Free Agency: Washington Redskins History

Free Agency: Top Busts

Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, came to the Redskins at the age of 32. After being released by the Dallas Cowboys, the once electrifying return man and shut down cornerback, was signed by the Redskins to a 7 year/ $55 million dollar contract in 2000. Sanders accumulated 4 interceptions in 2000. That was his only real contribution to the team. Sanders abruptly retiring following the season. In effect, making his seven-year contract an error in all areas.

Jeff George, a journeyman quarterback, was brought aboard by Daniel Snyder in 2000. Brad Johnson was the perceived starter, as George was to be the back-up. However, George received a four-year $18.25 million contract. George, over two seasons, started seven games and won only one. George tossed seven touchdowns and nine interceptions during his time with Washington, which ended after an 0-2 start in 2001.

Adam Archuleta became the highest-paid safety in the NFL when Snyder handed him a six-year, $30 million contract in 2006. More of a run stopper than an asset in coverage during his time in St. Louis, Archuleta made his best plays near the line of scrimmage. But by the time he was being paid by Washington, Archuleta’s prime had passed. With only 60 tackles in 2006, Archuleta only lasted one season with the Redskins and was not even in the league in 2008. The worst part of this signing was the organization deeming safety Ryan Clark expendable. Clark went to Pittsburgh where he flourished.

Paul Richardson signed a five-year $40 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2018. His numbers over the past two seasons do not equate to the money he is being paid. In his ten starts, Richardson had 48 receptions and 507 yards to go along with 4 touchdowns. His injury history and career production did not point to a player that will help a franchise reach the success they are striving for. Richardson’s recent release creates a $2.5 million saving in the salary cap. Just another player not living up to the money they were receiving.

The Worst

Albert Haynesworth is probably the worst free-agent signing in the history of the franchise. The defensive tackle received a staggering seven-year, $100 million contract. In return, the Redskins got 20 games, 53 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a total lack of effort. In addition, Haynesworth received a then-record, $41 million guaranteed. Without a doubt, the worst money spent by Snyder in free agency. Perhaps the worst in free-agent signing history, period.

Honorable Mention

These are some other free-agency signings that could also be on the list as busts.

Bruce Smith, at age 37, received a five-year $25 million dollar contract in 2000. Although Smith had 58 tackles and 10 sacks his first year, he never again hit double digits in sacks again. Overall, his numbers were not horrific but the production didn’t match the contract and it was obvious that he was there mainly to catch Reggie White’s all-time sack record.

Antwaan Randle El was a receiver who signed a seven-year, $31.25 million contract with Washington in 2006. Brought in to be the Robin to Santana Moss‘s Batman, Randle El never caught more than 60 passes of eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in his four years as a Redskin. After his release, Randle El, returned to Pittsburgh in 2010, retiring after the 2011 season.

Jeremiah Trotter was an All-Pro linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles who signed a seven-year deal worth $36 million in 2002. unfortunately, Trotter didn’t live up to the hype. The Washington Redskins releasing Trotter after two seasons and 1.5 sacks. However, Trotter returned to Philadelphia and received Pro Bowl nods in 2004 and 2005. Leaving Redskins fan shaking their head.

It is obvious that Daniel Snyder isn’t afraid to throw money into the free agency market. However, it is also obvious that it doesn’t mean that investing big bucks ensures a big return. There have been multiple swings and misses. I’m sure there are other people that belong on this list, Micheal Barrow, Donovan McNabb, and Josh Norman just to name a few. But, the ones I touched on, were the ones that stood out to me. Hopefully, Snyder has learned from these past mistakes and doesn’t overpay for aging stars and past production in the upcoming free agency. Even though these guys were considered busts, there have been successful signings since 2000. I will touch on the good signings in my next article. I am looking forward to this free agency. HTTR!

You can follow me on Twitter @sportsnstuff13 for more Redskins news and notes.

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