John Keim of ESPN.com writes that even though Redskins S Bacarri Rambo just finished his first season in the league, his roster spot roster spot could be in jeopardy if his play, specifically on special teams, doesn’t improve.
Washington took Rambo in the sixth-round of the draft less than a year ago and actually gave him the starting job heading into the regular season. Rambo lasted just two games as a starter before being replaced, but he would get another start later in the season.
Keim mentions that Rambo was put in this situation due to “organizational failures, not his own performance,” which is obviously not his fault.
However, it doesn’t change the fact that Rambo looked like a backup at best throughout much of the season. Keim’s larger point is that Rambo offered nothing on special teams which is “inexcusable for a sixth-round safety,” and especially a backup safety in the NFL.
“If he doesn’t improve on special teams, his roster spot should be in jeopardy, considering he’ll likely be a backup in 2014,” Keim writes. “You can’t be a backup safety and not help on special teams.”
The Redskins will have a good amount of cap space at their disposal this offseason, so they should have no trouble luring a veteran safety to Washington. Some speculative options could include: Jairus Byrd (BUF), T.J. Ward (CLE), Donte Whitner (SF), Chris Clemens (MIA), Bernard Pollard (TEN), James Ihedigbo (BAL) and Mike Mitchell (CAR).
You will find all of these players in our Top 100 Free Agents list.
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How would you divide those as far as Free vs Strong Safety options?
Great question. Here’s how they break down:
Free safeties: Jairus Byrd (BUF), Chris Clemons (MIA), Antoine Bethea (IND)
Strong safeties: T.J. Ward (CLE), Donte Whitner (SF), James Ihedigbo (BAL), Bernard Pollard (TEN), Mike Mitchell (CAR)