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          Will Blackmon's return provides Redskins with versatility, depth at corner

          The Redskins are bringing Will Blackmon back because they need depth at corner and they know what they're getting with the veteran. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterMar 14, 2016, 03:50 PM ET
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              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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          Corner Will Blackmon agreed to a two-year deal with the Washington Redskins on Monday. Here's a look at what it means for the Redskins.

          The impact: Blackmon was a nice, steady player for Washington this past season, after signing with the Redskins following the season opener. Blackmon was signed for depth. But with Chris Culliver missing 10 games, Blackmon ended up starting that same amount. He intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles. Yes, he was beaten a few times at the end of the season, but Blackmon must be viewed in the big picture. Maybe he’s not seen by the NFL as a full-time starter anymore on the outside, but he can definitely still help. Blackmon offers versatility, with an ability to also cover in the slot or drop back to safety in various looks. That’s why, despite the Redskins wanting to get younger backups, they wanted to retain Blackmon. It says a lot that Scot McCloughan made this move now (Blackmon did have another offer). In other cases where age is a question -- Pierre Thomas -- the Redskins are waiting until after the draft to see where they’re at in terms of need/desire. But the Redskins signed Blackmon, who turns 32 in December, because secondary help is at such a premium -- and the Redskins don’t want to overspend for players. Plus, they know what they have in Blackmon and coaches like knowing what they’ll get from a player. They can still draft and develop another one.

          How corner shapes up: The Redskins' top four corners are Bashaud Breeland, Chris Culliver, Quinton Dunbar and Blackmon. They have others such as Deshazor Everett under contract, but they’ll need to continue seeking more help, whether through the draft or free agency (remember, some players will be released later in the offseason; Blackmon was cut before the season opener, for example). They definitely need more help as Culliver is recovering from a torn ACL and Dunbar is still adjusting to the position. He’ll be helped immensely by an offseason of work at corner -- he didn’t move there until early in training camp. His progress could go a long way toward fortifying the position, but I'd still draft one.