The Washington Redskins placed a waiver claim on second-year pro left tackle Desmond Harrison, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. However, the Arizona Cardinals also placed a claim and were awarded Harrison as they were ahead of Washington in the waiver order.
Harrison was waived by the Cleveland Browns Thursday after he missed the start of mandatory mini-camp this week.
Harrison was an undrafted free agent last season, but after an impressive training camp and preseason was named the starting left tackle for the young Browns in Week 1 of the 2018 season. After an impressive start in the first four weeks, Harrison’s play tailored off and he was benched in Week 9 by then-interim coach Greg Williams following the firing of head coach Hue Jackson.
Harrison is an intriguing but raw prospect and will get his opportunity to develop with the Cardinals and first-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
The claim by the Redskins is also intriguing for multiple reasons, as they are entrenched with a now-public dispute with cornerstone left tackle Trent Williams.
Like Harrison, Williams, skipped mandatory mini-camp this week, as he has reportedly asked for a trade or his release following a dispute with the Redskins over a recent medical issue.
Washington’s head coach Jay Gruden has attempted to do some damage control this week in his press conferences with the media. Without Williams, the Redskins are suffering at tackle.
Last season’s second-round pick Geron Christian is still recovering from a torn MCL. Previous year’s swing tackle Ty Nsheke signed with the Buffalo Bills this off-season. The team signed the embattled Ereck Flowers after two failed stints with the New York Giants and Jacksonville. However, reports have suggested he has struggled mightily in practices.
Washington has been playing musical chairs at tackle, looking for much-needed depth beyond Williams’ absence. His absence magnifies the situation, as the Redskins are approaching training camp with newly acquired Case Keenum and first-round rookie Dwayne Haskins battling for the starting quarterback position.
With Harrison off the table, the Redskins will now have to look at alternative ways to bring in some depth and get an insurance policy in case Williams’ absence prolongs into training camp and preseason.
