The Washington Redskins have settled their quarterback situation. Now, they will shift their focus. Obviously signing inside linebacker Zach Brown is at the top of their priority list, but with losing Kendall Fuller in the trade for Alex Smith, Washington may refocus their eyes to cornerback Bashaud Breeland, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.
I'm told the #Redskins have interest in re-signing LB Zach Brown and CB Bashaud Breeland. One team source told me, "obviously it has to be at the right price." My understanding is that Brown wants to be compensated "like a top 3 ILB." Brown led the league in tackles through Wk14.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 28, 2018
Prior to the Smith-Fuller trade, Breeland was the odd man out. Washington had re-signed Quinton Dunbar, presumably to replace Breeland within their top trio of corners. But, the price for a quality Plan B at quarterback was losing the dynamic Fuller, leaving an unexpected void at slot. Breeland has been solid in his four seasons with Washington. But, at times he seemed like the fourth wheel compared to the talented quartet the Redskins had.
Now that Fuller is a Kansas City Chief, trying to retain Breeland seems logical. Keep in mind, the report by Anderson emphasis “has to be at the right price.”
Breeland’s glimpses of struggles may not affect the potential he brings to suitors on the open market. While he may not get No. 1 cornerback money, he certainly to get a respectable purse, one higher than the $7 million over three seasons Dunbar received. If Washington can re-sign Breeland, the move would certainly change the perspective of the cornerback position after losing Fuller.
As for Brown, he wants “top 3 ILB” money according to Anderson’s report. Currently, Bobby Wagner ($13.6M), Luke Kuechly ($13.1M) and Alex Ogletree ($11.6M) are the three highest-paid inside linebackers for the 2018, according to Over the Cap. Hard to imagine the Redskins shoving out $10M plus per year for Brown, even if he led the league in tackles through 14 weeks before he was shut down due to injury. Brown (61.8) was the 50th-rated linebacker in the league in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Redskins have already re-signed Mason Foster to a two-year deal. Foster is more a natural Mo linebacker than Mike, but played Mike until his season-ending shoulder injury, to accommodate Brown’s skill set at the Mo. The Redskins certainly have more options via free agency or the upcoming draft if Brown’s price is not of their liking. Still, it’s clear they want him back. They are just not going to break the bank to retain his services.
