The Washington Redskins could be in for some major changes in 2015 with Scot McCloughan taking over as GM, as names like Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Cecil Shorts and Michael Crabtree could be potential free agent targets and this comes as the team may consider a trade with Kirk Cousins over Robert Griffin III, as the general manager said RG3 just needs more time to develop.
The Redskins likely will be targeting free agents this offseason, as they finished last in the NFC East division again and need to improve. Pro Football Talk reports that CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco writes that Gore could be a prime target for the Redskins, as they need a backup for Alfred Morris and new general manager Scot McCloughan has ties to Gore. McCloughan was the one to draft Gore in San Francisco and he has had high praise for the back in the past.
According to ESPN.com, Adam Schefter writes that Kirk Cousins could be a trade target this offseason for teams in need of a QB. Cousins wants the chance to start and with McCloughan supporting RG3 this offseason, there is a good chance he could get moved. Cousins was up and down last season, playing in six games and passing for 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions for 1710 yards.
Griffin has been described as "different" and "unique" when it comes to most professional football players and that could be one reason why he is criticized so much. But comments like the ones he made in that recent interview and earlier in the season also are issues, as they sometimes directly go at the coaching staff or other players, deflecting blame from Griffin. Many have said that quarterbacks should not go about things that way and Griffin has done that multiple times, seemingly blaming injuries and coaches decisions for his performance.
The 49ers may look at keeping Gore, but there is a good chance that he will be allowed to leave in free agency. The team has Carlos Hyde after drafting him last year and the Niners appear ready to let him take over as the starter. The Redskins are likely to go after Gore pretty hard, as he has connections to the front office with McCloughan and have a need at running back behind Alfred Morris.
Vernon 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.
The Niners come into the year after going 8-8 last season and now they have a new head coach in Jim Tomsula, who takes over for Jim Harbaugh. The Niners opted to part ways with Harbaugh after this past season and he now is with Michigan after winning 44 games in four years and that means Tomsula will have some big shoes to fill.
