Free agency, day 1: Redskins sign 3
March 18, 2020
by Steve Thomas
The NFL’s 2020 league year opened today at 4:00 pm ET, officially ending the three day “legal tampering period”. The Redskins have used this week wisely, previously franchise tagging guard Brandon Scherff, bringing back linebacker Jonathan Bostic, and signing corner Kendall Fuller, guard Wes Schweitzer, and linebackers Thomas Davis and Kevin Pierre-Louis. Now, today, the Redskins signed another 2019 returnee, defensive end Nate Orchard, and signed safety Sean Davis, and running back J.D. McKissic.
Orchard’s story is one of perseverance that became well known to Redskins fans last year. He was originally drafted out of Utah by the Cleveland Browns in round 2 of the 2015 draft. He stayed with the Browns through the 2017 season, but was cut just prior to the start of the 2018 season. From there, Orchard had stops with Kansas City, Seattle, and Miami before being signed by the Redskins on November 27, 2019. In total, Orchard has played in 46 games, starting 13 (all with Cleveland), with 83 tackles, including 51 solo, 6 sacks, and 1 interception. Orchard had a memorable post-game interview with NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay after Washington’s week 13 games versus Carolina in which Orchard described his struggle to get to this point in his career (click here to watch it). With the Redskins, Orchard played in 5 games, making 14 tackles, including 8 solo, and 1 sack. Orchard joins a crowded defensive line, but now has an opportunity to prove he belongs for the first time since his time with the Browns. His contract is a one year deal, but the total value is unknown. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported the signing.
Sean Davis, a DC native who attended Maret High School, was originally drafted out of the University of Maryland by the the Pittsburgh Steelers in round 2 of the 2016 draft. Davis, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 201 pounds, has significant athleticism, running the 40 yard dash in 4.48 seconds, jumping 37.5 inches in the vertical leap and 10’6″ in the standing broad jump, doing 21 bench press reps, and running the 20 yard short shuttle in an outstanding 3.97 seconds at the 2016 NFL Combine. In total, Davis played in 48 games, starting 41, with 247 tackles, including 190 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He missed nearly the entire 2019 season when he suffered a shoulder injury in week 2 and was placed on injured reserve. Davis is fairly versatile, having at both strong and free safety for the Steelers. Given the state of Washington’s safety group behind Pro Bowler Landon Collins, Davis should have a legitimate chance to push Montae Nicholson for the starting free safety job. Davis’ contract, as first reported by ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, is for year 1 and $5M, which appears to be a “prove it” style deal.
McKissic, 5’10”, 195 pounds, was a 2016 undrafted free agent out of Arkansas St. who was originally signed by the Atlanta Falcons. He was not invited to the 2016 NFL Combine, but ran the 40 yard dash in 4.59 seconds and did 17 bench press reps at his college pro day. McKissic was cut by the Falcons during final cuts of the 2016 training camp, but was placed on the practice squad. He made a brief appearance on Atlanta’s active roster late in the season, but was waived three days later, only to be claimed off of waivers by the Seahawks then next day. He spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons in Seattle but was waived just prior the start of the 2019 season. McKissic was then picked up by the Detroit Lions for 2019, where he played in all 16 games. In total, he has played in 35 games, starting 4, with 88 rushing attempts for 402 yards, 4.6 yards per attempt, with 1 touchdown. He has been a significant receiving threat throughout his career, with 70 total receptions in 91 targets, 515 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns. McKissic was a Restricted Free Agent, but the Lions chose not to make him a tender offer to keep his rights. He served as the Lions’ principal third down back for much of the 2019 season and, with the probable departure of Chris Thompson and the general uncertainty in the running back group, will be giving a chance to compete for that same role in Washington. McKissic signed a 2 year contract of unknown value. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the signing.