The Washington Redskins have plenty of free agency decisions to make outside of the contract to Kirk Cousins. In need to re-tooling on defense, the team must also examine the futures of both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. Chances that both stay put come the start of free agency seem slim as the Redskins could be major players for a big name in the NFL Draft or the open market this offseason.
According to the Washington Post, the Redskins are looking for youth at the wide receiver group which could mean either Jackson or Garcon are released. The decision is not easy. Jackson is the best playmaker while Garcon is a franchise favorite despite his age. Both receivers are entering contract seasons and they will both turn 30 during the year. It is unclear who the favorite is and who is at risk of getting released. The Post believes at least one player will go after the rise of Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder. The Redskins will have to make the move prior to March 9 when free agency opens up.
One thing is clear, the Redskins are planning on targeting a younger, bigger receiver for 2016. The Post reports that while Washington would love to get in on the Alshon Jeffery sweepstakes, which is not happening. Instead, the team could look at players like Jermaine Kearse, Rishard Matthews or Travis Benjamin. The market will be filled with plenty of No.2 receivers and not a lot of No.1 guys. With Jeffery expected to stay put in Chicago, that leaves rotation guys for Washington to look at.
Could the NFL Draft be where the Redskins get a receiver addition? Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post believes the Redskins like a lot of talent in this year's draft class. Laquon Treadwell is the highest-rated available, but he will go early in the first round and the earliest the Redskins could make a selection is the second round at best. Instead, they could look at Will Fuller, Josh Doctson and Braxton Miller who will all be around at that time. Washington will remember that they did not select Crowder until the fourth round and he turned out to be a star.
The Redskins need cap space and releasing either Jackson or Garcon will help create that. With Cousins needing a new deal, the defensive line needing help and a running back addition getting targeted, the chances both receivers stay on is slim simply because of the money that gets created by releasing them.
