Not to state the obvious, but the Washington Redskins need help on defense. The team ranked 24th in opposing passing yards per game (249.4), 29th in scoring (27.4), 21st in sacks (36.0) and was one of the worst defenses in the NFL against the run on first down last year. New general manager Scot McCloughan needs to shore up the secondary, add more pass-rushers and improve the rushing defense all in just one offseason. Kind of makes you appreciate your job a little more, right?
The Redskins have already added defensive linemen Rickey Jean-Francois and Stephen Paea in free agency. Paea ranked in the top five in QB pressures among defensive tackles last season, and Jean-Francois adds some much needed depth. But Washington isn't stopping there.
Defensive tackle Terrance Knighton is visiting the team today, and cornerback Brandon Browner is scheduled to come in sometime this week as well. Both players excelled in vital roles for successful teams last season.
Knighton helped plug the middle of Denver's defense as the team finished second against the run (79.8 yards per game) in 2014. Browner, meanwhile, just won a Super Bowl with New England and paired with Darrelle Revis and Devin McCourty to form one of the best secondaries in the NFL.
The Redskins released Barry Cofield earlier this offseason, opening up a "Pot Roast" sized hole on their defensive line. The team's cornerbacks, while promising, are still young and far from sure things. David Amerson, entering his third season, has shown good ball skills but a nagging tendency to get lost in coverage sometimes. Coaches are high on second-year CB Bashaud Breeland but he was pushed into a starting role last year due to injuries.
Knighton and Browner would help address major holes on this Redskins roster. With around $25 million in salary cap space, owner Dan Snyder has enough money to lure them both in. Will he be able to though?
