Fansided

NFL Free Agency: 5 Best moves so far

By Ryan Phillips

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi
Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi /
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) reacts to a play during the first quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) reacts to a play during the first quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington signs Terrance Knighton (one year, $4 million)

Terrance Knighton looked like he was set to land a huge deal just a few weeks ago, but teams were apparently afraid that he was out of shape. The market for the 26-year-old never materialized, so he wound up inking a one-year deal with Washington in hopes that his play in 2015 get him the huge contract he didn’t get this time around.

There is no questioning Knighton’s talent, and after Ndamukong Suh, he was easily the best defensive tackle on the market. The man known as “Pot Roast” is a massive 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds and is a phenomenal run-stopper. He can also help collapse pockets, which means he won’t have to leave the field on every third down situation. Washington’s defense ranked 20th in the NFL in 2014, allowing 357 yards per game and needed some help immediately. The team needed to add a difference-maker to the front seven and got that in Knighton.

The Temple product will be forced to move to nose tackle in Washington’s 3-4 defense, which will be a different role than he played with the Denver Broncos the last two seasons. But for just $4 million he is well worth the risk. Washington is getting a young, uniquely talented player who will be out to prove his doubters wrong, and getting him on a cheap contract. That’s about as perfect an offseason signing as you can have, as long as he shows up in shape.

Next: Randall Cobb

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