Who might be the Prized Free Agent for the WFT?

Free agency then.

It might just be about to get wild, with many an NFL franchise in cut mode to get under the lowered salary cap for 2021. The burgundy and gold, however, are in a healthy spot for free agent acquisitions.

With over $50 million in cap space (well that is now significantly reduced after the Brandon Scherff franchise tag), UKHTTW and friends pick the free agent that they would love to see in D.C next season.

Going up first, Christian Burt, UKHTTW founder

Free Agent Pursuit

Allen Robinson

Position

Wide Receiver

Allen Robinson is an undisputed WR1.

He has elite route running ability and is a powerful bodied WR for contested catches. The Washington Football Team might well take one of the highly vaunted slot receivers in the 2021 draft (second round or the WFTs first pick in the third), so for me it is a WR with finesse at routes which can elevate a group that is average at best (Terry McLaurin aside).

Some might point towards McLaurin and suggest that he is a WR1, so why would you take catches away from #17. They are not wrong, but Terry is very much a team first guy and I am sure would welcome elite help on the opposite side.

We should not forget that Ron Rivera went in hard for Amari Cooper in the 2020 off-season and was willing to pay top dollar for the privilege. A receiving trio of Robinson, McLaurin and WR3 (rookie) would elevate the WFT offense and allow Scott Turner to open up the box of tricks playbook even further.

Allen is now 28 and has been playing on $14 million dollars a season. If he does not get the franchise tag in Chicago, I would frontload the guaranteed money for the first two seasons around the $40 million dollars mark and get creative on a four-year deal.

Next up, it is Tony Wheat of Full Press Coverage Washington

Free Agent Pursuit

Curtis Samuel

Position

Wide Receiver

There are a few free agents I would go after, but my first choice would be WR Curtis Samuel.

WFT needs another playmaking WR to ease some of the pressure on Terry McLaurin and Samuel fits the bill.

Samuel has an all-court game that means he could be used as a multi-faceted weapon. Although he played a lot in the slot, he can also be a vertical threat and last season was used on a variety of runs by the Panthers.

Moving him, Gibson and McKissic around the formation could cause some matchup nightmares for opposing defences, which would also benefit McLaurin.

He had 77 catches for 851 yards and 3 TD’s and 41 carries for 200 yards and 2 TD’s so over 1000 total yards, numbers which would be a huge boost to the WFT. He is extremely dangerous in the open field and would potentially open up the offense.

2 other things in his favour are that he would be cheaper than some of the other big name WR’s with an estimated contract value of around $12.5 million a year and his familiarity with the coaching and front office staff should not be underestimated as they know the character and work ethic of the player as well as his strengths and weaknesses.

There will be plenty of competition for his services but to me it is a low risk/high reward option for an affordable investment.

And rounding things off, long-time WFT fan Jason Davis.

Free Agent Pursuit:

Russell Okung

Position:

Left Tackle

With the talk of a new QB in Washington in either free agency or through the upcoming draft, what seems to get overlooked is the need to fill a position that has been left open for the past two seasons with no notable claim.

Although many would agree the offense felt like an improvement last season, in reality it was the same sack average per game (2.9) than the 2019 season, joint 5th highest in the league overall in 2020.

Of course, there is the obvious and at time immobile carousel of QBs factored into this, but it feels that the likes of Geron Christian and Cornelius Lucas have just been short term fills for this opportunity of free agency shopping in a position of great need.

The name everyone will want to discuss is Trent Williams but putting sentiment to one side and the fact does anyone see Trent coming back?

The only Left Tackle worth noting is two-time All-Pro, Super Bowl winning former round one pick, Russell Okung.

At 32 years of age Okung still has plenty to give and has that winning veteran mentality which can only be of benefit around a young team.

Coach Rivera has made no secret of having leadership in his core groups and Okung straight away ticks that box for certain.

Okung will also fill that Left Tackle void left by Trent Williams relatively cheaply considering Okung has been injured and missed 21 games in total the last two seasons but let us not overlook the obvious talent and when he is on the field with a top 20 passing blocker, and above average grading by PFF based on his time on the field, confirming he still has plenty in the tank.

Although durability will be questioned, a fit and healthy Okung is only going to upgrade this position and will give some much-needed balance and protection.

And who knows might just give some assurances and intent to whoever the future Washington QB will be for some time to come.