Hankins, McPhee highlight potential free agent signings for the Redskins
The Redskins have been predominantly active this off-season by aquiring QB Alex Smith, WR Paul Richardson, CB Orlando Scandrick along with re-signing LB Zach Brown, LB Mason Foster, WR Brian Quick, S Deshazor Everett, and K Dustin Hopkins. But the Redskins aren’t done just yet.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Hankins and Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee had meetings with the Redskins earlier this week. Unfortunately, both left Redskins Park without a deal and now the Redskins must play the waiting game.
Jonathan Hankins
The Indianapolis Colts released Hankins who signed a three-year, $27 million deal last offseason. Hankins was released due to their transition to a 4-3 defense under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Hankins had 44 tackles and two sacks and started 15 games in 2017 and was the 20th best Defensive Tackle in 2017 according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Hankins would be a great addition to the Redskins defensive line and would fit well with last years No. 1 draft pick Jonathan Allen and rising star lineman Matt Ioannidis.
Signing Hankins would allow the Redskins flexibility with their first-round draft pick (No. 13 overall) by not having to select a defensive tackle.
Pernell McPhee
Free Agent Linebacker Pernell McPhee, visited the Redskins on Monday, and reports said by Tuesday nights reports said that Washington offered the veteran linebacker.
The #Redskins have made an official offer to edge rusher Pernell McPhee, per a league source. McPhee visited yesterday. He has averaged over 5 sacks the previous four seasons w/the #Ravens and #Bears.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 21, 2018
McPhee was placed on IR week 14, ending his 2017 season. The 29-year-old linebacker dealt with knee and shoulder injuries in the last two of his three seasons. McPhee would provide insurance behind starters Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith. If he comes to a deal with Washington, Ryan Anderson who was drafted in the 2nd round last year would likely be the 4th OLB on the roster. PFF gave McPhee a strong grade for the 2017 season despite missing 3 games.
McPhee received a +11.5 and ranked 13th out of 46 outside linebackers graded. McPhee’s talents would certainly help the Redskins Pass Rush, but the Redskins must wait for a decision to be made.
