Here is where things stand with the Washington Redskins' 15 unrestricted free agents:
Linebacker Junior Galette: The Redskins absolutely want him back, so not much has changed here. They want him on a two- or three-year deal, but Galette, as of now, definitely wants a one-year deal. He feels confident in his recovery and wants to prove himself again so he could land a bigger deal next offseason. The Redskins have the right of first refusal. Galette has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus to represent him; he’s had a good relationship with the Redskins in the past.
Running back Alfred Morris: Since the season ended, I’ve heard several times that his return is unlikely -- some flat out said it wouldn’t happen -- and nothing has changed. I don’t expect him back. Morris posted what can be termed a goodbye note Saturday on Instagram. The one longshot scenario: If Morris doesn’t find a team of his liking and the Redskins don’t find another back.
Quarterback Colt McCoy: They want him back, but McCoy is uncertain about his plans. He’ll have some teams interested in him as a backup (Dallas perhaps?) so his return is not a foregone conclusion. But this is the guy the Redskins want backing up Kirk Cousins. Working in their favor: McCoy loves the offense and wants to be in a position where if he has to play he can succeed.
Linebacker Mason Foster: Another player Washington is pushing hard to re-sign and something could be done soon. If he returns, it’s hard to imagine them hanging onto Perry Riley, who will cost $5 million against the salary cap. But when that happens? I don’t know.
Tight end Logan Paulsen: The Redskins would like him back, but this one could be a little more complicated. There’s a dearth of blocking tight ends on the market, which is good for Paulsen’s side. But he’s coming off a sprained toe that cost him an entire season, which is not. One point of emphasis for the Redskins’ offense: improving the blocking at tight end.
Fullback Darrel Young: He’s been told to test the market, which translates to: We’re going in a different direction. This isn't new; I’d mentioned other times that his side had had little contact with the Redskins since the season ended. That, plus his decreased snaps the past two seasons, led them to realize his time in Washington was over. The Redskins are still sorting through their options at fullback. If he’s still around after the draft, perhaps there could be a reunion, but right now that’s unlikely.
Nose tackle Terrance Knighton: Not returning. There are two nose tackles on the open market who could draw the Redskins’ interest in Damon Harrison (could be too expensive) and Ian Williams. Plus the draft has depth along the defensive line.
Linebacker Keenan Robinson: The Redskins have said they won’t be re-signing him.
Cornerback Cary Williams: As of late last week, there had been no contact with his side since the season ended.
Tight end Alex Smith: The Redskins want to upgrade the position. Paulsen is a stronger option for them, and there has been no contact with Smith since the season ended.
Guard/center Josh LeRibeus: Not a forgone conclusion that he won’t return. He would provide depth inside. I think center will be an interesting position to watch. One option is to slide Spencer Long inside this spring to see what he can do; another is to draft one, and a third is to let Kory Lichtensteiger continue to start. They would like to upgrade the spot; I wouldn't rule anything out.
Running back Pierre Thomas: He was a help down the stretch last season, but his age gives the Redskins pause. They obviously will be looking for running back help, whether in free agency or the draft.
Cornerback Will Blackmon: They are trying to re-sign him; they like his versatility -- he can play both cornerback spots and even safety. Every team is looking for secondary help -- I was with several defensive back coaches at the combine who bemoaned the lack of depth all over the league. The Redskins would prefer backups to be younger and cheaper, but Blackmon’s versatility overrides this desire.
Defensive lineman Kedric Golston: At one point his return was 50-50. Golston has been with the Redskins since they drafted him in 2006; he’s had remarkable staying power despite not being a full-time starter and having played for four coaches. The Redskins do want to get younger along the line, but without Knighton and Jason Hatcher, it’s also good to have a strong elder voice for the meeting rooms (assuming they believe he can still play).
Defensive lineman Frank Kearse: He was cut three times by the Redskins last season and played just 72 snaps all season (29 in the finale vs. Dallas after the division had been clinched).