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Grading the Washington Redskins’ Top 5 Free Agency Decisions In 2015

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Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Grading the Washington Redskins' Top 5 Free Agency Decisions in 2015

Jay Gruden Washington Redskins
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins have made some great moves in free agency, with a particular goal of improving a defense that really struggled in 2014. Here's how I would grade their key decisions thus far.

5. Jeron Johnson

Jeron Johnson Seattle Seahawks
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jeron Johnson

Jeron Johnson Seattle Seahawks
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The safety position has been a problem for the Redskins over the past five seasons, and I'm not sure they've fixed it with this move. Johnson primarily served as a special teams player for the Seahawks and only had one start at safety in four years. I don't think he will do much to strengthen this secondary in 2015.

Grade: C-

4. Stephen Paea

Stephen Paea Chicago Bears
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

4. Stephen Paea

Stephen Paea Chicago Bears
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The only concern with this signing is the transition Paea will need to make from nose tackle in a 4-3 defense to a defensive end in a 3-4. This may take time, but at only 26 years old, I believe Paea will adjust well and be effective.

Grade: B

3. Niles Paul

Niles Paul Washington Redskins
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3. Niles Paul

Niles Paul Washington Redskins
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Re-signing Paul is the best move the Redskins have made offensively this offseason. Jordan Reed has been rather inconsistent as the starting TE, but Paul has proven to be a reliable and rising star. He finished 2014 with 39 receptions for 507 yards and 13 yards per catch average. I believe he becomes the most targeted TE for the Skins in 2015.

Grade: A-

2. Chris Culliver

Chris Culliver San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chris Culliver

Chris Culliver San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins' secondary was definitely a weak spot in 2014, so a corner like Culliver is exactly what they needed this offseason. In 14 starts with the Niners, he totaled four interceptions, 14 pass-breakups and a forced fumble. In a deal worth $ 32 million over four years, the Redskins have gotten the physical and opportunistic defensive back they've been looking for.

Grade: A-

1. Terrance Knighton

Terrance Knighton Denver Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Terrance Knighton

Terrance Knighton Denver Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This move made so much sense, both financially and talent-based. By snatching Knighton off the market, they have acquired one of the most formidable run-stuffers in the NFL and someone very familiar with a 3-4 defense. And they were able to get him for $ 4 million over a year. What a great deal for the Redskins.

Grade: A

Julie Swartz is a writer for RantSports.
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