The Redskins have been incredibly active since free agency started, but not as active as most people were speculating. Instead the Beagles went the way of the past Redskins and signed every old big-name player on the market.
Instead of over-paying for a 30+ corner we got a solid better-valued one in Josh Wilson (arguable the Ravens best corner last year in their 3-4).
Packers DL Cullen Jenkins (aged 31) wanted 40 million but we got Cowboys DE Stephen Bowen (Age 27 and their best past rusher last year).
49ers NT Aubrayo Franklin (age 31) wanted 10 million a year but we got the Giants tackle Barry Cofield (age 27 and pivotal to the Giants D last year) to be our NT at a mere 5 million a year.
Instead of bringing in a guy that doesnt know our system on the O-line, like Max Starks or Harvey Dahl we re-signed Jamaal Brown (a young former pro bowler who progressed throughout the year).
Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards were also both rumored to be a big interest of ours and wanted 50 million+ but what did we do? Re-signed our heart and soul Santana Moss at a fraction, keeping with our continuity. We also traded dead weight that didn't fit the system in Jeremy Jarmon to the Broncos and got a solid #2 Receiver in Jabar Gaffney.
We traded the pick we got for Haynesworth to the Cardinals for their productive tailback in Tim Hightower (23 TDs in the last 3 years, great blocker, and a local DC guy) and gave them an aging defender who would have been cut anyway. Why did we trade for a RB when we have so many you ask? I'll break it down for you. Ryan Torrain is the projected starter, and he gets injured A LOT. He won't make it through a full season and isn't really all that good at blocking. Behind Torrain is a list of unproven rookies and practice squad regulars. Hightower is a GREAT blocking back, and a TD scoring machine, and is young and "Team-first." THATS WHY!
We also brought in former Patriot and Bengal Shayne Graham to push Gano in camp. Graham was solid for Cincy in 7 years before getting fired for missing one long FG in the playoffs (yeah the kicker was at fault for Cincy sucking for 47 years).
Don't forget we picked a couple of O-lineman in the draft last year that have been training, studying, and learning to play this year (Selvish Capers and Erik Cook).
Shanahan and Bruce have done exactly what we have been waiting for since the 80s. Build the team through the draft, smart late-round trades, young signings, and competition at every position. Our average age went down almost 6 years in a week! We got rid of the headaches in Mcnabb and Fat Albert, and even got some value! We also cut some aging veterans that were fan favorites but had to go. We brought in a great collection of guys that play for the team and not for stats. Also, getting players from division rivals is just icing man. You know Bowen can't wait to sack Romo, and Coffield can't wait to get at Eli. Wilson is a HUGE upgrade over Rogers and he can catch a ball!!
We have finally taken the necessary steps to heading towards a competitive team. I loved our draft, I think it was one of the best we have had, and it addressed almost every need we had. The other needs were worked out with free agents and we didn't over pay for anybody for the first time in 12 years! I'm excited for the year, we aren't gonna win the super bowl, but we will be in contention for the wildcard at some point. I believe we end up around 8-8 and if a few things go our way possibly 9-7. I think we will miss the playoffs but the improvements will be quite evident, and the following season we will be in the playoffs for sure. Don't short-change Beck!
