The Washington Redskins opened up free agency with some small moves and now some targets for the team could be Darren Sproles, Corey Graham, Cortland Finnegan, Champ Bailey, Mike Mitchell and Captain Munnerlyn as the spring moves on, as the team has some more cap space than in the past two off-seasons and they still could spend.
The Redskins came into the offseason with approximately $20 million in space and they started off with re-signing Santana Moss along with Perry Riley and they added a number of new players as well. According to ESPN.com, the team signed Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts, Browns guard Shawn Lauvao and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Adam Hayward and they also are looking at both defensive end Antonio Smith and corner Corey Graham. The Redskins came into the offseason with needs at a number of positions, including wide receiver and cornerback and adding Roberts takes care of one of those, while the team is also looking to Graham in the backfield.
There are a number of cornerbacks and defensive backs on the market that the team could look to, including Cortland Finnegan, Champ Bailey, Mike Mitchell and Captain Munnerlyn. The Washington Post identified Mitchell and Munnerlyn as likely options for the Redskins and while they may not have money to spend on a bigger name like Byrd, they should be able to sign a number of players with the space they have, including Graham. The team has focused in on Graham as a good option over a player like Darrelle Revis, as he likely will be a cheaper number after being a Pro Bowler back in 2011. Graham played for the Ravens last season and previously was with the Chicago Bears and he has good size and speed and can play in the nickel as well.
Roberts is a solid addition for the offense as Jay Gruden takes over, as he can be a solid second or third option with Santana Moss behind Pierre Garcon and that was a major need for the team coming off of last season. The Redskins are hoping that Roberts will play like he did in 2012, when he had 64 catches for 759 yards and five touchdowns and not last season when he dropped to just 43 catches, but that was more about him getting utilized less with the Cards this season. Lauvao was signed to a four year deal and he comes in after starting over 40 games during his time with the Browns and after the way the Redskins dealt with issues on the offensive line last season, this is a good move for the team.
Darren Sproles could be a potential option for the team as well and he is looking like he will be released or traded by the Saints. The Redskins offense with Gruden coming in could get blown wide open with a player like Sproles, as he can be a huge threat in the passing game. On top of that, Sproles is an ace returner and he could help the Redskins on special teams. The Redskins were terrible last season and with Robert Griffin III coming back to take over the starting job, the team should look to the offense.
