REPORT: Redskins Working to Extend LB Zach Brown

Following a devastating loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, the Washington Redskins have seemingly shifted its focus to towards the future of the team. As the front office examines the roster over the course of the final four weeks of the season, they will have some tough decisions to make. Of course, the biggest question is the future of QB Kirk Cousins with the team. However, it appears the front office will tackle an easier task at first.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Redskins have started working on an extension for inside linebacker Zach Brown.

Brown signed a one-year deal in April with the Redskins after stints with Tennessee and most recently Buffalo. Brown has started every game this season from the Mo linebacker position within the Redskins’ defensive scheme. Tabbed as a very talented quartet inside the middle of Washington’s defense along with Mason Foster, Will Compton, and Martrell Spaight, it has been Brown who has been remaining member standing.

Brown leads the NFL with 117 tackles. He has a very impressive run-stopping grade of 86.6, ranking ninth among all linebackers in the NFL via Pro Football Focus. However, his overall grading ranks him 53rd in large to his dreadful 33.1 pass coverage grade — 76th of 77 qualified linebackers.

His cover skills are a huge reason he is playing with his third team and had to settle for a one-year prove-yourself contract this season. But there is no mistaking his impact against the run and ability to rush the passer. His weaknesses have been exposed more so since the season-ending injuries to Foster and Compton.

With the Redskins looking to boost their roster this offseason, finding a suitable Mike backer to play next to Brown that allows him to play to his strengths should be a high priority for Bruce Allen and his staff. Nonetheless, re-signing Brown to multi-year deal is a start to retooling a team that is bound for disappointment this season.