Key roster decisions linger for Redskins in the off-season

Let us not hold punches here: the Redskins last two months of the NFL season has been dreadful. The organization has been a public relations disaster, their personnel decisions have confused the fans and media regarding their intentions to pleasing a fan base, and in addition to the off the field chaos, and Washington has dropped five of their last six since their 6-3 record. That is the now; however, Washington has not only critical front office and coaching decisions to make, but the futures of key players are looming.
Washington may have issues on their hands in the off-season when it comes to retaining their players, if they even plan to keep them. With quarterback Alex Smith’s contract now becoming fully guaranteed due to his leg injury, Washington has now become cash-strapped due to the funds invested into the quarterback position. Now, this will not prevent them from spending as they please, but spending recklessly will not be the best route to go. This makes the Redskins decisions with their pending free-agents essential to whichever way they choose to build this team (because who knows at this point…).
Washington drafted linebacker Preston Smith and receiver Jamison Crowder in 2015; the pending free-agents have not spoken on their contract status or standing within the organization at all. Both players ended the season with subpar 2018 campaigns, due to either injury or simply ineffectiveness on the field. However, at this point, Washington’s financial situation along with their reputation may affect the draw they have for any potential game-changers during the free agency period. Smith and Crowder, who should test the market, may be able to get retained at a reasonable price. Familiarity is in the Redskins favor for the most part, but it also can hurt their chances, too. Smith and Crowder have been in this organization long enough to understand how things work and see if it is worth extending here, and that may also be a reason why they shy away from extending here too.
Veteran running back Adrian Peterson stated this week that he would like to come back to Washington. Peterson proved to many he had plenty left in the gas tank, his work ethic and off-season training is to be desired. Peterson will be able to aid the return of Derrius Guice through sharing the bulk of carries for the Redskins as Guice returns, but also work with Guice in the off-season to help him prepare for his first year back post-ACL injury. The running back position is crowded, and second-year back Samaje Perine has created an opportunity for the staff to decide on him upon the conclusion of the year. Will Perine be kept around for a third season? After he virtually showed the offensive staff, he cannot be trusted? It will be hard to say he will be a Redskin in 2019. He is a candidate to be released or traded.
We understand Washington is a mess; however, the Redskins still have football operations to look over, because that does not stop. We will all see how the staff handles their decisions very soon.