Five Redskins Players With Legitimate Trade Value
April 3, 2019
by Eric Hill
As my colleague Jay Evans pointed out a few weeks ago (click here to read it) , the Redskins appear to be adopting a strategy of letting young free agents leave and accumulating compensatory picks. I like this strategy, but in some cases, the team might be able to do a little better.
For this column, I’ll focus on players that have been at least a little productive and whose loss won’t cripple the team, so I’m not trading Brandon Scherff even though the team would get a high pick for him. In Scherff’s case, the loss would outweigh the benefit and the team would be worse off. I’m also going to avoid older, more expensive players whose contracts, age or injury history would make them less attractive on the trade market, so no Trent Williams or Jordan Reed.
Here are 5 young players that could fetch a little sumptn sumptn on the trade market:
Matt Ioannidis
Age 25. 2019 Cap Charge $2M. Signed through 2019
Matt Ioannidis was selected in the 5th round of the 2016 draft and has far exceeded his modest draft status. Regarded as a hard worker both on the field and in the film room, Ioannidis has improved dramatically in each of three seasons. He notched 7.5 sacks last season, including my personal favorite play of 2018, where he picked Packers tackle Brian Bulaga up and just dropped him on Aaron Rodgers. You know it’s a great play when you kind of feel bad for the other dude, like “Damn, I hope his kids weren’t watching.”
Ioannidis has benefitted from the presence of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, who tend to draw double teams, allowing Ioannidis to impose his will on a single helpless blocker. Ioannidis has been a huge part of the resurgence of the Redskins defensive line.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Ioannidis looks to be in line for a big payday when he hits free agency in 2020 and the Redskins may not be able to afford to keep him. If he signs elsewhere, he would likely net at least a 4th round compensatory pick for the Redskins. The team may be able to do better than that, however, if it trades him in 2019. A trade could return a 3rd rounder or potentially a certain Cardinals quarterback. Having talented youngsters Jon Allen, Daron Payne, Tim Settle and Caleb Brantley in place would take some of the sting out of losing Ioannidis as well.
As much we love seeing Ioannidis in Burgundy and Gold, trading him isn’t the worst idea and should at least be explored.
Chase Roullier
Age 25. 2019 Cap Charge $682K. 2020 Cap Charge $772K
A 6th round pick in 2017, Chase Roullier has quietly become one of the Redskins’ most dependable offensive linemen, which is kind of a low bar but an accomplishment nonetheless. He started all 16 games in 2018 (15 at center and one at guard) and performed admirably while sandwiched between a rotating cast of FedEx drivers and gym teachers as injuries mounted all around him.
Roullier is under contract for two more seasons, and given the lack of depth behind him, trading him in 2019 would make little sense. He is, however, a young, cheap and versatile interior linemen who could potentially fetch a mid-round pick if things go south early in the 2019 season and the team decides to blow things up.
Jeremy Sprinkle
Age 24. 2019 Cap Charge $714K. 2020 Cap Charge $804K
It might surprise you that 2017 5th round pick Jeremy Sprinkle is A) still on the team and B) a reasonable trade chip, but both are true.
In 27 games over two seasons, including all 16 in 2018, Sprinkle has shown himself to be a decent enough run blocker while displaying good hands on his rare opportunities in the passing game. His playing time doesn’t look to increase in the coming season, as he is stuck behind Reed and Vernon Davis on the depth chart.
A team in need of a second tight end could look at Sprinkle’s limited body of work and see enough potential to cough up a mid-round pick. Obviously, nobody is going to break the bank for him but the Redskins could potentially recoup the 5th round pick they used on him.
Quinton Dunbar
Age 26. 2019 Cap Charge $4.1M. 2020 Cap Charge $4.5M
Quinton Dunbar joined the Redskins in 2015 as an undrafted free agent wide receiver. The team quickly recognized his potential on the other side of the ball and converted him to cornerback, where he worked his way up to become a reliable starter until a nerve injury sidelined him in 2018.
Teams are always looking for quality cornerbacks and the 6’2” Dunbar fits the bill, with experience both outside and in the slot, a few highlight reel interceptions and an affordable contract. Should another young defensive back like Fabian Moreau, Adonis Alexander or Greg Stroman step up for the Redskins, the team could look to move Dunbar and add a 3rd or 4th round pick in the process.
Josh Doctson
Age 26. 2019 Cap Charge $3.2M. Signed through 2019 with fifth year option for 2020.
Initially viewed as a 1st round bust, 2015 pick Josh Doctson has elevated his game and is now a mere disappointment. His hands are inconsistent and doesn’t run great routes but he is a fantastic athlete and hasn’t had much help from his coaches or supporting cast in his time in DC. At 26, there is still hope that he could develop into a decent receiver.
A team in need of a #2 or 3 receiver could be willing to part with a 4th or 5th round pick in exchange for Doctson’s services in 2019. If he works out, that team would have the option of picking up his 5th year option as well.
Getting only a mid-round pick for the crown jewel of your 2015 draft class isn’t exactly a win, but after three disappointing seasons, it’s better than nothing.
Did I miss anyone? Am I way off on these guys? Let me know by posting suggestions, questions or aspersions on my lineage in the comments section below.