The topic makes sense: Free agency -- both what the Washington Redskins might do and, even more, who could end up leaving. Thanks to @Gcarmi21, @InnerSanity11, @Spursfan503221.
On re-signing Will Blackmon and/or Terrance Knighton: I've written many times, starting in mid-January, that Knighton was not part of their plans (not saying that to admonish, but to point out that what I’ve heard has remained consistent). And Knighton himself even said on Sirius XM radio earlier this week that he had not heard from the Redskins. There are options in free agency and the draft to replace him. I think the weight issue bothered the team; they felt he could be more productive at a lesser weight. As for Blackmon, I know there has been some contact but I also know -- from what I’ve been told, mind you -- they’d like to get younger backups to develop. They liked what he did, but in an ideal situation you’d have a younger player to groom into a bigger role (Seattle, where Scot McCloughan last was, had success with this. Look at the corners they lost, yet they replaced them from within). But it’s so hard to find quality backups at corner so, yes, Blackmon remains a possibility.
Percentage of Redskins free agents who stick around: Good question; as of right now I’d say less than half of the 16 who are unrestricted. Ideally you’d like to keep more, but in most cases it’ll be the choice of the team to let them walk. Obviously Kirk Cousins will return now that he’s playing under the franchise-tag designation (and has already signed the tender, preventing him from talking to another team). I still think Junior Galette will return because they hold the right of first refusal (he definitely wants a one-year deal; the Redskins want one for two or three years). After that? It’s a coin flip on a few of them, but I’m guessing probably four or five of the other 12 will return. And I could see a couple more beyond that, though not all would make the final roster even if re-signed.
Free-agent fits at inside linebacker: This will be an interesting position to watch. I know they like Will Compton, though the question will be: Do they find someone they like better at the right price? I know they want to re-sign Mason Foster and they still have Perry Riley. (Not sure if he’ll stick around considering his cap hit is $5 million; Riley did play better next to Compton than he had alongside Keenan Robinson. But if you keep Foster as a starter, there’s little need to pay Riley that sort of money). The point is, they might not do a whole lot if they spend trying to repair the line and add depth at corner. Both are more important areas for now. Keep in mind that the prized free agent, Danny Trevathan, would be a good addition for any team but might be too costly. He's a good player who was helped playing behind a great front -- those guys up front matter a ton to the inside linebackers in this scheme. There is talent in the draft at this position without a doubt, but I know they view the line and pass rushers and corners as bigger priorities. Most teams who play a 3-4 do. But if nothing else they must add depth here and they will.