In 2015, the Washington Redskins had a bit of a surprising year in which they seemingly passed everyone's expectations.
They have the opportunity to do so again in 2016, but there are a few players on the roster that are holding them back. It's not necessarily because of their ability; it's more about their large cap hits. If Redskins' general manager Scott McCloughan has any tricks up his sleeve, he may want to part with some of these players in the offseason. Here's a list of players Washington needs to either cut or simply not re-sign.
1. Robert Griffin III
It's blatantly obvious that the Redskins are going to part with Robert Griffin this offseason. Griffin was inactive for the entire season, and Kirk Cousins emerged as Washington's quarterback of the future. If Washington cuts Griffin, they save $16.155 million in cap space, and they don't leave any amount of dead money. It's a no-brainer. Griffin is done in Washington. But the thing to keep an eye on is whether or not Griffin has any sort of trade value. The Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles have all expressed interest in Griffin. Would they be willing to offer the Redskins something in return?
Andre Roberts just hasn't produced enough as a Washington Redskin to warrant another season.
2. Andre Roberts
Even if Andre Roberts hadn't been placed on the injured reserve list in December with a knee injury, this likely would have been his last year with the Redskins. Signed to a four-year, $16 million deal in 2014, Roberts was expected to, at the very least, stick around as a slot receiver. He has been far from productive. In his two seasons as a Redskin, Roberts has just 588 yards and two touchdowns, a far cry from his production as an Arizona Cardinal. With the emergence of Ryan Grant, who could see a larger role next season, and will play on a cheaper deal, it only makes sense for the Redskins to cut ties with Roberts. If Washington waits until after June 1 to cut Roberts, they leave $1 million on the table in dead money, but save $4 million in cap space.
3. Either DeSean Jackson or Pierre Garcon
It's hard to believe, but it makes sense for the Redskins to part with either DeSean Jackson or Pierre Garcon. Between the two, the Redskins have $19.425 million in cap space tied up in them. So, who is the more likely candidate for a cut? It's probably Jackson. Not only is Jackson a bit unreliable in the durability department, but he also provides Washington with a bit more savings if they decide to part with him. If Washington waits until after June 1, they save $8 million in cap space, and have only $1.25 million in dead money (Garcon also saves the Redskins $8 million in cap space, but leaves $2.2 million in dead money). When the two were on the field together, Garcon was the more reliable target. He's a possession receiver, and he's pretty great at being a possession receiver. Jackson is more of the deep threat, but could the Redskins possibly find a better deep threat option than Jackson if they look toward free agency, or even possibly look for a trade?
4. Alfred Morris
Heading into the 2015 season, you never would have guessed Alfred Morris would have essentially taken a backseat in the Redskins' offense. Morris is coming off of his least-productive season of his career, rushing for just 751 yards and a single touchdown. His carries dropped from 265 in 2014 to 202 this season. The runningbacks that seem to succeed in Jay Gruden's offense seem to have the ability to catch a pass out of the backfield. That's not really Morris' style. It just seems more likely that a guy like Matt Jones will find way more success with the Redskins next season than Morris. Morris is set to hit free agency this offseason. And as one of the better backs to hit free agency at the prime age of 27, he may field better offers for teams outside of Washington.
5. Perry Riley Jr.
A decision has to be made on Perry Riley: Do the Redskins see Riley as their starting linebacker next year, or would they rather have Mason Foster or Keenan Robinson in the position? Of the three listed linebackers, only Riley is signed on for next season. With Will Compton emerging as a pleasant surprise (and, as an exclusive-rights free agent, the Redskins will certainly return him), Washington's inside linebacking unit became a little crowded this season. Mason Foster emerged as the team's late-season starting option when Riley went down for the final six games of the Redskins' season. Would Washington rather cut Riley to save $4 million in cap space and re-sign Mason Foster to an extension at a likely cheaper cost?
Would the Washington Redskins rather keep one of their upcoming free agents as a middle linebacker over Perry Riley Jr.?
6. Will Blackmon
It's going to be tough, but Washington is probably better off not bringing back Will Blackmon. He's set to become a free agent this offseason, and while he had a great year in Washington this season, the Redskins' cornerback corps are just too deep with Blackmon's inclusion. This is more for his own good than the Redskins', because obviously Washington would love to return him. When Chris Culliver went down with a torn ACL and MCL, it was Blackmon who stepped up and filled the void, and he did a really solid job. He did a good enough job that, even at 31, he may have proven he can step in as a starting corner for any number of teams. If he's looking for a pay raise, he needs to look elsewhere.
All cap information provided by overthecap.com
Tommy Chalk writes about the NFL and NHL for FOX Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_Chalk
