington Redskins Dump Marcus Mason Again

Goodbye again, Marcus Mason.

Buried in the news that the Washington Redskins signed free agent lineman Levi Jones was their release of DC area native Marcus Mason. Running back Anthony Alridge was also let go.

Thrashing in the backfield

Given the state of the offensive line, it's no surprise that the Skins would reach for Jones. But Washington busted a "who he?" move when they signed free agent running back Quinton Gaither.

The Redskins keep looking for something at running back. Alridge was signed and released twice this season. Mason survived his second training camp with the team, raising both his and his local fans' hopes.

Mason saw limited action. Alridge never saw the field.

Gaither beat out Chris Henry for a roster spot on the Tennessee Titans roster last season. Tennessee released him in September after his calf injury and to make room for Javon Ringer.

Chris Henry worked out for the Redskins earlier this month.

Another first rounder for the line

Jones joins Mike Williams as Washington's second first-round lineman from the 2002 draft. Jones was the 10th overall pick that year. Williams was fourth overall.

Because of injuries, the Redskins rejected the thought of signing Jones after he was released by the Cincinnati Bengals last May.

Jones visited the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers in recent weeks. Seattle was expected to look at him if the Skins did not sign him.

Tackle D'Anthony Batiste remains on the roster.

Pete Kendall really spoiled Washington's front office. Kendall, a starting guard, was available thanks to the insensitivity of the New York Jets' management. You can be certain that made the Redskins believe they could pick up a commodity lineman anytime.

Yes. You can get warm bodies anytime, anywhere. Quality linemen come from the draft or are a free agent signing in the offseason. Nobody but the Jets gives up a good lineman.

Washington has been content to source offensive line talent with experiments like Williams and Todd Wade.

Jones' presence suggests doubts about the return of Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels. If Samuels comes back healthy, Batiste likely stays and Jones goes.

Jones was involved in a notorious incident with Steelers linebacker Joey Porter in a Las Vegas casino in 2007.

If you were scared before...

We knew how thin the Skins were on the O-line. That was scary enough. 

What's scarier is the looks at different running backs. The coaching staff is worried about who's behind Clinton Portis.

As Vince Lombardi said on NFL Films, "What the heck is going on out there?"

Lombardi didn't actually say "heck."