The Washington Redskins were one of the biggest surprises during the 2015 season, as they took the NFC East division with a 9-7 record led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. Washington is looking to build off its success from a season ago, and while they have lost some key pieces in free agency, the Redskins remain confident with the players on their roster.
Former Redskins running back Alfred Morris has signed a two-year contract to join NFC East rival the Dallas Cowboys, but after a shaky 2015 season, the Redskins were fine letting their former sixth round pick walk. Morris' numbers had decreased in each season since arriving in his rookie year in 2012 and finished the 2015 season with a career-low in both yards (751) and yards per carry (3.7), and he only managed one touchdown.
The Redskins were likely fine letting Morris walk in free agency this offseason, as they believe that running back Matt Jones can step up as the lead back in his second season in the league. The third round draft pick in the 2015 NFL Draft proved himself to be a dual threat out of the backfield in his rookie season, rushing for 490 yards with three touchdowns while also recording 19 receptions for 304 yards and a touchdown.
"Matt played well and we're very excited about him," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said at the NFL owners meetings this past week. "We let a heck of a running back, and a very productive back, go because we have Matt."
The 6-foot-1, 231-pound running back showed his explosiveness in his rookie season, and Gruden envisions him as their lead back heading into the 2016 season. "We need him to protect the ball a little bit more," Gruden said. "He's a big, strong powerful back that I think can handle the workload; time will tell on that. We're taking a bit of a gamble here, but based on our professional opinion, we believe he can handle it and be very, very effective at it toting the rock."
The Redskins also have two young running backs in Chris Thompson and Silas Redd Jr. on their roster, but they could be looking to target a running back in the upcoming draft. Washington's front office likely won't use an early round pick on a running back with multiple needs on their roster this offseason, and they have proven that they can find talented running backs from the third round on.
Look for Jones to get a bulk of the carries heading into the 2016 season, as their head coach has clearly made it known that he is confident in the 23-year-old running back, but don't be shocked if they look to bring in some competition, either, through free agency on in the upcoming draft.
