:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60831697/883343666.jpg.1534252505.jpg)
Scandrick got a $1m signing bonus from Washington when he signed. Not bad for an offseason of work and part of camp.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2018
The Redskins have released veteran corner Orlando Scandrick, a source confirmed. The NFL Network first reported the news. Scandrick was signed in the offseason and had worked as a starting corner opposite Josh Norman. The move signals two things: They... https://t.co/R74VJCJgwO
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 14, 2018
Orlando Scandrick was expected to play a key role for the Redskins. Jay Gruden had talked about the former Cowboy DB starting at boundary corner then moving inside in nickle coverage.
No details about the reasons for his release has been published yet, but doubtless Jay Gruden will face questions when he talks to the press ahead of this morning’s final training camp practice in Richmond.
According to John Keim’s initial report, “The move signals two things: They have confidence in second year Fabian Moreau to cover in the slot and in Quinton Dunbar to start opposite Norman. Also, they’ve been pleased with rookies Greg Stroman and Danny Johnson.” This could be a good sign for the Redskins young defensive backfield, and may signal growing confidence from coaches and front office staff.
Salary cap implications
Based on information published on OverTheCap, the Redskins will have a dead cap charge of $1m for the signing bonus Scandrick received, but the team will lighten the salary cap burden by more than $5.8m for the two years of Scandrick’s contract.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12002833/temp_Scandrick_OTC.jpg)
Signing Cowboy veterans
It has felt like an annual tradition in recent years for the Redskins to sign former Cowboys — especially those who were aging and had a history of injury. Perhaps the worst signing in recent times was Jason Hatcher, who played only two seasons of his 3-year contract, and didn’t play particularly well.
Scandrick was signed in an effort to provide some insurance at the CB position when the team traded Kendall Fuller to the Cheifs and allowed Bashaud Breeland to leave in free agency.
Many fans have been critical of the parade of Cowboys. They will doubtless be happy to see Scandrick gone, but are likely to be equally critical of the decision to pay a $1m bonus to a player who ultimately only lasted to the end of training camp.
The move gives Scandrick an opportunity to catch on with another team, and means that the Redskins will be relying on a lot of rookies to provide cornerback depth.
Updates on developing story
Jay Gruden at the podium now. Mentions Adonis Alexander, Danny Johnson and the emergence of Moreau at nickel factored into the decision to release Scandrick so he can find a new team before the season starts. #Redskins
— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) August 14, 2018
Gruden to the podium. He confirms the team has released veteran DB Orlando Scandrick. They’ve seen enough from the young guys to feel confident with who they have, especially Moreau at nickel. They need to get him reps, hence releasing Scandrick now.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) August 14, 2018
Jay says this had nothing to do with Scandrick’s play. They want to give him ample time to find a new team, but this has to do with the guys they drafted (Stroman, Alexander) and the emergence of UDFA Danny Johnson.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) August 14, 2018
: #Redskins HC Jay Gruden on decision to release Orlando Scandrick pic.twitter.com/FS5CPHzYTg
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) August 14, 2018
Jay Gruden high on #Redskins' young players: We have great confidence that @fabianmoreau10 knows what to do.
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) August 14, 2018
Will #Redskins sign another free-agent CB?
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) August 14, 2018
Jay Gruden: "We're going to go with what we have. We may sign another here shortly..."
Gruden: No one predicted how well Danny Johnson and Ranthony Texada would play. #Redskins
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 14, 2018
Gruden said Josh Holsey is part of this grand plan with the corners, but looks like he'll be on the PUP for the start of the season.
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 14, 2018
Gruden also said they're good with the corners they have, but could add another via free agency. #Redskins
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) August 14, 2018
Gruden implies the #Redskins could look at signing another CB but says they like who they have.
— Adam Zielonka (@Adam_Zielonka) August 14, 2018
Joshua Holsey will most likely start the season on the PUP list.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 14, 2018
Based on reports by @CraigHoffman , @JPFinlayNBCS & others - Orlando Scandrick wasn't happy with the #Redskins so that's part of the reason (most of?) they let him go. They should probably avoid signing #Cowboys free agents. Scandrick, Terrell McClain, Tashard Choice, etc.
— Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) August 14, 2018