No. 2 — RG Brandon Scherff
You could argue that Brandon Scherff is the most important free agent for the Redskins to re-sign this offseason; that’s how important we think he is to the front line. After being picked in the first round of the 2015 draft, Scherff has been able to become one of the best right guards in all of the NFL, and he has stated that he wishes to spend his entire career with the Redskins. Keeping Scherff in Washington is more than just X’s and O’s — it helps represent what the Redskins are at the very core.
We’ve long posited that it would be wise for Ron Rivera to reach an extension with Scherff as early as possible, so as to set the tone for the rest of the team heading into his tenure. While it is still possible that the two parties are able to reach an agreement before the March 18th deadline comes around, there has been no movement or word on that front as of late.
If the Redskins were to re-sign Scherff, it would go a long way to keep continuity on the ride side of the line, and he would have a chance to work under new offensive line coach John Matsko, who is widely believed to be one of the best OL coaches in the league. If we are also to operate under the impression that Trent Williams will find his way back into a Redskins jersey over the coming months, then a Scherff extension quickly turns the Washington front five from an area of need into one of the teams biggest strengths. A big component of that is Scherff though. He’s stated that he wants to be a Redskin for life, and they need to make him one.