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The Washington Soccer Staff appeared to have turned over a brand new leaf in 2020, and extra adjustments are coming this offseason. In 2020, Alex Smith made his return to the sphere and went 5-1 because the starter, Chase Younger made the Professional Bowl as a rookie and helped the protection turn out to be top-of-the-line items within the league, and Washington claimed the NFC East with a 7-9 document. On the identical time, former first-round decide Dwayne Haskins was launched, the workforce struggled with accidents and the long run at quarterback continues to be murky. The excellent news is an enormous offseason might flip Washington right into a official playoff workforce that may compete in 2021.
The aforementioned quarterback state of affairs is crucial situation Washington is going through. With Smith gone, will head coach Ron Rivera roll with both Kyle Allen or Taylor Heinicke because the starter, or might Washington draft a signal-caller come April? Moreover, Washington can be good so as to add one other receiver that may function a official No. 2 and take some strain off of Terry McLaurin. Washington might additionally improve on the offensive line, and as soon as once more WFT will enter contract negotiations with star offensive guard Brandon Scherff.
As we transfer by means of the offseason, this hub will function a go-to spot for the whole lot associated to Washington. We’ll have all of the necessary dates, free company updates, draft content material and the newest rumors and information revolving round what is going on on in Washington. Each single piece we publish concerning the Soccer Staff may be discovered on the backside of this piece for a chronological timeline of what has occurred to this point.
Key upcoming dates
- March 9: Deadline for golf equipment to put the franchise or transition tag on gamers.
- March 15-17: Authorized tampering interval opens.
- March 17: The 2021 league 12 months and free company interval start at 4 p.m. EST.
- April 5: Golf equipment that employed a brand new head coach after the top of the 2020 common season might start offseason exercise packages.
- April 19: Golf equipment with returning head coaches might start offseason exercise packages.
- April 23: Deadline for restricted free brokers to signal.
- April 28: Deadline for groups to match restricted free brokers provide sheets.
- April 29 – Might 1: 2021 NFL Draft.
2021 NFL Draft picks
- First spherical (No. 19 general)
- Second spherical (No. 51 general)
- Third spherical (No. 74 general)
- Third spherical (No. 83 general)
- Fourth spherical (No. 115 general)
- Fifth spherical (No. 147 general)
- Seventh spherical (No. 209 general)
- Seventh spherical (No. 211 general)
(Compensatory picks might be introduced at a later time)
Washington’s free brokers
OG Brandon Scherff (franchise tagged)
DE Ryan Kerrigan
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
CB Ronald Darby
Ok Dustin Hopkins
LB Reuben Foster
OT David Sharpe
OLB Ryan Anderson
LS Nick Sundberg
RB Lamar Miller
OLB Mychal Kendricks
OLB Jared Norris
CB Fabian Moreau
WR Robert Foster (RFA)
QB Kyle Allen (ERFA)
TE Jeremy Sprinkle
CB Danny Johnson (RFA)
WR Cam Sims (ERFA)
Signings from different groups
TBA
Rumors, stories and updates
Washington locations franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff for second straight 12 months
March 8: The Washington Soccer Staff has as soon as once more positioned the franchise tag on guard Brandon Scherff, the membership introduced Monday night time. Each side will proceed to work towards a longterm deal, in accordance with NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero. Washington has till 4 p.m. on July 15 to signal Scherff to a multi-year contract.
Learn extra from Bryan DeArdo’s story, right here.
5 veteran QB choices Washington can goal to interchange Alex Smith
March 5: CBS Sports activities’ Tyler Sullivan recognized 5 intriguing veteran quarterbacks who might substitute Smith. Try his story, right here.
Washington releases Alex Smith
March 5: When Washington Soccer Staff quarterback Alex Smith went public final week with how the franchise didn’t appear to help him in his miraculous return from a severe leg harm, it appeared to sign the top of his time in Washington. Nicely, that has since come to fruition as Washington has knowledgeable Smith that they’ve granted his request to be launched. This transfer was to be anticipated as CBS Sports activities NFL Insider Jonathan Jones beforehand reported that the 2 sides would separate within the close to future. Releasing Smith will reportedly save the workforce almost $15 million.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Washington releases Thomas Davis, who will signal a one-day contract to retire with Panthers
March 3: Thomas Davis introduced in December that the 2020 season can be his final. On Wednesday, the Washington Soccer Staff launched Davis in order that he might retire as a member of the Carolina Panthers, his workforce for 13 of his 16 NFL seasons.
Learn extra from Bryan DeArdo’s story, right here.
5 groups have referred to as Texans about Deshaun Watson, however Washington just isn’t one
March 2: Throughout a Tuesday look on “BMitch and Finlay” on 106.7 “The Fan,” John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported that 5 groups have referred to as Houston about Watson, however that the Washington Soccer Staff was not certainly one of them, in accordance with JP Finlay of NBC Sports activities Washington. Washington is among the a number of groups available in the market for a brand new quarterback, and it was even reported earlier this week that they might be parting methods with Alex Smith within the coming days. Whereas Washington has been in quarterback purgatory for the final a number of years and buying Watson would definitely remedy a long-standing drawback, McClain’s report is not stunning.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Taylor Heinicke desires workforce to maintain Alex Smith on the 2021 roster
Feb. 26: It actually appears as if Alex Smith is finished each in and with Washington. The veteran quarterback aired out a number of soiled laundry not too long ago because it pertains to what it took for him to get again onto an NFL subject, and never bodily, however as a substitute mentally in a battle of types with the Soccer Staff. Smith made it identified the group “did not need me” to return from his almost career-ending harm, and that they hesitated to offer him “a good shake” at suiting up once more, an allegation supported by the workforce making an attempt to offer the now-ousted Dwayne Haskins a number of photographs at being QB1 whereas creating Taylor Heinicke for the function as nicely.
Heinicke does not need to see Smith go away, although.
“He means quite a bit to the workforce,” stated the 27-year-old, by way of NFL.com. “He brings quite a bit to the desk. Hopefully we will convey him again. I do know a number of the fellows love him and he is good for the locker room and he can nonetheless play.”
Learn extra from Patrik Walker’s story, right here.
Why Alex Smith’s epic Washington comeback story was all the time too good to be solely true, and what comes subsequent
Feb. 24: Some tales are simply too good to be true. They sound somewhat an excessive amount of like a fairy story for the meat grinder that’s main skilled sports activities. The return of Alex Smith to the Washington Soccer Staff actually qualifies.
The bodily comeback itself, and the heroic measures that Smith took on to beat life-threatening accidents and infections and the entire surgical procedures and the unimaginable odds he shattered will reside on eternally as one of many extra inconceivable and noteworthy redemption tales in trendy NFL historical past. However the concept that it was with out pressure, or battle, or wrestle, given all that was occurring inside that long-troubled group — the sentiment that this was a collective kumbaya endeavor between participant and workforce — was all the time naïve. It belied the economics and interpersonal dynamics and harsh realities of roster laws, and wage caps and payrolls. The gleam is actually off that a part of the story now following Smith’s candid however hardly surprising remarks to GQ journal revealed this week.
Learn extra from Jason La Canfora’s story, right here.
Alex Smith’s explosive feedback towards Washington reportedly fueled by two completely different slights
Feb. 24: Clearly it has been a troublesome few years for Smith, however what would trigger him to verbally assault his present workforce? That is one thing that 106.7 The Fan’s Grant Paulsen got down to uncover, and in speaking to a number of folks in and across the Washington Soccer Staff, he has provide you with two main situations which compounded Smith’s frustration.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Alex Smith says Washington ‘did not need me’ after return from harm, hesitated to offer him ‘honest shake’
Feb. 23: Talking with GQ‘s Clay Skipper this week, Smith didn’t mince phrases when recounting his street again to the sphere, indicating that Washington was initially very proof against the concept of the 36-year-old quarterback really taking snaps in 2020.
“They by no means thought I used to be coming again,” Smith stated. “After I determined to return again, I positively threw a wrench within the workforce’s plan. They did not see it, did not need me there, did not need me to be part of it, did not need me to be on the workforce, the roster, did not need to give me an opportunity. Thoughts you, it was an entire new regime; they got here in, I am just like the leftovers and I am damage and I am this legal responsibility.”
Learn extra from Cody Benjamin’s story, right here.
Washington Soccer Staff will preserve title by means of 2021, unveil new identification in 2022
Feb. 23: Washington gained its first NFC East title in six years whereas debuting a brand new nickname in 2020, marking a victorious begin to the franchise’s run because the Washington Soccer Staff. That run is prone to final only one extra season, nevertheless, because of an announcement from the membership’s official re-branding web site. In-built 2020 after the workforce retired its former moniker that was a slur used towards Indigenous folks — and the franchise nickname since 1933 — the positioning revealed this week that the Washington Soccer Staff will preserve its title by means of 2021, then unveil a brand new identification for the 2022 season.
Learn extra from Cody Benjamin’s story, right here.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos might be eyeing possession of Washington Soccer Staff, per report
Feb. 23: Months after the Washington Soccer Staff’s minority stakeholders reportedly started pressuring proprietor Daniel Snyder to promote the franchise, one man might be angling to take the membership off Snyder’s fingers. Based on Entrance Workplace Sports activities’ A.J. Perez, billionaire Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is curious about proudly owning an NFL workforce and should now have Washington circled as a part of “his non-public want listing.”
Learn extra from Cody Benjamin’s story, right here.
Washington utilizing a second franchise tag on Professional Bowl guard Brandon Scherff nonetheless an choice
Feb. 22: Washington is as soon as once more hoping to signal Scherff to a long-term deal — however a second franchise tag is reportedly nonetheless on the desk.
tyNicki Jhabvala of The Washington Submit reported that Washington has no intention of letting Scherff hit free company, and that they need to signal him to a long-term deal. Jhabvala stories that folks conversant in the state of affairs say Washington might find yourself utilizing the franchise tag on Scherff a second time if no deal is agreed to, nevertheless.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
NFC East 2021 offseason wants
Feb. 17: Patrik Walker offers his high offseason wants for the Washington Soccer Staff. Learn his piece, right here.
Washington names former Colts common supervisor Chris Polian as director of professional personnel
Feb. 15: Washington introduced that it had employed Chris Polian as its new director of professional personnel. Polian is the son of Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame government Invoice Polian, who was a six-time NFL Govt of the Yr award winner, and workforce president in addition to common supervisor of the Indianapolis Colts once they gained Tremendous Bowl XLI.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Washington indicators quarterback Taylor Heinicke to two-year deal value $8.75M
Feb. 10: The Washington Soccer Staff locked up a quarterback who might find yourself beginning some video games in 2021. Washington introduced it had signed Taylor Heinicke to a two-year extension. Based on Ian Rapoport of the NFL Community, the brand new deal is value $8.75 million, and contains incentives for variety of video games began.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Chase Younger named 2020 AP Defensive Rookie of the Yr
Feb. 6: Chase Younger has gained the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Yr award after finishing arguably the very best rookie season in Washington Soccer Staff historical past. Younger is the primary Washington participant to win the award, and he completed his first season with 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 4 compelled fumbles and 4 passes defensed — a star on a Washington defensive position that completed sixth within the NFL in sacks (47) and second in yards per sport allowed (304.6). Younger and Minnesota Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson had been the one two rookies to be chosen to the Professional Bowl this 12 months.
Learn extra from Jeff Kerr’s story, right here.
Washington’s Alex Smith named 2020 NFL Comeback Participant of the Yr
Feb. 6: Washington Soccer Staff quarterback Alex Smith has been named the 2020 NFL Comeback Participant of the Yr for returning to soccer after he virtually misplaced his proper leg alongside along with his life. After being taken down in an ungainly vogue on Nov. 18, 2018 throughout a matchup towards the Houston Texans, Smith suffered a compound fracture of his proper tibia and a fractured proper fibula. Smith underwent 17 surgical procedures to restore his leg and fought off an an infection that almost brought about docs to amputate the limb.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Washington executives need to be ‘good and aggressive’ find a brand new quarterback
Feb. 3: Each (Martin) Mayhew and (Marty) Hurney had been complimentary of Washington quarterback Alex Smith — particularly contemplating his unimaginable comeback story. However that does not imply that the franchise will not look to improve on the place. Mayhew stated that Washington will have a look at the quarterback state of affairs “very completely,” in accordance with JP Finlay of NBC Sports activities Washington, whereas Mayhew stated that Washington desires to be “good and aggressive” find a brand new quarterback.
Learn extra from Jordan Dajani’s story, right here.
Matthew Stafford commerce: 49ers, Colts, Washington additionally sought to accumulate QB, per stories
Jan. 31: Whereas Stafford will in the end find yourself in Los Angeles, a number of different groups had been hoping to accumulate his companies. The 49ers, Colts, Panthers, the Washington Soccer Staff, and Broncos had been additionally curious about buying Stafford and had been a part of the Rams‘ competitors to land him, per NBC Sports activities Peter King. Actually, Washington’s provide to Detroit was higher for the Lions this 12 months than what they in the end will obtain from the Rams, in accordance with Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Submit. Ben Standig of The Athletic added that Washington’s provide included extra instant assist than what the Lions landed.
Learn extra from Bryan DeArdo’s story, right here.
Washington Soccer Staff promotes Jennifer King to full-time offensive assistant
Jan. 26: Sarah Thomas made historical past by turning into the primary lady to be named to a Tremendous Bowl officiating crew. Days later, one other lady has logged an achievement for the document books, with Washington Soccer Staff’s Jennifer King turning into simply the third lively full-time feminine coach within the NFL and the primary Black lady to safe a full-time function. King, who spent 2020 as an intern beneath Ron Rivera, has been promoted to a full-time offensive assistant function with the workforce forward of the 2021 season, as the workforce introduced she was named assistant operating backs coach.
Learn extra from Cody Benjamin’s story, right here.
Washington names Martin Mayhew as new common supervisor, assigns Marty Hurney to government function
Jan. 22: Days after reportedly finalizing a deal with longtime Carolina Panthers common supervisor Marty Hurney to run their very own entrance workplace, Washington Soccer Staff has reversed course a bit and named Martin Mayhew its GM forward of the 2021 season, the workforce introduced. Hurney will as a substitute reportedly be named Govt Vice President of Soccer/Participant Personnel, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, but it surely’s Mayhew, the previous San Francisco 49ers government and ex-NFL cornerback, who’ll now be main the workforce alongside coach Ron Rivera.
Learn extra from Cody Benjamin and Patrik Walker, right here.
Washington’s Ryan Kerrigan ‘positively desires to be a starter’ on new contract
Jan. 12: As he eyes free company this offseason, the 32-year-old is crystal clear in what he hopes to acquire with a brand new NFL contract, and it isn’t being relegated to rotational obligation.
“I positively need to be a starter,” Kerrigan stated, by way of The Washington Submit. “I imply, I believe any participant would say that. I do not suppose anyone simply desires to accept being a job participant or a reserve participant.”
Learn extra from Patrik Walker’s story, right here.
Three-step plan to repair Washington in 2021: Solidifying the long run at quarterback comes first
Jan. 11: Jordan Dajani created a three-step plan to repair Washington in 2021. Try his piece, right here.
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