Over the years, the Washington Football Team has made splashy signings in free agency, but many of those players never performed to the level expected. Fans often grow impatient with free agents early on because of the past performances from signings such as DL Albert Haynesworth, S Adam Archuleta, CB Deion Sanders, and CB Josh Norman. The past names have raised concerns every time Dan Snyder decides to open his checkbook and make a splash signing. Not all Washington free agent signings have failed, however. Several have worked out in WR’s Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, LB London Fletcher, and CB DeAngelo Hall.
The narrative among football fans is star players sign with Washington for one last great paycheck or for some players who want to play closer to home.
As the 2020 season concludes, Washington may have established themselves as a legit landing spot for top tier free agents. A new possibility for players who can’t wait to add themselves to a top-ranked defense or offensive free agents may think they are the missing piece to a struggling offense. A first-round wildcard exit to Tampa Bay where football fans witnessed a hard fighting Washington Football Team opened the eyes of many who may now see this group as a contender who’s Super Bowl window may be opening up with a few additions in March.
Washington is in the top 5 in estimated cap space and should be targeting some big pieces to move forward. In the 2020 free agency period under then newly acquired Head Coach Ron Rivera, Washington played it safe with many prove-it deals. It saw some success from TE Logan Thomas, RB JD Mckissic, and CB Ronald Darby. Those players all emerged as key pieces.
Looking ahead to 2021 free agency, many questions are on the board, and the money is available to be aggressive. Washington is also addressing their open General Manager position which could play a role in the direction the team takes via free agency. The team will also have to figure out what they will do with quarterback Taylor Heinicke who burst on the scene in a valiant effort against the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. The former Old Dominion player is a restricted free agent, but after last week’s performance, there surely will be some in Washington’s building wanting him to have a chance to compete for the starting job in 2021.
After a brief playoff appearance, fans will now have to wait and see how Washington can make themselves better for the 2021 season.