On paper, the Washington Redskins figure to want pass rusher Preston Smith back.
Smith, after all, is only 26 years old and has a pair of eight-sack seasons under his belt.
But that also makes him an attractive target for other teams in free agency.
As such, there hasn’t been much talk of an extension, per ESPN’s John Keim: “If they retain Preston Smith, they wouldn’t need to seek another starting outside linebacker. But the Redskins have yet to engage in any meaningful contract discussions to bring him back. As of a week ago, there were none.”
This isn’t too surprising, as Smith and his reps will at least want to see what the market says.
Luckily for the Redskins, a free-agent class deep with effective pass rushers could push Smith back to town. Effective rushers at all potential price ranges could mean Smith doesn’t find the market he might expect.
If so, it eliminates one need in the first round for the Redskins.
