The Washington Redskins may target players like Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati from the 49ers in free agency this offseason and this comes as RG3 was named the starter for Jay Gruden and that could lead to a trade with Kirk Cousins if Gruden wants to move Robert Griffin III's backup.
The Redskins are coming into the offseason after another tough season and once again they have a number of moves they need to make to improve. Griffin has been getting tons of criticism and with Mike Shanahan talking about his tenure with the team, even more headlines have come out about the Redskins performance over the past couple seasons. Gruden named Griffin the starter already and while some have said the move is about confidence, it is just another winter in Washington.
Either way, it's clear that the team is planning on sticking with Griffin until they can't anymore and that may lead to a deal with Cousins. Cousins reportedly wants a chance to compete to start and clearly he didn't getting that in Washington. The Browns, Jets, Bills or the Titans could be interested in Cousins if the team makes a move. According to CSN Bay Area, Frank Gore could be a potential target for the Redskins, as former Niners GM Scot McCloughan is now in Washington.
The report says that McCloughan has praised Gore quite a bit in the past and he could look at signing Gore. The 49ers have expressed interest in keeping Gore, but they have not shown that love to Gore yet, as he took to social media to complain about it. Gore could be a perfect fit for the Redskins, as they need a solid backup for Alfred Morris. Michael Crabtree is another potential target if he doesn't return, while the Niners are expected to cut Vernon Davis after a disappointing season.
Last season Gore had another strong season, rushing for over 1106 yards, making it four straight seasons of at least 1000 yards for the back. Gore has been as consistent as anyone in the league during his career and in the past four years he has not missed a single game. Davis is another potential target for the Redskins, as he is likely to get released by the Niners this offseason as a salary cap casualty. Davis is a top tight end talent wise, but he dealt with various injuries this season and was not very productive. Davis is making over four million and could get released and Washington could be a potential fit. Davis went to Maryland for college and Washington may want to add another TE behind Niles Paul and Jordan Reed.
According to ESPN.com, Davis and Ahmad Brooks could be salary cap casualties this offseason, as both are coming off of disappointing years. Crabtree also could be allowed to walk, as he is coming in after making 68 catches for 698 yards, a major drop-off from his best season two years ago when he had over 80 catches and 1100 yards.