The Washington Redskins didn't enter this offseason with a ton of salary cap space, but they had enough room to chase a few free agents. However, instead of getting caught up in expensive bidding wars like the Redskins of old, Washington remained patient and focused this year in free agency. This approach has inspired optimism and faith in Washington's players as general manager Scot McCloughan continues to change the culture in D.C.
Not every move that McCloughan has made has been a homerun. However, following the rapid decline of Robert Griffin III, the players in the locker room welcomed last year's 9-7 NFC East winning campaign with open arms.
"I'm excited about what he's doing," defensive end Ricky Jean-Francois said of McCloughan. "I understand a lot of people say he didn't bring in a lot of big names. You've got to know Scot McCloughan; he doesn't like big name guys. As you can see with our [defensive backs], we got guys off the street and he brought them in and they did a wonderful job for us. I can only imagine what he's going to do with the draft. I understand he [wants] 12 picks. I believe that first and second pick are up for grabs to get what he wants."
Since arriving here last year, McCloughan has made it clear that Washington will build its roster through the draft while avoiding cap-clogging contracts in free agency. That strategy was seen clearly this offseason as the majority of the team's signings were for backups and depth while re-siging eight of their own players.
"It doesn't take one individual to change a whole team," Jean-Francois said. "You need multiple players. Scot wanted to change the culture and the only way to do that is to bring in your own type of guys and the guys who have his mentality. And I agree with him."
So does fellow defensive end Chris Baker. He said that he's discussed McCloughan's strategy with the GM and sees how it comes from his time as a scout for the Green Bay Packers from 1994-1999.
"They draft, they develop their own players," Baker said. "You don't hear about them spending money in free agency. They get players they think fit their system. They hang on to them and develop them and they're always a good team. We're trying to take after that model, find tough guys who love the game and we're going to draft them and bring in undrafted free agents and develop those guys and become a great team."
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
