Here’s a breakdown of all of Washington’s 2021 NFL free-agent signings, and how some of the players are expected to contribute:
Updated: May 24th
Curtis Samuel, WR
The former Carolina Panther has agreed to a 3-year, $34.5 million deal with Washington, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Washington considered it a big need to get more downfield speed, and did so. Not only did they fill their number two receiver slot to pair with Terry McLaurin, they chose his friend and former teammate at Ohio State. Samuels can operate outside or in the slot, and offensive coordinator Scott Turner already knows how to tap into Samuel’s versatility. Grade: A
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
After a solid campaign with the Miami Dolphins, the well- traveled quarterback signed a one-year deal worth $10 million.
Washington replaces veteran starter Alex Smith, with another veteran and still-productive player. Fitzpatrick has thrown 50 touchdown passes in his past three seasons, and will be a steadying influence to the young receiving corps. Can he keep away from turnovers, play smart, and lead Washington to more than 7 wins as will be expected of him? Grade: B+
William Jackson, CB
The former Bengal cornerback reportedly inked a three-year deal worth $42 million.
With Ronald Darby leaving for Denver via free agency, Washington had a near desperate need at the position, and managed to grab arguably the top corner on the market in Jackson. He and Kendall Fuller will form a solid corner pair that both can rely on not having to guard receivers too long with Washington’s defensive line. Grade: A
Adam Humphries, WR
The former Tennessee wide receiver signed a one-year deal with Washington, and re-united with Ryan Fitzpatrick whom he played with in Tampa.
Though newly signed receiver Samuel can play in the slot, Humphries is a true slot receiver and will free up Samuel to move around. The fact that he is also an effective third-down receiver and can return punts if needed, makes him a solid free agent acquisition. Grade: B+
Tyler Larsen, C
The former Carolina offensive lineman has agreed to a one-year deal with Washington.
Larsen spent five years as mainly a backup center with the Panthers, four of them with Rivera. The Redskins are set with Chase Roullier, but Larsen has played at guard and has 18 NFL starts – he will compete with 2020 fifth round pick Keith Ismael for depth. Low risk factor. Grade: B-
David Mayo, LB
The long time veteran New York Giants linebacker agreed to a one-year deal with Washington.
With only Jon Bostic and Cole Holcomb as starters on the current roster, Washington need linebackers. Mayo will likely only serve as depth ultimately, and may contribute on special teams. He missed the entire 2020 season with a torn meniscus. He does have NFL starts under his belt and also played for Rivera in Carolina from 2015 to 2018. Grade: B-
DeAndre Carter, WR
Former Chicago Bears receiver comes to Washington on a one-year deal.
Carter is the new Washington kickoff and punt returner if things go as planned. He is also regarded as a slot receiver, and can backup new recruit Adam Humphries as well, so it may spell the end of Steven Sims Jr.’s Washington career. Grade: B
Darryl Roberts, CB
The former Detroit Lions cornerback comes to Washington on a one-year deal.
With William Jackson III, Kendall Fuller and Jimmy Moreland, Roberts will serve as depth and replace the departed Fabian Moreau. He offers some versatility as he can line up outside or in the slot, and has also played at safety. Grade: B-
Beau Benzschawel, OL
The Washington Football team have claimed former Houston Texans Guard Beau Benzschawel off waivers.
The offensive lineman played his college football at Wisconsin, and was picked up by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Grade: C
Additional Signings:
Jaret Patterson | RB | UDFA University of Buffalo May 3
Linden Stephens | CB | UFA Seattle Seahawks May 5
Deon Yelder | TE | UFA Kansas City Chiefs May 5
Charles Leno | LT | UFA Chicago Bears May 15
Bobby McCain | CB | UFA Miami Dolphins May 16
Joe Walker | ILB | UFA San Francisco 49ers May 20
Washington Free Agent Re-Signings:
Kyle Allen, QB – The veteran quarterback returns to Washington on a one-year deal.
Danny Johnson, CB – The veteran cornerback returns to Washington on a one-year deal.
Lamar Miller, RB – The veteran returns to Washington on a one-year deal.
David Sharpe, OT – The veteran offensive lineman returns to Washington on a one-year deal.
Jared Norris, LB – Washington re-signed the linebacker to a one-year deal.
Washington Trade:
Offensive Lineman Ereck Flowers is returning to Washington, after a deal with the Miami Dolphins.
Wether Flowers or Wes Schweitzer win the battle at left guard is of no consequence to the fact that the unit as a whole is better having one of the two of them, to back-up either guard position. Grade: A
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