Washington Redskins get free agency steal in E.J. Biggers

By Gil Alcaraz IV
E.J. Biggers
Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of NFC South, not many people know who E.J. Biggers is.

Since the Washington Redskins signed him via free agency on Wednesday, the D.C. football community has been trying desperately to figure out what type of cornerback their team just added.

Let me help you all out: Biggers is a fast, instinctive player who is quickly blossoming into one of the better coverage cornerbacks in the league.

Biggers, a 25-year-old formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings plenty to the table for the Redskins. With 4.4 40-yard speed and a 6’0’’, 185-pound frame, has the instincts and athleticism to make plays in coverage. In only four years, he has also proven himself to be a reliable run defender on the outside.

While inconsistency may have led to Tampa Bay letting the former seventh-rounder walk, Biggers was easily the best defensive back for the Buccaneers in 2012 in terms of coverage.

What makes this coupling all the more understandable is the relationship between Biggers and Redskins defensive back coach Raheem Morris, who worked with the youngster during his days as the Buccaneers head coach. Morris coached Biggers during his first two NFL seasons and knows the potential that he has as a coverage cornerback.

If the Redskins opt not to re-sign recently-released veteran DeAngelo Hall, there’s a good chance that Biggers could be penciled in as a starter opposite Josh Wilson when the 2013 season gets under way. He showed signs of starting-caliber talent last season, and is proving himself as a reliable asset in coverage. With 24 starts under his belt and plenty of playing time ahead of him, there’s still plenty of room for growth.

While it’s not the type of splash fans would love to see, the Biggers signing is an underrated move for the cap-strapped Redskins. If he works out as a starter, he’ll easily go down as one of the biggest free agency steals of 2013.

Biggers likely won’t be making any Pro Bowls in the near future, but he’s a capable cornerback who should play well enough to keep the Washington defense from falling apart at the seams. That’s all they need right now.

Gil Alcaraz IV is a Content Planner/NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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