The Washington Redskins release five defensive backs, including safety Montae Nicholson.
The team announced cornerbacks Kayvon Webster, Coty Sensabaugh, Dee Delaney and Breon Borders were released in addition to Nicholson.
Nicholson is the most notable name. He was a fourth-round pick of the Redskins in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Michigan State.
Nicholson immediately filled a need at safety for Washington. He stepped right in and started six games as a rookie, but his reckless tackling style led to two concussions that ultimately landed him on injured reserve.
As he returned in 2018, he appeared set to continue his momentum before his injuries. He started at free safety in Week 1 opposite of DJ Swearinger, but was benched after seven starts in favor of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who the team acquired before the trade deadline.
That December, Nicholson along with another woman was arrested and charged with public swearing, intoxication, and misdemeanor assault in Loudon County, Virginia. THe Redskins placed him on the reserved/non-football injury list, effectively ending his season. The charges were dropped in May.
In 2019, Nicholson returned to the field again as a starter after the team moved on from Clinton-Dix. He started 13 games. He recorded a career-high 61 tackles and two interceptions, but his play was inconsistent much like the year before. His season ended with him on injured reserve and once again his name appeared in an off-the-field incident.
In November of last year, the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office questioned Nicholson involving the death of 21-year Julia Crabbe. On the night of her death, Nicholson and another man drove her to a nearby hospital and left before police arrived.
Nicholson was never charged as the cause of death was ruled an overdose.
Nicholson defined the Bruce Allen-Jay Gruden era. Washington gambled on a safety who had promise. Unfotunately, he never developed into a reliable option on or off the field. Following the firings of Gruden and Allen, Nicholson was on burrowed. His inconsistency on the field, injuries and off-the-field concerns were too much for the new regime to handle.
Last week, the Redskins signed former Maryland Terrapins standout and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sean Davis to start at free safety alongside strong safety Landon Collins. The move effectively made Nicholson expendable.
First-year head coach Ron Rivera wants to change the unwanted culture of the previous regime. Moving on from Nicholson is an act toward getting those wheels in motion. He was given multiple chances, and now he will hopefully search for another elsewhere.
