After losing out on left guard Ereck Flowers in free agency, the Washington Redskins are adding versatile interior offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Schweitzer inked a three year deal worth $13.5 million.
Schweitzer spent three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He had his fair share of ups and downs. After challenging for a starting spot as a rookie in 2016, Schweitzer earned the starting right guard spot in 2017, starting all 16 games.
However, he was beat out for spot in 2018 by Brandon Fusco, but thrust back into a starting role at left guard following Andy Levitre’s season-ending injury. Schweitzer started 13 games.
Last season he started seven games as swing guard with a series of injuries across the Falcons’ offensive line.
The Redskins were hoping to re-sign Flowers to a deal worth around $8 million per year. However, the Miami Dolphins were willing to pay the Miami native a three-year deal worth $30 million with roughly $20 million guaranteed. That was out of Redskins’ comfort level.
Now they’ll turn to Schweitzer for much-needed depth at guard. He will presumably push and challenge second-year guard Wes Martin for the starting left guard spot, sparking a Wes vs. Wes battle.
Schweitzer, who will turn 27 in September, has experience with 36 starts, something Martin does not have just yet. Adding Schweitzer gives the Redskins an insurance policy.
Also keep in mind under the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement, teams must carry eight offensive linemen on the 48-man active roster. Thus, Washington adds a versatile interior lineman whom can play both guard spots and center.
