Redskins Offseason Preview: Brandon Banks

The NFL offseason has arrived and free agency is just two weeks away. The Redskins have a fair amount of free agents as March 4 approaches0, and one of them is wide receiver/special teams return man Brandon Banks.

November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Brandon Banks (16) is introduced prior to the Redskins game against the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Banks entered 2012/2013 as one of the better return men in the game, however he saw his numbers drop significantly and ultimately got replaced by Niles Paul and Richard Crawford.

But there is a case to bring Banks back and that is his speed. Banks, when at his best, is one of the quickest, most electrifying players in the league. His small stature makes him difficult to tackle, and his moves let him hang with the best of them.

The Redskins had great success incorporating the option offense last year, but with Robert Griffin coming back from injury and the Redskins will need to change their gameplan a little bit. The “traditional” option plays they generally used last year will not be as consistently successful this season, so they’ll need to bring in some new, trickier plays. The option is built around deception and speed, and Banks definitely brings both to the table.

Imagine Griffin, Banks, Aldrick Robinson, Alfred Morris and maybe Denard Robinson all on the same offense. It may not bethefastest team in football, but it’s darn close and perfect for constructing a deeper Option Playbook with.

I’m not saying that the Redskins will bring back Brandon Banks. In fact, I doubt they will, but they should. He gives them something that you can’t teach, and fits perfectly into what this team should be doing this offseason and next season. if they don’t sign him back, perhaps Chip Kelly will give him a call.