Report: Washington interested in Marcus Gilchrist
The Redskins have shown interest in San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist
Free agency is almost underway in the NFL and teams are ready to throw lot’s of money at the available players. While teams can’t officially sign players until Tuesday, they are allowed to negotiate terms with the agents of players. The Washington Redskins are usually tied to the big name players in free agency because of owner Dan Snyder’s love of spending money.
This year, the team has flown a bit under the radar.
The Redskins are now being linked to one of the better free agents who is also flying under the radar.
According to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, the Redskins have shown preliminary interest in San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist.
"Meanwhile, the team did hold some degree of discussions with Gilchrist, a fifth-year veteran strong safety. The Chargers reportedly have a desire to retain the fifth-year veteran’s services as well."
Over the last two seasons, Gilchrist has recorded 153 tackles, 16 passes defended and five interceptions for San Diego. He has quietly become one of the better strong safeties in the NFL.
More from Los Angeles Chargers
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chargers loosen grip on checkbook to pay Justin Herbert: Best memes and tweets
- Austin Ekeler leading RB revolt with Zoom meeting of biggest names
- Austin Ekeler warns NFL after dark day for running backs
- NFL’s running back revolt has begun after Saquon Barkley drama
Gilchrist is also young. At 26-years-old, Gilchrist is sure to get a nice deal whether it’s from Washington, San Diego or someone else.
Another factor that could drive up the price for Gilchrist is the lack of safeties in free agency and the draft. The draft class is considered rather weak for safeties and in free agency, the safety market is thin after Devin McCourty and Gilchrist.
The Redskins are in need of a safety after Ryan Clark retired and the team released Brandon Meriweather. The addition of Gilchrist would be big for Washington as the secondary has been one of their weak points the past few seasons.
With the safety market thin, don’t be surprised to see other teams jump in the mix for Gilchrist once players can officially sign with teams starting Tuesday.
[H/T: ProFootballTalk, TheWashingtonPost]
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle