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NFL Power Rankings: Post-free agency

By John Buhler

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
25

Washington Redskins

NFC, East

For the last two years, the Washington Redskins had been a viable top-15 team in football. They could still be that, but the organization’s perception has reverted back to its old, highly dysfunctional state.

Losing wide receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson in free agency isn’t great. The Scot McCloughan firing has been all sorts of bad publicity for the Redskins organization. Trade talks surrounding franchise tagged quarterback Kirk Cousins has not been a good look either.

However, it hasn’t been all bad for Washington in free agency. Team president Bruce Allen has made a few moves in place of McCloughan that were low-risk, high-reward. Signing converted wide receiver Terrelle Pryor on a prove-it deal could be to the Redskins’ benefit.

Bringing in traveled safety D.J. Swearinger on a multi-year deal could be a decent move in the long run. Perhaps playing in one place for more than a year and a half is exactly what Swearinger needs to actualize his potential?

The Redskins may not end up being the 25th-best team in football next season. Jay Gruden is still a good head coach and Cousins is playing the most important year of football in his life. Washington could very well hover around .500 this fall, but the organization is getting in its own way again. When has that ever been a good thing?

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