The Washington Redskins encountered quite the underwhelming and tumultuous campaign in 2018. As a result of both lack of talent and some injury trouble, the Redskins are going to need a ton of help in order to turn things around in a hurry.

Not only that, but the Redskins will be forced to retain whatever talent the NFC East franchise already has on its roster — including linebacker Preston Smith. However, the Redskins have yet to engage in any serious contract talks with Smith, according to recent report from John Keim of ESPN.

“If they retain Preston Smith, they wouldn’t need to seek another starting outside linebacker,” writes Keim. “But the Redskins have yet to engage in any meaningful contract discussions to bring him back. As of a week ago, there were none. The team has publicly and privately stated it would like him back, but has long known he’d be costly to keep around.”

The 26-year-old defender was originally selected by the Redskins in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Smith compiled 52 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, four sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception as a result of the 2018 NFL season.

In his four seasons as a member of the Redskins, Smith has yet to miss a regular season games, making 16 appearances in each season since his rookie year 2015-16. Over the course of those 64 regular season appearances, the up-and-coming linebacker has recorded 167 total tackles, 107 solo tackles, 24.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recover, es and four picks.