The Washington Redskins had a relatively successful offseason when you look at the talent they brought in, coupled with the young players they drafted.
Still, though, several players left Washington in free agency, and they are now playing for different franchises. Let’s take a look at how those players are doing with their new teams so far.
WR Jamison Crowder — New York Jets
Crowder was far and away the go-to receiver for the Redskins in 2018, even as he missed several games due to injury. His departure from the team left a hole at the WR position that is in desperate need of filling.
In New York, Crowder has continued to produce for his new team, forming a nice connection with second-year quarterback Sam Darnold. According to Tyler Calvaruso with USA Today’s Jets Wire, Crowder has proved to be the missing piece that NY has been looking for for years.
Crowder is giving the Jets a new element at wide receiver. If his play throughout the summer is any indication of what’s to come, the Jets are in a very good spot at wideout heading into 2019.
The Redskins are still searching for a WR1, but it appears that their old workhorse has found a comfortable place to call home in New York.
LB Preston Smith — Green Bay Packers
The Packers seem to love the value they got with Preston Smith this offseason. Already through training camp and the preseason, Smith has provided a huge amount of upside for the Green Bay defense, offering a combination of length and pass-rushing ability that made him a beloved player in Washington.
Preston’s 6-5, 265 pound frame makes him a monster on the edge, while his quickness to the passer is sure to keep opposing offenses rushed. He can also be a 3-4 outside defender that is able to drop into coverage as well.
The Redskins were able to fill Smith’s spot by drafting Montez Sweat, so his departure isn’t detrimental to the roster. Still, Washington fans know the joy that Packers fans are soon to experience when watching Smith attack the opposing QB on Sundays.
S Haha Clinton Dix — Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears fans barely had any chance to be excited about the addition of Clinton-Dix before he sprained his knee in mandatory minicamp this spring, subsequently being placed on the PUP list.
The team is still optimistic that he will be able to return relatively soon, but a summer of work missed is sure to add some rust to the aging defender.
Clinton-Dix started nine games for the Redskins after being acquired in the middle of the 2018 season, and his departure, as well as fellow safety DJ Swearinger’s, is sure to be felt this season, even with the addition of Landon Collins.
S DJ Swearinger — Arizona Cardinals
Swearinger returned to the Cardinals after the 2018 season, which saw a tumultuous end to his Redskins career. The veteran safety showed a lot of promise in Washington, and he was able to put up some solid numbers before his relationship with the franchise began to fray and whither.
In Arizona, Swearinger is likely to be a mainstay in the secondary, while younger players fill in around him. The Cardinals defense as a whole is below the mean, but Swearinger’s days in Washington have made him used to playing from behind.
QB Josh Johnson — Detroit Lions
Johnson was signed by the Lions this offseason after filling in as a last-ditch safety valve for the Redskins in 2018, the year from QB hell.
Johsnon started Detroit’s second preseason game of the year, where he played for a decent chunk of time. He struggled trying to run the new offense, but his lack of time spent in the system can be a good explanation as to why. Johnson is certainly battling for the backup QB spot with David Fales, but if the Lions decide to roster three signal-callers, he should ensure a paycheck for himself for the rest of the season.
