The Washington Redskins haven't been scared to swing for the fences in free agency in the past, but this offseason has looked a little different with Ron Rivera now in charge. Washington did make a run at Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper, but apart from that, the team has spent its time signing several unheralded players in this free agency class. While the Redskins haven't recorded a winning season since 2016, Rivera and former head coach Jay Gruden have done a nice job acquiring young talent -- players that can make a difference for this team while still on their rookie contracts.
The Redskins have a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, two pass-rushers and a linebacker on rookie contracts who all have the potential to evolve into very good players in this league. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers found themselves in the Super Bowl last season after being led through the playoffs by their young players. No one will claim the Redskins are ready to take that step yet, but young talent often determines the upside of a team as a whole.
You'll find a number of salary cap bargains on every NFL roster. Typically, these players are on their rookie contracts, but sometimes they are signed in free agency to one-year prove-it deals. Below, we will examine the Redskins' roster to pinpoint the five players who present the biggest "value" for the franchise from a salary cap standpoint. We will be referencing Over The Cap for all cap numbers -- using each player's 2020 cap hit and ranking them from cheapest to most expensive.
1. WR Terry McLaurin
2020 salary cap hit: $932,256
During McLaurin's rookie season in the NFL, he recorded 218 more receiving yards than he did as a senior on one of the best college football teams in the country. When McLaurin was selected by the Redskins in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, many thought he would be a great special teams player who could come in, work hard, run clean routes and had already-established chemistry with new Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins. McLaurin did much more than that during his rookie year, as he quickly evolved into a star on this young offense.
In the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, McLaurin caught five passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. He would build on that first game, scoring four touchdowns over the next four games. McLaurin was probably the lone, consistent bright spot on the Redskins' offense in 2019, and the player Rivera will want to work through during his first season in Washington.
Whether it was making tough sideline catches, getting open during a broken play or just creating something special after the catch, McLaurin really looked like the full package during his rookie season. Questions may still remain concerning the quarterback position, but this kid has the ability to make anyone look good. Rivera better try and get the most out of McLaurin on his rookie contract.
2. LB Cole Holcomb
2020 salary cap hit: $733,721
Holcomb proved he was a legitimate starter during his rookie season with the Redskins. The former UNC walk-on and fifth-round pick recorded 105 combined tackles in 16 games played, which ranked second on the team behind three-time Pro Bowler Landon Collins. His 105 tackles were second among all rookies and his 74 solo tackles ranked first among all rookies. Holcomb is one player you have to give Gruden credit for finding, as he was quick to let everyone know following the 2019 NFL Draft that he had secured a legitimate NFL player.
Holcomb wasn't as great in pass coverage as you would hope your middle linebacker would be, but he definitely made up for it in the run game. Earlier this offseason, Rivera even compared Holcomb to Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, who played in several different roles over the past couple of seasons. With the Redskins moving from a 3-4 base defense to a 4-3, it will be interesting to see where Holcomb starts in 2020. Wherever that is, Washington found yet another diamond in the rough who may lead the team in tackles this season.
3. WR Steven Sims
2020 salary cap hit: $680,000
The Redskins thought they had found a starting slot receiver in Trey Quinn, but Sims stole the spotlight towards the end of his rookie season. Originally undrafted out of Kansas, the Redskins took a flier on the small speedster, and it paid dividends. During his collegiate career, Sims was known for his versatility, quickness and ability to make defenders miss. Not many thought those skills would transfer to the next level, but as he began to receive touches, it became hard to take your eyes off of him.
Entering Washington's Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots, Sims had caught just three passes and rushed three times, but he flashed his versatility by taking a reverse 65 yards down the field for the Redskins' only touchdown of the game. Sims then got some chances at returning kicks, and recorded a ridiculous, Deion Sanders-like touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
Sims appeared to be quite a find as a gimmick or special teams player, but he proved he was more than that during the last three games of the season. Sims started in two out of the Redskins' last three matchups and caught 16 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns. His overall stats may not scream Pro Bowler, but he was one of the most exciting players on the field last year for the Redskins -- a true diamond in the rough. According to Pro Football Focus, Sims was targeted on 24.4 percent of his routes in 2019, which was the seventh most among wide receivers last year. He found ways to get open, was an electric returner and ran clean, crisp routes. Anyone would love to have a player like this on their roster for less than $700,000.
4. CB Aaron Colvin
2020 salary cap hit: $887,500
Colvin will probably be the most surprising name on this list, but let me explain why he is a bit of a steal for the Redskins. It wasn't long ago when the Houston Texans inked Colvin to a four-year, $34 million contract. He spent the 2018 season in Houston and then played just one game last year before being released. In the season opener against the New Orleans Saints, Colvin allowed two second-half touchdowns, which helped the Saints pull off a thrilling comeback victory. In the final two minutes of the game, Colvin also allowed a reception to Ted Ginn Jr. which helped set up the Saints for their game-winning field goal. Less than 24 hours later, Colvin was a free agent.
The former fourth-round pick then signed with the Redskins -- who were struggling at the cornerback position -- and recorded 10 combined tackles and one pass defensed in six games including two starts. While he was pretty bad with the Texans, Colvin was actually a decent defender during his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He re-signed with the Redskins earlier this offseason, which was an underrated move considering the cornerback position still appears to be a liability in Washington. Fabian Moreau and Kendall Fuller are decent cornerbacks, but I don't think anyone is thrilled about the prospect of them being Washington's top two corners. I'd like the Redskins to go out and sign another veteran cornerback before the regular season, but I'm glad Colvin is back on roster -- especially at that price.
5. DE Montez Sweat
2020 salary cap hit: $2,645,741
If there's one thing the Redskins have done correctly over the past few seasons, it's how they have drafted talented defensive linemen in the first round. The Redskins changing to a 4-3 base defense is going to benefit Sweat in a big way. During his two seasons in a 4-3 at Mississippi State, Sweat recorded 22.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. In his senior season, he was a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC.
Sweat recorded 50 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, 13 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles during his rookie season, which is not bad considering he was playing out of position in a way. I compare Sweat to Jadeveon Clowney, since he had to begin his career as a 3-4 pass rusher instead of a 4-3 end. Sweat was born to do one thing and that's to get after the quarterback. Now that it's his only job, expect him to find much more success than he did as a rookie who sometimes had to play in a two-point stance. Enjoy that salary while you can, because I believe he will be due for a big pay day at some point.
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Ranking Redskins' five biggest 2020 salary cap bargains: Washington finds great value on both sides of ball - CBS Sports
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