Washington Redskins: 2011 Free Agents To Consider

The Washington Redskins are widely known (and widely derided) as big players in the NFL's Free Agency period.  Yes, they have had more misses than hits, but we all know that's not going to stop them from continuing the pursuit of "The One Free Agent".  I don't believe there is a free agent out there who will single-handedly turn this team around.  I do believe, however, there are several interesting players worth looking at as this team continues to recover from "The Cerrato Era".  The list starts with...

Troy Smith, QB

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 2

Donovan McNabb is likely leaving town and Rex Grossman played very average when given a chance this year.  The offensive line is still a work in progress, so the Redskins need a Quarterback who can get out of the pocket and make plays with his feet when necessary.  Smith is a young, mobile player who added a bit of a spark to an underachieving 49ers team.  He also has a history of winning (granted, mostly at the college level) and seems to be a positive locker room presence.

Davin Joseph, Guard

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Guard Davin Joseph #75 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets for play against the Washington Redskins at the Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2007 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 19-13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Bruce Allen, then General Manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, drafted Davin Joseph with the 23rd pick in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft.  Bruce Allen, now General Manager of the Washington Redskins, needs to improve his teams offensive line.  Joseph is a young, talented, one-time Pro Bowler who would instantly upgrade the offensive line.  Washington would love to have a run-blocker of Joseph's caliber making lanes for young running backs Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams.

James Jones, WR

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers scores a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 201

He has all of the talent it takes to be a starter on the majority of teams in the NFL.  However, Green Bay is very deep at the WR position, so they likely won't pay him "starter money".  That being said, he would likely, instantly, be the new No. 1 WR in Washington.  Signing Jones would allow the Redskins to move Santana Moss to the slot position and would give the QB (whoever that may be) a bigger target than he would have otherwise.

David Harris, LB

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: David Harris #52 of the New York Jets lines up against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jets won 38-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Another player who has excelled in the 3-4 defense, David Harris would be a part of one of the better linebacking corps in the league, playing alongside London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo.  Rocky McIntosh struggled with the move to Inside Linebacker and likely will not be back in Washington next season.  Harris is a playmaker who is one of the most important parts of an excellent NYJ run defense and it will take a lot to draw him away from them.

Cullen Jenkins, DE

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears attempts to avoid a sack by Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Last off-season, the Redskins switched to a 3-4 defense.  To say they struggled adjusting to it would be an understatement.  Cullen Jenkins has played in the 3-4 for a few seasons, now, so he could play a big part in the continuing adjustment of the rest of the defense.  He would also upgrade a pass-rush that was almost non-existent last season.

Richard Marshall, CB

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers reacts to the end of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

A lot of people expect the Redskins to attempt to sign Nnamdi Asomugha, but I would rather they stayed out of the "$100 Million Free Agent" sweepstakes for one year.  Richard Marshall would take the place of Carlos Rogers, who likely won't be back next season.  He is decent in coverage and better in run support.

He's only 26-years old and will come with a cheaper price tag than higher profile guys like Champ Bailey, Antonio Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Matt Prater, K

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19: Place kicker Matt Prater #5 of the Denver Broncos attempts a field goal from the hold of Britton Colquitt #4 against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated

The Redskins kicking game was pretty bad this year.  Graham Gano was the model of inconsistency and has yet to prove he can be a pro-level kicker.  Matt Prater is a young guy (you're seeing the trend here, right?) who has been reliable from just about any distance.  He has a very strong leg and it shows on kickoffs.