{"id":40832,"date":"2018-03-23T13:11:50","date_gmt":"2018-03-23T17:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=40832"},"modified":"2022-02-02T18:47:50","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T23:47:50","slug":"40832","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/03\/23\/40832\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Key Players the Washington Redskins Need To Keep"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington Redskins<\/a> enter the second week of NFL free agency with a slightly new look.\u00a0Players the Redskins have added include a veteran cornerback, an unknown punter, and a highly regarded wide receiver.\u00a0On the first day of free agency, the front office traded for a franchise quarterback and sent a talented cornerback along with a draft pick in\u00a0that exchange\u00a0which had been planned for six weeks. Before the NFL Draft in April, the Washington needs to zero in on three franchise players the organization needs to retain. Securing these key team members is a must for the future.<\/p>\n

Washington Redskins Should Keep These Three Key Players<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Preston Smith<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Preston Smith<\/strong> <\/a>is an outside linebacker who specializes in rushing the opposing quarterback and can play on the line in certain packages.\u00a0The Mississippi State product has been a force for the Redskins since he was drafted in 2015.\u00a0Extending\u00a0Smith with a new contract this off-season should be of the highest priority.\u00a0In his first season Smith led\u00a0all rookie’s with eight sacks\u00a0and his motor has been non-stop ever since. His versatility and athleticism certainly warrants a new contract very soon.\u00a0Smith\u2019s extension should be a high priority before training camp opens.<\/p>\n

Brandon Scherff<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Brandon Scherff<\/strong> <\/a>was drafted by the Redskins in the first round of the 2015 draft and was regarded as the best offensive line prospect that season.\u00a0He started at right guard to begin his rookie season and has been there ever since.\u00a0 First-round\u00a0draft picks\u00a0are signed to five-year deals and Scherff is entering only his fourth season in the NFL,\u00a0so while the Redskins can\u00a0possibly wait a year, the team must realize that extending Smith now and Scherff next off-season will be costly.\u00a0But the organization needs to try to keep both players, if they can.<\/p>\n

Jamison Crowder<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Another player\u00a0who\u00a0Washington should try to extend this off-season\u00a0is Jamison Crowder<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 Yes, Crowder did have something of a slump during the 2017 season.\u00a0However, it is likely that he rebounds in 2018 with a healthy offensive line and a newly added\u00a0quarterback who\u00a0had the highest quarterback rating in\u00a02017.<\/p>\n

The deal for Crowder will likely be reasonable and affordable, but putting if off\u00a0until 2019 is not a positive step.\u00a0Crowder had a sensational rookie campaign and it is likely he sees a lot of action and catches this coming season.\u00a0Redskins fans may not like the idea of extending him, but this slot receiver is still worth a new contract.<\/p>\n

Other Free Agents<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are several other remaining free agents the Redskins should try to retain\u00a0as well.\u00a0In 2017, Junior Galette<\/strong> <\/a>regained some of his old form after being injured for two straight years.\u00a0Washington should sign him to a new two or three year contract. Team president Bruce Allen<\/strong> should also entertain the idea of bringing back talented corner Bashaud Breeland<\/strong><\/a> after he failed a physical with the Carolina Panthers<\/a>.\u00a0 The contract should be structured to include an injury clause and should be for no more than three years.\u00a0In addition, Chris Carter<\/strong> and Zach Vigil <\/strong>should also be signed.\u00a0All of these players can be signed to fair contracts and work from a salary cap perspective.<\/p>\n

Smith and Crowder are\u00a0the priorities in 2018, while Scherff should be the focus in 2019.\u00a0 The first domino to fall should be Smith and the sooner, the better.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>