Redskins Free Agent Bargain Shopping: Defensive Line

The Redskins need to have a strong offseason if they want to get back on the road of respectability and given our current lack of draft picks and numerous holes, the Redskins will need a strong free agency period (assuming the CBA gets done) to fix most of their issues. The good news for the Redskins is that due to some smart restructuring of contracts by G.M. Bruce Allen the Redskins, have a good number of players who can either be traded or cut that will save the Redskins millions of dollars against the salary cap. While until the CBA is finalized it is impossible to know exactly how much room the Redskins will have, but it could be northwards of $50 million. 

While the Redskins will have money to play with, they can't do what they usually do in free agency. Normally, the Redskins would go out and sign the biggest names and flashiest players, regardless of position, how they fit into our philosophy, or if they were even worth it. Although I expect the Redskins to sign a few big names, they will also need to find a number of secondary free agents. Players whose signings might not make headlines on ESPN, but who fit this team perfectly. One area where this team can find some bargain players is along the defensive line.

Here's a look at current Redskins who should return and 3 free agent bargains they need to look at in free agency:

Now I know some people might disagree with me, but that defensive line was probably the worst line on any team in the NFL, (especially after Haynesworth was suspended). While their performance might not have ranked at the bottom, they will no longer have Haynesworth's production (he was tied for 2nd on the team with 2.5 sacks), and it wasn't a young unit with guys who have the potential to get better. Among those players that should return the Redskins have only three that I would consider 'worthy' of a roster spot; Adam Carriker, Jeremy Jarmon and Anthony Bryant.

ANTHONY BRYANT: 

Bryant was a back up nose tackle last year, who had a nice game against the Jaguars late in the season. While I think he deserves a chance to compete, I don't think he should be considered a lock for either of the Skins top two spots on the NT depth chart. In his career he has never proven himself as a week in, week out player (much less a starter) and it would be dangerous to count on him for a significant role next season.

JEREMY JARMON:

Jarmon is the one real young player with potential on this team, and despite not being a natural fit for the 3-4 handled himself admirably when called upon. He is more of a pass rusher than a run defender, but has shown some good development. I wouldn't go so far to hand him a starting job, but he shouldn't be an inactive player like he was for the majority of last season.

ADAM CARRIKER:

I know some people like Carriker, and I'm not saying he's horrible, but he's also not a good player. At best he is a league average starter, and in reality would have only started/had a significant role, on about a 1/3 of 3-4 teams last season. And if Carriker is a starter for your team, he should probably be your 10th or 11th best starter, not your 5th or 6th (Orakpo, Landry, Fletcher, Hall, Rogers). At the very least the Redskins need to find someone who can platoon with him, to allow him to stay fresher. 

BARGAIN OPTIONS: There are a number of free agent options available, including some really big names. Given the Skins needs elsewhere they may choose to spend their money on those positions. If they can't land any of the top free agents here are three they need to consider (and in my book sign):

ALAN BRANCH:

Branch was a former 2nd round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, and has for the most part been considered a bust. Although he hasn't lived up to his 2nd round billing, looks can be deceiving when it comes to Branch. He has gotten a lot better these last two seasons, and has generated more of a push on the line. He didn't start for the Cards, but that isn't exactly shocking since they have the best 3-4 ends in the league. Branch had 35 tackles last season and 2 sacks (albeit in one game), in a backup role, which is better production than what we saw from our starters. Branch also has versatility as while he primarily plays defensive end, he can move inside to NT as well. At 26 he has a lot of upside, while the Redskins shouldn't over pay a solid 3-5 year deal would make sense.

JOHN HENDERSON:

Big Al's former college teammate, could very well be the Redskins next nose tackle. Although his experience in the 3-4 is limited, Henderson fits the NT mold pretty well. Not only does he have the bulk for the position, but he actually relishes taking on double teams, and stopping the run. Henderson also offers 6'7" height in the middle of the line, which should help be a deterrent for the center passing lane. Henderson comes with some risk as he played in just 9 games last season (though in limited time was still more productive than many Redskins linemen), but that could be a positive as it will keep his price tag down. I would have him as the NT on rushing downs and give him a 2 or 3 year deal, for limited money (roughly what Kemoeatu is making).

GERARD WARREN:

Warren got his first real taste of the 3-4 defense last season, and for the most part preformed pretty well. He finished the year with 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which isn't too bad considering he wasn't a full time starter. He didn't play much of it, but he has the bulk to lineup over the center, and generates pretty decent penetration. Warren is a good rotational player, who can help out up and down the line. I think he will probably get a deal some where between what Branch and Henderson should expect.

Combined you could sign these three guys for roughly what it would cost to add one elite defensive linemen ($11 million+) and go a long way to fixing your lack of 3-4 personnel. Who do you think they should go after?