The Detroit Lions have announced the tendering of exclusive rights free agent, safety/special teamer Charles Washington.
With less than three accrued seasons in the NFL, Washington still falls under the ERFA rules, meaning he has two options if he wishes to play in the NFL in 2019 — accept the Lions offer, or turn down the Lions offer and sit out of the league next season.
Based on the wording of the release, Washington has yet to sign his offer at this time, but with limited options, he will likely return to the Lions roster and compete for a role on the 2019 roster.
Washington played both safety and on special teams when Jim Caldwell was the Lions head coach in 2017, but last season under Coach Matt Patricia, Washington didn’t see the field on defense, yet had a very important gunner role. Despite missing the final two games of the season with a hamstring injury, Washington took over 52-percent of special teams snaps — third highest on last years team.
A locker room favorite, Washington will have a shot to retain his gunner role in camp this offseason but he will likely face new competition for the role. He will also get a chance to expand his role on defense, something he may need to do if he wants to lock down a spot.
