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The Washington Redskins may now have one of the best safety duos in the NFL, as they have acquired Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Clinton-Dix was expected to be traded ahead of Tuesday’s 4:00 pm NFL trade deadline, as he is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He is currently the No. 2 rated safety in the league according to Pro Football Focus with a minimum of 240 snaps. He is expected to play alongside Redskins safety DJ Swearinger, who is currently the No. 1 rated safety in the league according to PFF.
The Redskins are sending a fourth-round pick to the Packers in exchange for Clinton-Dix according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
The Redskins are sending a 2019 fourth-round pick to Green Bay for S HaHa Clinton-Dix.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 30, 2018
The addition for the Redskins comes as a surprise as free safety Monte Nicholson had seemingly played well enough next to Swearinger. Although he has struggled at times in his deep coverage. Adding Clinton-Dix is a welcomed upgrade and may allow defensive coordinator Greg Manusky more flexibility with his pass coverage having an All-Pro caliber free safety. Swearinger leads the NFL with four interceptions and Clinton-Dix is tied for second with three.
The Redskins’ move is in light of two NFC East foes adding wide receivers ahead of the trade deadline. The Dallas Cowboys acquired Amari Cooper from Oakland for a first-round pick last week. And the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Golden Tate from Detroit for a third-round pick Tuesday.
Much love y’all 🧀
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) October 30, 2018
The addition of Clinton-Dix also shows the Redskins urgency to continue their early momentum. The Redskins rank fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and 13th against the pass. Their defense has led the team to a 5-2 start and first-place in the NFC East.