NFL Free Agency: Washington Redskins Strong Candidates to Sign Aqib Talib

Aqib Talib has had a bumpy ride in the NFL so far, but he may get a third chance to prove his worth as the Washington Redskins are expected to pursue the cornerback once free agency opens on Tuesday afternoon. Talib spent the majority of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before they got fed up with him and traded him to the New England Patriots in the middle of last season.

Washington pursuing Talib should come as no surprise as the connections to the corner’s days in Tampa are numerous. Redskins general manager Bruce Allen actually drafted Talib while Allen was with the Buccaneers and Redskins defensive backs coach Raheem Morris was Talib’s head coach in Tampa. Morris is deeply connected to Talib, as one of the factors in Morris’ firing Tampa stemmed from his loyalty to Talib.

Talib’s struggles off the field have begun to dominate his talent on the field as he more remembered for beating up taxi cab drivers in Florida than he is for beating up receivers on the field. To give an example of how loyal Morris is to Talib, back in 2011 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and general manager mark Dominik were ready to cut Talib after he was brought up on gun charges in Texas, but Morris stood up for the corner and convinced the Bucs to keep him.

Both Morris and Talib were gone within the next year and a half, but that bond that they have may lead to an eventual reunion, especially after the Redskins released DeAngelo Hall on Monday.

The New England Patriots are expected to at least make an offer to Talib but don’t at all be surprised to see the Redskins top that can make Talib one of their prized free agent signings this offseason. The only question is whether or not Talib can stay out of trouble and finally become the elite cornerback he’s shown flashes of being in the past.