Deone Bucannon is a Free Agent - Should the Redskins be Looking His Way?

It’s no secret that the Redskins have a “culture problem”...oh, but wait - do they?

If there indeed is a culture problem, we all know that starts from the top and has a trickle down effect. So yes, the players in that locker room either directly or indirectly contribute to that culture problem.

A change in coaches has already happened, and more is expected when the season ends. Obviously, new players will be added in the offseason via the draft and free agency, but it’s not too early to begin improving that culture from a player standpoint.

The Buccaneers recently released hybrid linebacker/defensive back Deone Bucannon early this week. Now, before you go screaming about the Tampa Connection, remember, Bucannon was a Cardinal from 2014-2018, and came over to Tampa as a free agent to be reunited with his former head coach Bruce Ariens. He was not a good fit in the Bucs defense, and found himself on the bench with basically zero playing time.

The Redskins have issues covering running backs and tight ends from their linebacker positions. Part of this is the scheme defensive coordinator Greg Manusky uses, where you often see EDGE defenders matched up against backs. But, it’s not just the scheme. Rookie Cole Holcomb, for as good as he’s been against the run, is equally as bad in coverage. He’s rated near the bottom of all qualifying linebackers in coverage for 2019 per Pro Football Focus.

Where Bucannon can help is in nickle. He can play as that hybrid linebacker/safety that the Redskins were hoping they’d have when they spent a high draft pick on Su’a Cravens. Over the first five years of his career, the now 27 year old former first round pick has 404 combined tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, seven forced fumbles, 12 passes defended and two interceptions. His speed and instincts are his best assets, and he could help the Redskins in a variety of ways on a defense that has been abused by the pass over five games.

Bucannon is said to be a high character guy both on and off the field, and is considered to be a vocal leader on the defense.