We’ve written up five post-lockout prescriptions so far: The Cowboys, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, and Bills. None of those teams have more work before the 2011 season starts than the Redskins, so let’s get right to their to-do list.
1. Dump Donovan McNabb.
There’s no doubt this will happen; the only question is whether the Redskins will drag out the process in an attempt to get something in return for McNabb. Considering all factors, we doubt any team will trade for McNabb, even if they could re-negotiate the $10 million bonus he’s due this offseason.
McNabb can also essentially force a release by refusing to renegotiate with other teams.
2. Find competition for John Beck.
No matter how much we hear Mike Shanahan likes Beck, it defies logic to believe the team won’t get quality competition for him. They could bring back Rex Grossman, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a bigger name emerge with so many veteran quarterbacks available. Vince Young and Marc Bulger make some sense.
3. Sign a starting receiver or two.
We listed receiver as a big need, even after the team drafted three players in the draft. The logic is simple: At this point, their projected starters would probably be Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson, a third-round rookie.
Bringing back Santana Moss can’t be ruled out. The Redskins are logical candidates to get in on the Sidney Rice sweepstakes, or perhaps Mike Sims-Walker if they aim lower.
4. Add a right tackle, more offensive line depth.
Tackles Jammal Brown and Stephon Heyer could be free agents. The interior line isn’t terrible, but the team needs depth there. As Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com writes, incoming free agents could potentially challenge for any starting gig outside of left tackle Trent Williams.
5. Make a decision on Albert Haynesworth.
It’s time to get off the pot. The Redskins held on to Haynesworth too long last year, only to sink more money into a ship that is not getting off the bottom of the ocean. Shanahan seems determined to try to get something in return for Haynesworth. Good luck with that, especially with legal issues.
6. Add a veteran to the running back mix.
This is low on the list of priorities after drafting two backs in the middle rounds. Still, the team could use a legitimate veteran in camp to join Ryan Torain and two rookies, Roy Helu and Evan Royster.
7. Sign a starting cornerback.
Carlos Rogers is likely to be a free agent and recent words indicate he’s not wild about coming back. He should only return if the league returns to 2010 rules. Cornerback Philip Buchanon is also a free agent.
8. Look for a nose tackle.
They drafted Jarvis Jenkins, but he’s going to play defensive end. We told you this team had a lot of needs. We believe G.M. Bruce Allen; the Redskins should be as aggressive as any team in free agency.
