Potential NFL Roster Additions the Redskins Could Target

The Redskins have the best all-around roster they have put together in the Jay Gruden era. That however still doesn’t mean it’s without holes.

Interior offensive line, tight end (due mainly to the uncertainty surrounding the health of Jordan Reed and age of back-up Vernon Davis) and EDGE (more due to depth), are all positions the Redskins could still look at upgrading before the start of the 2018 NFL season.

Below are some players who could be available as either roster cuts, via trade, or as current free agents.

Maxx Williams TE Ravens: With the selections of Hayden Hurst (1st round) and Mark Andrews (3rd round) in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams, the former second round pick in the 2015 draft, finds himself on the outside looking in. Nick Boyle is ahead of Williams on the depth chart, and the Ravens are only likely to keep three tight ends. Unless injury strikes one of the top three, look for Williams to be released, or possibly floated for a late round draft pick.

John Simon OLB Colts: Simon was a solid player on a poor defense last year in Indianapolis before being put on IR with a shoulder injury. The issue this season is that the Colts are switching to a base 4-3 defense, and at just 6’2” 255, he’s is not a 7-technique DE. Simon is an explosive, quick-twitch athlete, and the soon-to-be 28 year old still has plenty left in the tank.

Travis Swanson C Jets: The Jets starting offensive line looks to be locked-in, with newly signed Spencer Long set to take over at center. The team supposedly likes Jonotthan Harrison a lot, as he can play both center and guard. This may leave the 6’5” 312 pound Swanson as the odd man out in New York. Swanson started 42 games at center for the Lions over the first four years of his NFL career, and at just 27 years old, he’s still in his prime.

Already Released

Jeff Allen G: Allen was released in July from the Texans with an injury settlement, and has went un-signed. The 6’4” 305 pound 28 year old guard had four seasons between the Chiefs and Texans, where he started at least 12 games, but injuries have always been an issue. If he’s cleared from concussion-like symptoms, and his ankles are fully healed, he could be an option at left guard.

Potential Trade Candidates

Shaq Lawson OLB Bills: The Bills may be looking to move on from Lawson after the 2016 first round pick has shown very little to this point in his NFL career. The team signed Trent Murphy this spring to start at EDGE, and Lawson may benefit greatly from a fresh start with a new team. He’s still on his rookie contract, and a new team could always pick up his fifth year option, guaranteeing another two years if they so desire. He’d likely cost a later-round draft pick if he was traded.

Menelik Watson G/T Broncos: Watson may be the odd man out in Denver, but his contract all but guarantees he’ll remain on the roster. One potential move is a trade to a team looking to find a starting right tackle or guard. The asking price shouldn’t be high, as Denver would probably be thrilled to have his guaranteed 2018 salary off the books. The team acquiring his services may ask for a re-structure prior to his signing, or require Denver to absorb some of his 2018 guarantee.

Should the Redskins be interested in any of these players, and if so, who?