NFL Team Needs: Washington Redskins Team Needs

The Washington Redskins have already started to remake their roster with the Alex Smith trade, but more moves will need to happen to fill the other team needs.

Moving on from Kirk Cousins is going to have a major impact on the Washington Redskins. Alex Smith is a good starting quarterback, but has a different style than Cousins. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the offense meshes with Smith.

Settling the quarterback question was the Redskins biggest offseason priority. With it out of the way they can now focus on filling the other team needs. They head into free agency with around $31 million in cap space.

Washington also has 8 draft picks including one of each of the first 6 rounds and two in the 7th. Basically, the Redskins have more than enough ammo to make some significant additions to the roster.

Below are the Washington Redskins top 3 team needs:

1. Cornerback

The Redskins appear ready to let Bashaud Breeland test the open market. This decision paired with the trade of Kendall Fuller creates a hole at the cornerback position. The Redskins will head into the offseason with Josh Norman and the inexperienced Fabian Moreau at the top of the depth chart.

More from With the First Pick

• 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
• 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
• Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
• 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
• 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023

Norman remains a difference maker, but has had lapses in coverage over the years. Washington needs to find another capable starter to line up on the opposite side.

Their best course of action might be to target a cornerback in the draft. It’s possible that a highly touted prospect like Ohio State’s Denzel Ward is still available at pick No. 13 overall. If the value doesn’t match up in the 1st round there are plenty of 2nd round options.

2. Running Back

Rob Kelley and Samaje Perine are serviceable running backs while Chris Thompson is a weapon in the passing game. However, neither of them are capable of being the team’s every-down back. The Redskins need someone with more juice on 1st and 2nd down.

This year’s draft is loaded with strong running back options. Washington could potentially land an upgrade in the 2nd or 3rd round.

3. Interior Offensive Line

Spencer Long and Shawn Lauvao are pending free agents and the Redskins don’t have anyone on the roster ready to step in. The need to stabilize the offensive line if they hope to give Alex Smith every opportunity to succeed.

This year’s free agent class has several starting caliber offensive linemen available. Maybe the Redskins take a shot at landing Carolina Panthers’ Andrew Norwell who is expected to hit the open market.