With lots of cap room to work with once the NFL calendar flips over to the 2017 league year, the Washington Redskins may be in the market for a few veteran playmakers when free agency kicks into gear.
How much they'll spend and who they target, of course, are the answers everyone wants to know right now.
MMQB.com's Andy Benoit recently looked at the 25 players who could get richer once free agency starts, and six of them are potential matches for the Redskins.
Benoit's entire article can be found here, but below is what he said about those who could fit in nicely with the Redskins.
1. LE'VEON BELL, RB, STEELERS
Check out photos of free agent running back Le'Veon Bell.
AGE: 24
His patient running style won't revolutionize the running back position because few, if any, players have his quickness and agility when changing pace. Factor in his receiving ability, and you have the best back in football.
Match: PIT, WAS, NYG
3. ERIC BERRY, SS, CHIEFS
AGE: 28
A true multipurpose safety, he can play the run as a box linebacker or cover tight ends man-to-man, and he's adept in zone coverage both shallow or downfield.
Match: KC, CLE, WAS
11. KIRK COUSINS, QB, REDSKINS
AGE: 28
He's not exactly elite—he needs a well-constructed system with defined reads in order to thrive. But how often do you find a quality starting QB on the open market? Almost never.
Match: WAS, SF, DEN
14. JASON PIERRE-PAUL, DE, GIANTS
AGE: 28
JPP is a powerful pass rusher, capable of getting eight to 10 sacks, and he's even better against the run. His three mutilated fingers (from a '15 fireworks accident) are a concern, but he adjusted his game in '16 to compensate.
Match: NYG, WAS, IND
18. DONT'A HIGHTOWER, LB, PATRIOTS
AGE: 26
He's as sturdy as they come against the run, both in space and up on the line of scrimmage. He's also one of the game's best blitzers.
Match Game: NE, IND, WAS
25. MICAH HYDE, DB, PACKERS
AGE: 26
Great at nothing but sound at everything (including punt returns)—that kind of versatility can change a D's makeup, especially when you consider he can bring it from the slot, too.
Match Game: GB, WAS, IND
