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Redskins 2014 Cornerback Possibilities

Replacements for Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall

Jamie Squire

Unless Josh Wilson and DeAngelo Hall decide to play for a LOT less money, I don't see either of them back in 2014. Hall was a salary cap causality last season, only to be brought back on a one year, cap friendly deal. Wilson is set to become a free agent, and his value is as a slot corner. I don't see him getting re-signed by the team in the offseason.


That leaves us with some openings on the outside of our defense. One spot will definitely be filled by the impressive rookie David Amerson. Amerson has come in and exceeded all expectations so far this early in his rookie season. He has shown the coaches that he can be a lock-down, play-making corner - exactly the type of player the Redskins thought they would get when they drafted him in the second round of the 2013 draft. His future looks very bright in Burgundy and Gold, and he should be a mainstay for years to come.


Opposite Amerson, there are some question marks heading into the 2014 season. Richard Crawford should be recovered from the knee injury he sustained this preseason, and he is better suited as a boundary cornerback, than in the slot. He could very well push for a starting position opposite Amerson if his return is a success.


E.J. Biggers signed a one year deal with the Redskins this offseason. So far he has seen the majority of his time at one of the safety positions. There is a chance that the Redskins offer him an extension, but at this point, I would say that chance is 50%.


This leaves us with a question mark at a very important position heading into 2014.


2014 Free Agents:

Aqib Talib: NE 6'1" 205 7 years(27) - There is no denying Talib's talent, it's just his head hasn't always been in the right place. I wished the Redskins had made a move to acquire Talib last year in a trade, but it looks like they could have a shot this offseason. Not over-paying(something the Redskins have had a tough time doing)will be the key here.


Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: DEN 6'2" 193 7 years(27) - Rodgers-Cromartie is another big, long, fast defensive back. He has good ball skills, and could fit nicely into our defensive scheme.


Alterraun Verner: TENN 5'10" 187 4 years(24) - Although Verner may not garner as much hype as the previous two, he would be at the top of my wish list heading into the 2014 off-season. He's not as big as I would like, but he plays physical, and has good cover skills.


Sam Shields: GB 5'11" 184 4 years(25) - I feel it will be hard to pull Shields away from Green Bay, but if he does hit the open market, I hope the Redskins are a player.


Chris Cook: MINN 6'2" 212 4 years(26) - Cook is a bit of an under-the-radar cornerback, but he has some intriguing potential. This kid is a great athlete, with exceptional size, and would be a very nice compliment to Amerson on the outside. He's also a Virginia native, which can never hurt.


2014 Draft Prospects:

Kyle Fuller: VT 6'0" 190(SR) - Fuller is my favorite draft prospect at cornerback for the Redskins. He is a big, physical kid, with solid ball skills and unlimited potential as a playmaker. Exum may have stole some of the fan fair, but I believe Fuller will turn out to be the better pro.

Justin Gilbert: OK ST 6'0" 200(SR) - Not only has Gilbert become a standout corner for Oklahoma St., but he is also one of the top returners in college football. The Redskins could get a duel weapon with him.

Jaylen Watkins: FL 6'0" 188(SR) - Beginning to see a theme here? Yes, the Redskins are looking for better size on the outside, and Watkins fits the bill as well. He's a tad raw, and a bit undisciplined, but the talent is there to mold. He would be an excellent 3rd round pick.