Washington Redskins: Five Free Agents the Team Would Love to Have

After a disappointing 2010 season, the Washington Redskins will be looking to improve on the abysmal six wins. However, the Redskins were fairly quiet before the lockout began, and failed to address some of the team’s biggest needs during the NFL Draft.

Unless they plan on winning the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, the Redskins will need to have an active free agency once the lockout is lifted. These five players would each be great additions to a struggling team.

No. 5: DT Pat Williams

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 05: Pat Williams #94 of the Minnesota Vikings runs from the field against the Buffalo Bills at the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 5, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nick Laham/Ge

Although he turns 39 in October, Pat Williams has proven that he is still one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the NFL. Williams’ experience would be vital to the Washington's young defensive line.

Other than his age, the drawback to signing Williams is his possible suspension at the beginning of the 2011 season due to the Star-Caps decision. However, Williams' presence in the locker room would outweigh his short absence on the field.

No. 4: RB DeAngelo Williams

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Having drafted Roy Helu and Evan Royster, many claim that Washington does not need to address the running back position. Nonetheless, the availability of a superstar running back on the open market will be a very intriguing prospect to head coach Mike Shanahan, a noted running back connoisseur.

Clearly, Ryan Torain is the team’s starting running back at the moment, but if the decision between Torain and Williams arises, the choice will be clear—especially with the vacancy at the quarterback position.

Williams is a much more threatening player to opposing defenses, which could take some pressure off whoever ends up under center.

No. 3: OT Matt Light

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Matt Light #72 of the New England Patriots stands on the field during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

At 32 years of age, Matt Light is faced with a very difficult decision: he can either accept less money to continue playing with New England, or take his services elsewhere. The latter seems more likely.

Light is still a very talented offensive tackle and would fulfill a huge need for the Washington Redskins. He can play both the left and right tackle positions, mentor Trent Williams, and already possesses three Super Bowl rings. He will bring a winning attitude to which ever team acquires his services.

No. 2: WR Sidney Rice

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 20, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

During the NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins primarily addressed their need at wide receiver by bringing in Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul and Aldrick Robinson. Honestly, though, Hankerson is the only one out of the three that seems ready to start in the NFL.

Sidney Rice is a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver that would provide a big target that, hopefully, even John Beck and Rex Grossman could not miss. This would also be a typical Washington signing—overpaid and overrated—but his help would be greatly appreciated nonetheless.

No. 1: CB Nnamdi Asomugha

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders warms up before their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 15, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The final, and most likely signing on this list is also the biggest star on the list. Nnamdi Asomugha has established himself as one of the top five cornerbacks in the NFL. His statistics have dropped off a bit over the past couple seasons, but not of his own doing. Opposing quarterbacks refuse to throw the ball his direction.

In the wake of Carlos Rogers’ departure, Washington needs to find a partner for Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall. Asomugha would not only help the Washington secondary, but he would be a great influence in the locker room. Asomugha’s philanthropy is also well-noted and would be well received by the fans.

Conclusion

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan makes a point with a referee in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Phot

Despite their lack of a quarterback, one or more of the players listed here could contribute to the team and possibly save the Redskins' season. Landing Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL Draft would be great, but fans around the Washington area (myself included) are very impatient and want to win now. These guys could really help.