February 27-- Free Agency Expectations

As free agency begins here are a few of my expectations…

At Safety: Unbelievably Adam Archuletta is expected to be back.. After a season where he was benched in favor of anyone and everyone at strong safety I thought it would be an untenable deal that would force the Skins to cut their losses, but Joe Gibbs said during the combine he expects him back so expect a redefined role for Archuletta where he is used as a hybrid linebacker and less as a cover man.. The cap cost of nearly 9 million whether it be on this year’s cap or the substantial porition on next year’s seems to be the only reason why the team isn’t allowing Adam to leave..
Pierson Prioleau, if healthy by camp likely vies for the starting SS spot.. The team is expected to re-sign Vernon Fox who was a special teams standout, but he is a free agent..

At CB: If Shawn Springs does not restructure his contract he will be released to make cap space.. if he does, he will return and automatically be the starter opposite Carlos Rogers unless his health becomes a problem again.. The release could come early as the team could use an exemption to defer the bulk of his cap charge to the ’08 cap or they could wait until June first..
I expect the team to make a run at Bills CB Nate Clements who will receive the highest free agent contract for that position.. If Clements does come to Washington, I expect Springs to definitively be released at some point.. If the team does not secure Clements and they will have competition, Fred Smoot, if released by the Vikings could be a candidate to return, at the right price though..

LB: Bills LB London Fletcher will be on the plane at 12:01 and will be the new middle linebacker of the Redskins.. I expect Lemar Marshall to be used as a reserve and potentially a starter at weak side if Rocky McIntosh does not impress in camp.. Both will play significant amounts this year..

DL: The Redskins will use the 6th overall pick on a D-lineman, if it is an end, say Gaines Adams from Clemson or Jamal Anderson from Arkansas then either Renaldo Wynn or Phillip Daniels who both carry larger cap charges for what would be reserve roles would be in danger of being released, both likely will be approached to restructure.. If the team selects a DT such as Alan Branch from Michigan, Wynn and Daniels would likely be safe on the roster but still asked to restructure, both have health issues and age issues, but both are very well liked by the organization.. My hope is the Skins go with Branch but as long as they go D-line, to me a necessity for now and the future is a prudent move in my mind..

TE: Christian Fauria will not be a Redskin this year this a pass catching/blocking compliment to Chris Cooley will be a target in free agency and should not be expensive..

WR: Brandon Lloyd will return for his second season in DC, the team in my opinion could use a complimentary receiver at the #2 spot but won’t break the bank for it.. If they sign someone at the right price, Lloyd likely won’t be happy about the potential diminished playing time..
WR David Patten will likely be released sooner rather then later for cap space..

RB: set with Clinton Portis, Rock Cartwright and Ladell Betts, I expect no changes..

OL: The team wants to resign guard Derrick Dockery but he isn’t giving them a hometown discount.. Dockery is not the only guard about to hit the market, we will see what his true market value is.. The Skins have shunned giving their own market value deals in the past, odd considering they overpay for others.. if Dockery goes elsewhere, the team will be active in the market for a new guard potentially Luke Petitgout who can play both guard and tackle and AZ monster Leonard Davis.. The team would also like to retain free agent tackle Todd Wade but he will likely receive more money on the open market.. Jim Molinaro has not received a qualifying offer and will only be retained at the league minimum, a distinct possibility..

QB: Mark Brunell must restructure his deal to remain the team’s back-up.. He if does, he’ll be here at least one more year.. If he doesn’t, the team will likely ensure Todd Collins stays as the primary back-up then chase a free agent to be the number 3 or draft a lower round project.. With Jason Campbell starting, the team can take it’s time grooming a young player if they choose…

K: I expect John Hall to be released to save cap room and Shaun Suisham to be the primary kicker with competition from a young kicker in camp..

P: Derrick frost will receive a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent and the team believes they won’t face stern competition to keep him.. I expect him to stay as well..

Bottom line, outside of Fletcher and possibly Clements, I don’t expect the signings by the Skins to be major.. Essentially, building with their core seems the tact of the team based on limited cap room and limited options in free agency.. A veteran O-lineman will have to be signed to be a Dockery replacement if he leaves.. I expect another veteran or two to be inked to be as a back-up swing player.. Corner is a spot to watch as well if Shawn Springs is released and even if he comes back and they don’t land Clements.. The team needs depth there..