Marcus Washington Released
Marcus Washington was released today. On the plus side, this apparently saves the team something in the neighborhood of four million dollars against the cap.
On the minus side, he was a great energy guy, a great locker room guy, and -- when healthy -- a very good linebacker. From what I can gather talking to people around the facility today, letting Washington go wasn't an easy decision to make, and everyone seems genuinely sad to see him leave.
His departure not only means that the team needs to fill his spot at linebacker, but also find someone else to compile the in-stadium playlist. At least the people working the P.A. can now play Five Stone's Make Noise without fear of retribution from an enraged Marcus Washington.
Coach Zorn's comment from the team's press release sums it all up pretty well: "I really enjoyed having the opportunity to coach and be around Marcus during my first season as a head coach in the NFL. We wish him the very best."
The move also leaves Jason Campbell and Carlos Rogers as the two remaining Auburn University guys on the roster.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-20-2009 @ 2:50PM
BrianNjRedskinFan said...
Nothing personal, stickly business
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2-20-2009 @ 3:07PM
fft5305 said...
Can't say as I'm surprised. Too bad. I wish he could have stayed healthier. Here's my thought: move Taylor into the linebacker position. People kept saying he was too pinned down as a defensive end and that he needed to roam more like he did in Miami. So now that he's healthy, rework his contract so he's not counting $8.5M against the cap and put him in a position where he can do what he does best and can help the team.
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2-20-2009 @ 3:09PM
dyin2 said...
Are we making room for Peppers
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2-20-2009 @ 3:12PM
mikachu703 said...
He will be missed on the D that's for sure. I know we had to play the numbers game and all by why not get rid of Jason Taylor? He's most likely not to come back next year.
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2-20-2009 @ 3:14PM
tdye29 said...
Are we making room for Peppers
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2-21-2009 @ 12:21AM
redmetjp said...
i hope so and don't forget to bolster the offensive line and nobody is talking about d hall who i think is a great team player and person. he grew up in our area and played ball for virginia tech and contributed more on defense in his short time than most of the players did all year. and at safety horton was the man.
2-20-2009 @ 4:27PM
Steven said...
Peppers was franchised by carolina. I say we move rocky to strong side LB and move Jason taylor to the weak side. Then Draft or sign a defensive lineman.
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2-20-2009 @ 4:33PM
cjpck44 said...
We don't want Peppers. His head is too big for himself, and he's not 100% all the time, or for the team.
I think we need to move Taylor to his natural position at right DE and move Andre Carter to left. If you watched him at Miami all his moves came off the speed rush off the right end, it's his most natural spot.
And Carter can play the run better than Taylor too.
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2-20-2009 @ 6:16PM
Robert said...
I think this is a smart move. I love Marcus Washington and the energy he brought to the team, but the Skins are over the cap and a move had to be made. Marcus Washington is 31, hasn't been healthy in a few years, and a $4 million cap hit is a big hit for someone who's been questionable lately. I think the next move that has to be made is resigning DeAngelo Hall, release Shawn Springs, and get a decent, young linebacker (or stick with H.B. Blades) in free agency so we can draft a Defensive Lineman with our first round draft pick.
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2-25-2009 @ 1:30PM
steven said...
ughhhh i have a feeling were gonna draft a defensive lineman instead of an offensive lineman the defensive lineman we do draft hes gonna become a bust like vernon gholston our offense is gonna still suck because we diddnt address offensive line then were gonna draft another defensive player the following year. the redskins organization is so dumb if they draft defense our defense was number 4 this year offense is our problem do you NOT understand that?!
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2-20-2009 @ 9:22PM
DeeDubb said...
As much as this is an emotionally tough move, it was definitely the right one. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Marcus but it's clear that he's lost/losing a step. He's been injury riddled the last couple of years and the D needs to get younger. I would love to see him come back at a cheaper price. I don't see too many teams lining up to sign him so who knows.
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2-21-2009 @ 1:16PM
Ninja said...
He was a great redskins, but injured way too much for that kind of money. Maybe if no other team wants him we can resign him for vet minimum and he can help transition in whoever the new guy is.
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2-21-2009 @ 4:26PM
redmetjp said...
totally on the mark correct. pass protection is very key this year because we had maybe a strectch but playcalling for passes down the field was zero to none. maybe once a game if that and if they tried more once we were behind in points and time jason was always bumrushed. so we need protection to see if jason is the man or if it is his decision making and time to turn to colt. i know a brave and maybe stupid jump but aren't you tired of our team being almost there and saying "well next year"
2-21-2009 @ 1:17PM
Ninja said...
correction: a great redskin......I know he is only one man. Sorry.
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2-22-2009 @ 4:42PM
michael.denz said...
He had three good seasons with us, and one not so hot one, and I think he can be counted as a success in the Redskins FA signing department. Like most people, sorry to see him go.
I hear the Skins are sniffing real hard around Brian Orakpo, thinking of converting him to SLB instead of a DE.
Personally I think they should grab one of the better OTs. I have more confidence in Carter and Jason Taylor rebounding from disappointing seasons then the O Line continuing on the way it is. Plug in Rinehart and Heyer as new guards, draft a tackle, and let the line gel. We need to get younger, and chemistry is important, we may as well start building a great line now.
Also, much as he was also a good Redskin, and a good signing, release Springs. it saves us like 6 mil in the cap department.
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2-23-2009 @ 7:58AM
Sean said...
Good riddance. I was tired of watching him (for the few games that he seemed to play in) dance when we we're losing. Marcus, you weren't worth the money.
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2-24-2009 @ 6:51PM
rvickers6 said...
I think it sucks. Especially considering we apparently have decided to keep JT at 8.5 million. Other moves could have been made and this will end up biting us in the a** on defense. Marcus will go on to have a great years somewhere else.
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