2011 NFL Free Agency: Five Players the Redskins Will Aggressively Pursue

When the lockout ends sometime in the not-to-distant future as many folks are predicting, the NFL is expected to roar back to life.  With that resurrection comes free agency and this year's free agency period is anticipated to be one of the most active ones in the history of the NFL.

Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reported yesterday that the Redskins are interested in a few key free agents, and he believes they are going to make a strong push to acquire them.

When the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is worked out, there's a good chance one of the new features of the deal will include a "salary floor" in addition to the salary cap.  This will require teams to spend more money, which is good for Dan Snyder and the Redskins because they've got a lot—and I mean a lot—of available cash.

One thing that Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen have been able to do that hasn't received a lot of press, mainly due to a 6-10 record and tons of drama last season, is put this team in excellent financial position.  They're well under the cap and should be one of the leaders in free agency this year, as they often are. 

The difference heading into 2011, though, is there's a ton of talent out there and they have a ton of needs.

I believe there are at least five players we can expect the Redskins to desperately and aggressively go after.

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com

5: Cullen Jenkins, Green Bay Packers Defensive Lineman

The weakest part of the Redskins roster last season was their defense, and the weakest unit of the defense was the line.  Adam Carriker played pretty well for most of the season, but the rest of the line was suspect at best.

They drafted Jarvis Jenkins out of Clemson in April and he'll have a good shot at starting from day one.  That is, unless they go out and get a guy like Cullen Jenkins.  That would allow time for the younger Jenkins to ease into a regular role.

There's still a big need at nose tackle and they could be interested in a guy like Aubrayo Franklin (49ers). If they were to get Jenkins, they could rotate a number of guys (Carriker, Jenkins, Jenkins, Anthony Bryant, Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Kedric Golston) at all three d-line positions.

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com

4: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens Guard

The interior of the Redskins offensive line was definitely an area of weakness last year.  Center Casey Rabach was routinely blown off the ball, and the rotation of Kory Lichtensteiger, Will Montgomery, Artis Hicks and Derrick Dockery (released) was sub-par to say the least.

Marshal Yanda will undoubtedly be the most sought after interior lineman in this year's free agency class. The Baltimore Ravens will do everything in their power to keep him, but if the Redskins name the right price he'll be a tremendous upgrade.

His 6'3'', 315 lbs frame and athleticism fit in nicely with the Mike Shanahan mold and Kyle Shanahan's offense.

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com

3: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans Quarterback

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying you go out and get Vince Young and make him your day-one starter.  He's had his fair share of struggles on and off the field since he came into the league.

It looks like the Titans have had just about enough of him and are likely to release him.  If they don't, no deal.  I wouldn't advocate sending draft picks for him, but if the Redskins can get him cheap it may be worth bringing him in.

He's got plenty of athleticism and a pretty good arm, and he would probably fit in nicely with Shanahan's offense.

Why not bring him in and let him compete with the unproven John Beck and the (likely re-signed) second or third stringer, Sexy Rexy Grossman?

There's always Andrew Luck next year, right?

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com

2: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders Cornerback

This one is a given.  He's a tremendous player and likely a very large need for the Redskins.

Carlos Rogers is a wild card.  I think he's a very good corner and worth keeping, but it won't necessarily be Mike Shanahan's choice.  If Carlos wants to play somewhere else, he's gone.

Assuming he leaves, there's going to be a gaping hole in the defensive secondary.  DeAngelo Hall is a turnover machine, but he gives up a lot of yards.  Kevin Barnes has a bright future—but isn't quite ready.

Asomugha will be expensive as all-get-out, but he might just be worth it.  Expect the Redskins to be big players for his services.

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com

1: Santonio Holmes, New York Jets Wide Receiver

This one might surprise you.  It surprised me.  Holmes doesn't really fit what most experts say the Redskins need:  a big play, red zone threat (i.e. Sidney Rice, Mike Sims-Walker, Plaxico Burress or Braylon Edwards).

I take that back.  Santonio may not be a red zone threat, but he's definitely a big-play guy.  He's got great quickness and runs really good routes.

In La Confora's article, he said that his sources are telling him that Holmes is at the top of Mike Shanahan's list.

Assuming Santana Moss leaves for free agency, Holmes would be an immediate upgrade and a high-impact player.

For more Redskins news and opinions, check out my blog at http://www.redskinspost.com