Redskins “Highly Likely” To Release DeAngelo Hall

Mike Jones of The Washington Post reports that a source familiar with the situation says the Redskins are “highly likely” to release cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Dec 23, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The unofficial start of NFL free agency is a little under four hours away, and the Redskins sit just over $3-million over the salary cap. Bruce Allen and company enter the offseason with a long wish list, Hall $8-million cap hit in 2013 will make it difficult for the front office to address all those needs.

Zac Boyer of Fredericksburg.com reported in January that Hall was open to restructuring his deal in order to stay with Washington, but Jones wrote today that as of this afternoon, no talks have occured between Hall and the Redskins front office. Based on that information and Hall’s high cap hit, all signs point to Hall joining the long list of highly-paid defensive backs cut today.

The ten-year veteran has played in all 16 games in each of the last three seasons and really came into his own starting in 2010. Since that season, Hall has recorded 13 interceptions and averaged 93.3 tackles per season. Hall has 19 total interceptions, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 62 pass deflections in his five years in DC. If Hall does return in 2013, he’ll be in the fifth year of the 6-year, $55-million he signed prior to the 2009 season. He would in the list of the ten highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.

Look for the Redskins to continue finding ways to shed cap as Monday approaches. Santana Moss ($6,166,668), Josh Wilson ($5,333,334) and Brandon Merriweather ($2,900,000) are all candidates to be victimized as Washington looks to create cap flexibility.

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