The Washington Redskins have a long history of failing in free agency. Team owner Dan Snyder has never been afraid to open his checkbook for big name players, but that has been the downfall. The Redskins have recently gone away from this trend and started rebuilding through the draft.
When making this list, there were many things that stood out. The Redskins typically went for either aging, former stars or players who did not deserve a payday. It did not matter what side they were on, the Redskins gave them all long contracts for way too much money.
After careful consideration, here are the five worst free-agent signings in Redskins’ history. The honorable mention list includes Jeremiah Trotter, Bruce Smith, Antwaan Randle El, and Mike Barrow.
5. Jeff George
Many times throughout Redskins history, you have had to sit back and just ask yourself, why? This is one of those instances. George played for four teams in his first 10 years in the league. In 2000, the Redskins decided to give the 33-year-old journeyman quarterback a four-year deal worth $14.8 million. As if this was not bad enough, he wasn’t even the starter.
George was signed to backup Brad Johnson. This was insane money to pay a backup who has never done anything to earn it. George got a chance to start five games in 2000 and went 1-4. He threw seven touchdowns and six interceptions. After an 0-2 start in 2001, George was released and never signed by another team.
Every other player on this list was at least brought in by the team to have a starting role. George was given an expensive contract to sit on the bench and hold a clipboard.
4. Dana Stubblefield
Stubblefield’s career was a prime example that players wake up when it is their contract year. He began with the San Francisco 49ers in 1993 and totaled 10.5 sacks in his debut season. That number decreased to 8.5 in 1994 and 4.5 in 1995. In 1996, Stubblefield played in and started 15 games. He recorded one sack.
Miraculously, Stubblefield had the best year of his career playing all 16 games and recording 15 sacks in 1997. Well, the Redskins fell for it. They signed the defensive tackle to a six-year, $36 million deal in free agency.
Stubblefield would spend three years in Washington. He played 39 games and had seven sacks in a Redskins’ uniform. Also miraculously, Stubblefield is not the worst signing on the defensive line in franchise history. Stay tuned.
3. Deion Sanders
Prime Time is the best cornerback to ever play the game. Landing on this list cannot diminish his accomplishments. Sanders was a first-team All-Pro selection six times, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and two-time Super Bowl champion. Prior to joining the Redskins, Sanders racked up 44 interceptions and eight touchdowns.
Sanders was released by the Dallas Cowboys in 1999. the Redskins wasted no time signing the All-Pro to an eight-year, $56 million deal. The only issue was, Sanders was 33 years old. If he were to play out that entire contract, Sanders would have been 41 years of age and the Redskins would have paid him disgusting money.
As it turns out, Sanders could not even make it to year two of the deal. He played in all 16 games during the 2000 season and had four interceptions. Sanders announced his retirement in the offseason. He would be out of the league for three years before playing two years with the Baltimore Ravens.
Just to reiterate, Sanders signed a lucrative eight-year deal and retired after one season. Only the Redskins.
2. Adam Archuleta
Once again Snyder, why? Archuleta spent five unimpressive seasons with the St. Louis Rams. He totaled six fumble recoveries, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three total touchdowns with the Rams. This was enough for the Redskins to make yet another bone-headed move.
When you think of the highest paid player at any position, a superstar immediately comes to mind. Someone that has revolutionized the game or done it better than anyone else. Not a player like Archuleta. Well in 2006, Washington made Archuleta the highest-paid safety in NFL history when they signed him to a six-year, $30 million deal.
Archuleta lasted one year with the Redskins. He was an absolute liability in pass coverage, which led to him being replaced by Troy Vincent. Archuleta played in all 16 games, making seven starts. After being benched, he was demoted to special teams duty. Archuleta would finish his career after one season with the Chicago Bears. The Redskins traded him to Chicago for a sixth-round pick.
The highest-paid safety in NFL history signed the deal in March of 2006. He was traded for a sixth-round pick in March of 2007 and out of the league in May of 2008. This is quite the nosedive for someone who received a legendary contract.
1. Albert Haynesworth
The words lazy, slow, and greedy took on new meaning with Haynesworth. The big defensive tackle was one of the top at the position while with the Tennessee Titans. Haynesworth was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2007 and 2008. He set new career marks in 2008 with 41 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
The Redskins were swindled once again. Haynesworth signed a massive seven-year, $100 million deal with $41 million guaranteed. As far as Haynesworth was concerned, his career was over once the pen hit the paper. Haynesworth spent two years with the Redskins playing 20 games and starting 12. He spent many of those games tripping over his own feet and sprawled out on the field refusing to get up and finish the play.
Prior to the 2010 season, Haynesworth did not show up to 50 percent of the team’s offseason workouts. This means that he had to pass a conditioning test before being able to practice, which he was unable to do on multiple attempts. Does this surprise anyone? Haynesworth spent 2011 with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before calling it a career.
When a player fails, most of the time they will call out the team. Haynesworth did just that with extremely negative public comments about the Redskins. Anyone who watched those 20 games in 2009-10 know who the real issue was. Because of his attitude, lack of work ethic, and size of his contract, Haynesworth is the worst free agent signing in Redskins’ history. He can also be considered the worst signing in the history of the NFL.
Follow Us
Subscribe