Will

Compton

Compton was a high-quality starter in Washington a few years back but injuries have caught up to him in recent seasons, which explains why he was unsigned with just three weeks until the season opener. Compton will be at home in Tennessee after playing there in 2018. Expect him to immediately push for snaps despite a limited offseason.

Compton himself clarified the news. He added that, “Definitely chance with Raiders. Had great meetings on the way out. Nothing is off the table.” Compton has played 78 games for the Redskins, Titans and Raiders since entering the league in 2013. It’s unclear how big of a market Compton will have after finishing the 2019 season as PFF’s No. 37 overall LB among 99 qualified players.

Compton hasn’t played this season and will likely play special teams as a backup linebacker. The former Redskins backer has had quick stops with the Titans and Saints.

Compton was the only one questionable with a hamstring injury.

Compton started the final nine games last season including the playoffs, but he was a liability in run defense. He should enter this season as a starter, but he will need to take a big step forward to nail down a full-time role. Perry Riley and Mason Foster will vie for the other starting spot. Rookie Su’a Cravens could emerge as the team’s primary sub-package inside linebacker.

Perry Riley was expected to occupy one of the starting spots, but he was held out of spring practices because of a lingering foot injury. That opened the door for Compton and Foster to cement themselves in starting roles. Set to count $5.05 million against the cap in the final year of his deal, Riley could end up a cap cut if he is not able to claim a starting job.

Compton is the play-caller on defense. Martrell Spaight will finish the game in his place.

A liability in run defense, 27-year-old Compton would ideally be Washington’s No. 3 inside linebacker. The fact that the Redskins did not give Compton a higher tender as a former undrafted free agent suggests they realize he is a backup-caliber player. Compton is now scheduled to make $1.797 million in 2017.

It’s the value of his low tender as a restricted free agent. The Redskins badly need to figure out their inside linebacker situation to help improve the run defense. Washington added Zach Brown as a free agent, leaving Compton and Mason Foster to compete for the other starting job on the inside in the 3-4 front.

The Redskins have confirmed Riley will start, but the other inside linebacker job is open. Foster played well as a starter over the last six games including the playoffs last season while Compton struggled down the stretch. Foster could be the slight favorite entering camp, but this should be a true competition.