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NFL Offseason Roadmap: Redskins

Jan 22, 2008 – 7:20 AM
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NFL Offseason Roadmap is a series focused on the needs of NFL teams as they begin the offseason.

The Washington Redskins just completed one of the most emotional seasons in their 75-year history. 2007 will always be remembered. Life, as they say, does go on ... so looking to 2008 is imperative.

1. Head Coach – Duh. Once Joe Gibbs retired, it has thrown up in the air what this team will look like in 2008. Gibbs wanted things one way -- his replacement may want them totally different. If Gregg Williams gets the gig, you'd expect the team to stay on the same track that Gibbs put them on. If they go outside the organization, who knows?

Also, if it is Williams then the Redskins need to find out a new defensive coordinator. Oh, and Al Saunders (if he sticks) won't have Gibbs to deal with when calling the game.

2. Salary Cap -- As we all know, the Redskins mess with the cap as much as any team. That being said, it is rumored that Washington is waaaay over the salary cap and will need to shave off the payroll. That means (a) cutting players and (b) reworking deals. Good thing Daniel Snyder is wealthy and likes to rework the deals. Guys like Clinton Portis, Chris Samuels, Jon Jansen and Marcus Washington may be willing to do this. Guys like Brandon Lloyd and Mark Brunell may be cut. Obviously, where these cuts come from will help determine what holes need to be addressed.

3. Quarterback – The Redskins have said that Jason Campbell is the future of this organization, and he still should be. However, there is a lot of uncertainty behind him. Todd Collins did an outstanding job as his replacement over the last month of the season. However, he is a free agent and it will be interesting how he approaches the free agency process. Needless to say, bringing him back would be great. Mark Brunell is a big pox on the payroll and doesn't have his biggest backer (Gibbs) around anymore. That would leave Washington with nothing behind Campbell.

4. Wide Receiver – Like everywhere else on this team, injuries played a big part here. However, they needed to bring in Reche Caldwell and Keenan McCardell just to have a squad. Both could be attractive to other teams for more money. Lloyd is most likely done in Washington and James Thrash may be asked to take on a bigger role on special teams. That means this turns into a priority in the offseason.

5. PlaymakerRock Cartwright was one of the NFC's top return men. He's a free agent and will most likely move on elsewhere. With the Redskins needing Antwaan Randle-El as their #2 receiver, they really can't have him being their primary returner.

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