The Washington Redskins are coming off a comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are hopeful that sparks some momentum for the team as they are in desperate need of stringing together some victories. However, with the playoffs looking farther off than the team would like, the Redskins could be forced to make some tough decisions in the coming offseason with some of their biggest stars.
According to the Washington Journal's Mike Jones, the Redskins could be aiming to overhaul the wide receiver roster and Jackson's contract would be the first to go. The receiver is owed $9.2 million and cutting him would save the team $8 million in return. Since arriving in Washington DC, Jackson has played just 16 games for the team. He remains out with a hamstring injury this season and has not been seen since Week 1. The Redskins are frustrated and with the rise of younger players like Ryan Grant, Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed, Jackson is expendable.
Jackson is not the only player under fire for his future with the team. Alfred Morris is playing on an expiring deal and has not been consistent enough to get into the conversation of a contract extension. Prior to the start of the season, the Washington Post reported the Redskins were already in talks about a new deal for the running back, but this season has not gone as planned. Head coach Jay Gruden stressed the need to get the running back moving in order to win games.
"We've got to get Alfred going, no question about it," Gruden said, via the Washington Journal. "He didn't get many looks again yesterday. The last three weeks, like you said, have been rough outings for him. As far as the touches that he gets, they haven't been pretty. I still intend on using both of them though. I think Matt [Jones] does a great job of coming in here and giving you a different little flavor as far as the running backs. He's a little bit bigger. I think both of them will get their touches but we do have to get Alfred going. But we're not giving up on Alfred just because he's had three tough weeks in a row. But it's not all on Alfred obviously."
There is also an issue with the quarterback position. Robert Griffin III is set to earn a lot of money next season while he sits on the bench. Meanwhile, starter Kirk Cousins is playing on an expiring deal. The Redskins could be forced to give Cousins the franchise tag in order to retain both quarterbacks and re-tool the roster as well. Cousins can dictate how much money he earns in the coming year if he can get a few more wins on his resume.
