The second day of the legal tampering period brought more nuggets involving the Washington Redskins:
The Redskins reached out to nose tackle Terrance Knighton, per ESPN’s Josinna Anderson. Teams showing “serious interest” include Oakland, Indianapolis and Chicago in addition to the Redskins. Knighton told Anderson, "I want the process to happen pretty quickly. Once the market opens I'm going to decide which one I have the strongest interest in, and move strategically with potential visits from there and not waste my time."
Don’t forget: Knighton played for John Fox in Denver and he’s now with the Bears. One rule of thumb in free agency is to target players you know; that certainly would be the case for Chicago. Knighton also played for Jacksonville from 2009-12. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio coached Knighton for three years with the Jaguars.
The Redskins clearly want some beef in the middle, having also shown interest in Arizona nose tackle Dan Williams. Knighton is listed at 335 pounds; Williams is at 330. I’m willing to bet the “over” on those numbers, too. Current Redskins nose tackle Chris Baker weighs 325 pounds. The Redskins also have reached out to defensive lineman Stephen Paea, but he would be an end in a 3-4.
The Redskins remain in contact with end Jarvis Jenkins, who has drawn interest from multiple teams. But it’s clear that they’re looking for a lot more from their front. And that’s a good thing. Williams would be more of a bargain than Knighton. Regardless, I like that all the linemen they’ve contacted (to my knowledge) have been under 30 years old.
Running back Roy Helu has been contacted by five teams and the Redskins have remained in touch with him. NJ.com reported that the Giants were one of those five teams. It does not mean Helu will return, but there is still interest. If Helu leaves, they’d obviously need a replacement. NFL Network reported the Redskins would be interested in Ravens running back Justin Forsett, who had a breakout year with 1,266 yards -- he had 1,692 yards in his first five seasons with three different teams. But Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan was in Seattle for two seasons with Forsett. Of course, if they sign him you can start wondering what that means for Alfred Morris.
Buffalo reportedly will re-sign defensive end Jerry Hughes, which takes one pass rusher off the market and could increase the interest in Washington’s Brian Orakpo. Don’t know where this one is headed, only know that the Redskins have remained interested -- to what degree I don’t know. A number of teams already have been linked to him; not sure what’s real at this point.
Washington will face one heck of a defensive line when it hosts Miami next season. The Dolphins will reportedly sign defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh when free agency begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday. As my colleague, and ESPN's Dolphins reporter, James Walker points out, he’ll join end Cam Wake, tackle Earl Mitchell and end Olivier Vernon to form an excellent front.
The Redskins clearly want to sign at least one veteran safety. They have been linked to Cincinnati’s Taylor Mays per Pro Football talk and they’ve already have contacted San Diego strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (Chargers definitely want him back). A name to watch at free safety: Kansas City’s Ron Parker. Multiple teams have been in contact with Parker.
The Eagles’ offense certainly will be different next season as receiver Jeremy Maclin is reportedly going to sign with Kansas City. In the last two years, the Eagles have parted ways with receiver DeSean Jackson, running back LeSean McCoy and now Maclin. That’s a lot of big-play talent. They are expected to sign running back Frank Gore. Eagles coach Chip Kelly certainly is re-making his offense.