Redskins Expecting Visits from Corey Graham and Antonio Smith

NFL free agency is upon us.  In the opening 24 hours, players were getting picked up faster than a new pair of Jordans on release day at Finish Line. The Redskins made a few acquisitions, but no high profile names. The most notable of the signings was wideout Andre Roberts, who had a very promising season last year in Arizona. Roberts will likely fill into the slot role, similarly to the role he held with the Cardinals.

Today reports are saying that the Redskins will be receiving two visitors very soon, defensive end Antonio Smith and cornerback Corey Graham. Smith is a nine year veteran, who recorded 30 tackles, 5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2013 with the Houston Texans; Graham is entering his eighth season in the league, and is coming off a standout season where he made 74 tackles, 12 pass break ups, and caught four interceptions.

If Graham’s short trip from Baltimore proves successful the Redskins would be very solid at corner, where previous starters David Amerson and DeAngelo Hall are under contract. But there are vacancies beneath them in the depth chart, and Graham would be a great third corner in the nickel formation and could potentially press Hall or Amerson for a starting role.

A potential Smith signing would be slightly more questionable. Returning starter Stephen Bowen is recovering from microfracture surgery, and his counterpart Jarvis Jenkins will be back in his third season with the Redskins. The chart becomes a little crowded when you consider the Skins just resigned Chris Baker, who filled in Bowen’s stead for the last three games and showed much promise.

Updates to come as free agency rolls on. Hopefully the Redskins will start making waves and Dan Snyder will revert to form as one of the biggest spenders among NFL owners.