The Washington Redskins have some tough roster decisions to make when cut down days arrive late in the summer.
Chief among those problems is offensive line, where plenty of questions persist.
While Trent Williams and his contract situation command all the headlines right now, the battle at guard might play a bigger role than expected.
Ereck Flowers could be the odd man out by the time the battle is finished, per ESPN’s John Keim:
Flowers has not played well in the past, and he did not look great in the spring. The Redskins want Flowers to compete at left guard, but they also drafted Wes Martin in the fourth round to do the same. Flowers would count $3.2 million if he makes the roster, so they can save $1.7 million by releasing him. It means he should not feel guaranteed of a spot.
It is hard to ignore the financial reasons there above all else. The Redskins still have a lot of money tied up in Alex Smith and spent more than anticipated this offseason by splurging with Landon Collins.
And at guard, if Flowers doesn’t look good, the coaching staff could always turn to someone like rookie Wes Martin.
That $1.7 million saved by cutting Flowers isn’t anything to scoff at when one keeps in mind the injury bug’s assault on the roster over the last two or so years — money for replacements has to come from somewhere.
If Flowers is struggling during the preseason, keep in mind the cap angle here.
