The Washington Redskins have other free agency needs outside of getting a contract done for Kirk Cousins. While questions remain over whether or not DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon will return in 2016, even bigger questions remain over who will be the starting running back next year. Last season proved the Redskins and Cousins play better when the run game is productive. As Alfred Morris hits free agency, who could replace him?
While Morris has made it clear that he would like to return to the Washington Redskins, the chances of that happening are slim to none. According to Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com, the Redskins do not plan on re-signing Morris after an inconsistent 2015 hurt his value. The running back has not been the same player he was since his first two seasons in the league. Last year he put up just 751 yards and one touchdowns as his stats continue to get progressively worse. While head coach Jay Gruden tried to remain in the running back's corner, the Redskins need to move on.
The team has some flexibility in what they can do for 2016. The team has 22-year-old Matt Jones who is coming a nice rookie season. Jones has shown signs of being a workhorse running back, but the Redskins cannot fully rely on him. If the team is willing to spend a little money, adding a veteran like Matt Forte or even Arian Foster could be productive. With Jones having plenty of potential, giving him a veteran to learn from could be good for long-term success. Neither Forte nor Foster would need to worry about carrying a full load anymore while still making an impact on the field.
The Redskins could look to the NFL Draft for help. The team would be in position to draft players like Ezekiel Elliott, Derrick Henry or Kenneth Dixon. However, that would give them a young tandem behind Cousins. With Jones having just one season under his belt in the league, that might not be the ideal move to make. However, it would be cheaper than signing a free agent.
With the running back position needing attention, so do the contracts of Jackson and Garcon. According to the Washington Post, getting a top receiver in the NFL Draft is a priority for the Redskins meaning at least one of the veterans could be seeing the open market this offseason. Jackson is the better receiver while Garcon is the favored veteran. In terms of money, cutting Garcon saves the Redskins more, but the front office has never fully been in Jackson's corner since his arrival. This will be a tough call to make.
