Washington Redskins: Top 10 Personnel Moves in the Daniel Snyder Era

Oh, those poor Redskins and their depressed fans.  Names like Albert Haynesworth, Deion Sanders, Brandon Lloyd, Jeff George and Jason Taylor make people sick.  Picking on one of the most dysfunctional teams in sports is too easy.  I’m sure I can write a dissertation on Washington’s irrational strategies.  So it’s time to do a little role reversal in Redskins journalism. 

It’s a given that the Burgundy and Gold win or at least attempt to be the winners of the offseason, which has been the only consistency since Daniel Snyder bought the team.  While the majority of the decisions under Snyder’s direction have turned out to be a failure, there have been a few personnel moves that have worked out in Washington’s favor both on and off the field, including some who should be in the Ring of Fame one day. 

There will be a few stipulations for this list, one being that there have been some acquisitions that were good, but only for one year (think Brad Johnson and Mark Brunell) or someone could make the case that technically players such as Lorenzo Alexander, Mike Sellers, Ryan Clark, Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks were all free agents, which is obviously true.  The players that I am targeting were the high-priced ones, the players that had an introductory press conference or showed up in the headlines on ESPN or other sports media outlets. 

London Fletcher: Acquired Via Free Agency in 2007

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 12: London Fletcher #59 of the Washington Redskins is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on December 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Buccaneers defeated the Redskins 17-16. (Photo by Lar

Fletcher has been the heart and soul of the Washington Redskins since he arrived in 2007.  He leads the team in tackles season after season, and he has earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections in which I can’t think of any player in the NFL more deserving of those.

Despite having one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year, Fletcher still contributed on the field with his youthful energy and efficiency.  I wish they made 100 more players with Fletcher’s intensity, professionalism and determination.

Clinton Portis: Acquired Via Trade in 2004

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12: Clinton Portis #26 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball during the NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo by Larr

Although it was not a storybook ending for Portis in Washington, he still should be given recognition for his accomplishments on the field.  Portis’ tenure had its ups and downs, but anyone that has watched the Redskins over the last seven years will admit that there is strong correlation between Washington’s success and Clinton’s success. 

The two seasons, in which they made the playoffs, Portis was the workhorse, hanging on Mike Sellers’ back for dear life while rushing for 100-yard games week after week.  Clinton finished his career with the Redskins as the team’s second leading rusher in history only behind Hall of Famer John Riggins.  Skins fans have not had a lot to celebrate in a long time, and the glimpses that we’ve witnessed had a lot to do with the production and effort of Clinton Portis. 

Santana Moss: Acquired Via Trade in 2005

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Santana Moss #89 of the Washington Redskins makes a touchdown pass reception against Alan Ball #20 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

When Santana arrived in Washington from the Jets, it was assumed that New York received the better end of the deal with acquiring Laveranues Coles. I believe it’s safe to say that Moss has exceeded expectations during his time with the Redskins.

In Santana’s six seasons, he has racked up 1,000 receiving yards in three of those while earning one Pro Bowl selection.  Santana may be best remembered for his performance in Dallas back in 2005 scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter on Monday Night Football.

I think the numbers that Santana Moss has put up over the years is incredible given that he has been constantly double teamed, faced inconsistencies at quarterback and numerous offensive schemes, all of which he adapted to.  Even though he might not have the same burst he had in his earlier years, Santana is a consummate professional, and I would like to see him end his career in Washington.

DeAngelo Hall: Acquired Via Free Agency in the 2008-2009 Season

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: DeAngelo Hall #23 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a defensive stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game on December 21, 2008 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

DeAngelo may not be the most consistent cornerback, but he is the biggest playmaker on the defense, and I believe he was singlehandedly responsible for two of the Redskins' victories this past season. (Cowboys Week 1, Bears)

Hall was acquired midway through the season and made an immediate impact.  Prior to his tenure in Washington, Hall did not have the best reputation.  Since then, there has been a transformation in DeAngelo’s attitude towards the game and his teammates as he has become a vocal leader of the team. Earning a Pro Bowl selection this past season, I expect more to come given another year in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s opportunistic defense.

Marcus Washington: Acquired Via Free Agency in 2004

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 03: Marcus Washington #53 of the Washington Redskins tries to fire up the crowd before a play against the Atlanta Falcons December 3, 2006 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.The Falcons defeated the Redskins, 24-14. (Photo by

In Marcus Washington’s early years in a Redskins uniform, it seemed that we had a star in the making, earning three Pro Bowl selections.  Marcus was a dynamic player who served as an every down linebacker and a pass rushing specialist on third down.

He was a charismatic player that seemed to truly enjoy being on the field, while always inspiring his teammates in between plays.  As Washington started suffering from lingering injuries so did his production, but his efficiency under former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was fun to watch.

Bruce Smith: Acquired Via Free Agency in 1999

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4 Nov 2001 : Bruce Smith of the Washington Redskins celebrates after sacking quarterback Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks during the game at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 27-14. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/

Smith is considered one of the best defensive ends in NFL history and was recently elected into the Hall of Fame.  Do I believe that he was playing at a Hall of Fame level while in Washington?  No, Smith was at the end of his career and turned out to be a serviceable player on the field, by recording modest statistics during his four years with the team.

His biggest contribution to the team came in his leadership role. Former Redskins star LaVar Arrington credits Bruce Smith for providing the guidance that he needed as a young player.

Shawn Springs: Acquired Via Free Agency in 2004

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 31: Shawn Springs #24 of the Washington Redskins runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field on October 31, 2004 in Landover, Maryland. The Packers defeated the Redskins 28-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

When Springs was healthy, I feel that he was the Redskins' most reliable corner.  He was a very intelligent player who averaged over two interceptions a season, rarely got beat on deep passes and was an underrated tackler.

The D.C. area native was another great player to have around the locker room. It was unfortunate to see injuries plague the end of his tenure in Washington.

Andre Carter: Acquired Via Free Agency in 2006

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings is hit by Washington Redskins linebacker Andre Carter #99 at FedExField November 28, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Vikings won the game 17-13. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Carter’s last season as a Redskin was a disappointment.  The transition to outside linebacker was rumored to be a bad fit for him.  The prediction proved to be true, as Andre Carter was replaced in the starting lineup.

That being said, Carter’s production as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme was the opposite.  He had two stellar seasons in which he recorded over 10 sacks.   In addition to that, he had a great veteran presence and was admired by his younger teammates.

What you have to respect about him is that rather than request a trade or a release while making the transition to playing in a 3-4, he never complained even after he played a reserve role.  He was a class act throughout his tenure.

Cornelius Griffin: Acquired Via Free Agency in 2004

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LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 22: Charlie Batch #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is hit by Cornelius Griffin #96 of the Washington Redskins at Fed Ex Field on August 22, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Cornelius Griffin did not “wow” you with statistics other than his first year with the Redskins; however, he was another dependable and unappreciated player on the defensive front.

For those who do not remember, before Jim Haslett took over the defense, the Redskins were top 10 in that category every year except for the 2006-2007 season during the Joe Gibbs and Jim Zorn eras.

In addition to Griffin’s production, he was a great veteran leader that was elected a team captain by his teammates.

Laveranues Coles: Acquired Via Trade in 2002

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IRVING, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Wide receiver Laveranues Coles #80 of the Washington Redskins makes a pass reception for a touchdown against Dexter Coakley #52 of the Dallas Cowboys on November 2, 2003 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Coles’ tenure in Washington was brief but very productive in which he was selected to a Pro Bowl in 2003.  He averaged over 80 catches and 1,000 receiving yards in two seasons in a Redskins uniform. 

 He requested a trade after his second season due to his displeasure with Joe Gibbs’ offense. The Jets and Redskins swapped with the previously mentioned Santana Moss.