DeAngelo Hall: Risk vs. Reward

DeAngelo Hall, the eighth overall pick of the 2004 draft, didn't have to wait long to be signed by the Washington Redskins.  Washington, in strong playoff contention under first year coach Jim Zorn, signed Hall to a one-year contract just days after his release from Oakland. 

Washington's secondary has been depleted this year, with Shawn Springs missing significant time due to injury.  In the meantime, Carlos Rogers has had the assignment of covering the opposing team's top wideouts, with mixed results. 

Last week against Pittsburgh, Rogers dropped an easy interception and was called for a 50+ yard pass interference penalty which could have played a role in deciding to acquire the talented but trouble-causing Hall. 

The acquisition of Hall is not without risk.  Although he went to the Pro Bowl twice with the Falcons, he underperformed with the Raiders, leading to their stunning release of him on Nov. 5.  He has been criticized during his career for being selfish, although there is no denying his talent. 

Given Washington's recent history with free agent signings—Brandon Lloyd and Adam Archuletta being colossal busts, for example—this might be considered a surprise move.  On the other hand, this is the Washington Redskins, and Dan Snyder never met a talented star-quality player that he didn't want to wine, dine, and sign. 

The question is, is this a good move for the Redskins?  There are many reasons to think so.  In the NFL, good corners are at a premium, and with Shawn Springs a perpetual injury machine this gives them some depth at the position.  Additionally, the contract is only for one year, reportedly for a relatively small salary for a corner of Hall's caliber.

Finally, the Redskins are not the dysfunctional Raiders.  They have good veteran leaders on defense, like London Fletcher, and a strong locker room presence that should be able to reign in Hall's prima donna ways.

Sometimes signing a player of Hall's caliber works out, sometimes not.  This year, with the Redskins in strong playoff contention in such a tight division, a little move like this could pay sound dividends come playoff time.