The Redskins made their biggest move of the day early Thursday morning by shipping disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2013 5th round draft pick. This ends a dark chapter because Haynesworth is widely viewed as arguably the biggest free agent bust in franchise history, which should say something. Ironically, Haynesworth heads to another team with a 3-4 defense and a coach regarded as even stricter than Mike Shanahan in Bill Belichick.
- Photo By Jake Russell
After sending Haynesworth, the Redskins mixed agreeing to deals with draft picks and releasing veterans to clear up roster spots and to free up cap room.
The following rookies have all reportedly agreed to a 4-Year deals:
3rd rounder Leonard Hankerson (Miami)
4th rounder Roy Helu (Nebraska)
5th rounder DeJon Gomes (Nebraska)
5th rounder Niles Paul (Nebraska)
6th rounder Evan Royster (Penn State)
6th rounder Aldrick Robinson (SMU)
7th rounder Brandyn Thompson (Boise State)
7th rounder Markus White (Florida State)
7th rounder Chris Neild (West Virginia)
The only unsigned draft picks are 1st rounder Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), 2nd rounder Jarvis Jenkins, and 7th rounder Maurice Hurt (Florida).
The Redskins also made a flurry of cuts, led by locker room leader and friend of THN, Phillip Daniels. The 15-year veteran was surprised by the decision but still hopes to continue to catch on somewhere else.
The Redskins also reportedly cut ties with:
C Casey Rabach
DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu
WR Roydell Williams
RB Andre Brown
RB Chad Simpson
P Sam Paulescu
Also reportedly, the Redskins plan to let linebacker Rocky McIntosh walk via free agency. Potential destinations could be the New York Giants or Detroit Lions.
In a surprising development early on Thursday, Brandon Stokley‘s agent announced on Twitter that he spoke too soon yesterday and that his client will not be joining the Redskins after all. After the panic from Redskins fans yesterday about having 14 wide receivers yesterday, the team is now down to 12. Take a deep breath Redskins Nation.
The Redskins did make three more agreements with free agents today, addressing punter, defensive end, and the interior offensive line.
The team first agreed to a 5-year, $27.5 million deal with former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Stephen Bowen.
Bowen, 27, has 72 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble in his 5 seasons in the NFL. He was originally signed by Dallas in 2006 as an undrafted free agent.
The Redskins also made a move to agree to a contract with a former member of their third and final division rival, punter Sav Rocca, who has been with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2007. The former Australian rugby player is listed at 6’5″, 265 pounds, which is 15 pounds heavier than tight end Chris Cooley’s listed weight. In 2010, the 37-year-old attained career highs in average yards per punt (43.8) and punts landing inside the 20 yard line (28).
To follow up the Rocca acquisition, the team agreed to a 5-year, $20 million deal with former Baltimore Ravens guard/center Chris Chester. With such an inexperienced offensive line, Chester’s veteran presence will be much needed. He started 14 games in 2010 and 13 games in 2009. The 28-year-old out of Oklahoma stands at 6’3″ and 315 pounds.
In the coming days here are a few players to keep an eye out for:
Jammal Brown – He reportedly wants to return to the Redskins but wants to see how the market goes for him. He would be an important piece to the line if he can stay healthy.
Ryan Harris – If the Redskins don’t re-sign Brown, don’t be surprised to see them go after the former Shanahan draft pick. Harris was selected in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft by the Broncos and expressed an interest in playing for Shanahan if the opportunity knocks again.
Davin Joseph – As the Redskins continue to add experience to the offensive line, the former 1st round draft pick could be a target but may be too expensive to pursue. The sixth-year guard was teammates with Chester in Oklahoma and has started 67 out of the last 68 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Phillip Buchanon – The nickel cornerback out of “The U” recently Tweeted a question asking “Redskins or Jets,” implying that he is deciding on signing with one of those two teams. With Carlos Rogers’ return looking unlikely, his presence would be needed to go along with DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson at the top of the cornerback depth chart.
Braylon Edwards – Don’t be surprised to see the team make a run at another veteran receiver after losing two on Wednesday. Edwards is a talented athlete but his propensity for drops and off the field issues have hindered his free agent stock.
7th round pick G Maurice Hurt from Florida is the only unsigned draft pick.
And G Davin Joseph resigned with Tampa Bay.
Just a quick clarification: Sav Rocca played Australian Rules Football, not rugby. Aussie Rules is very much a kicking game while rugby is a ball control and tackling game where kicking is partly tactical. This is a good signing as Rocca’s results are showing little sign of the effects of age, he gets I20 a lot and doesn’t mind tackling. He had a ferocious reputation in Australia.