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NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Each Team’s Biggest Offseason Need

By Peter Panacy

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan walks on the field prior to the Redskins’ game against the St. Louis Rams at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan walks on the field prior to the Redskins’ game against the St. Louis Rams at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Redskins

Projected Cap Space: $34,477,921

Biggest Need: Safety

The Redskins elected to slap the franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason. They could still move him, but only if blown away by the offer.

Offensive production could still take a hit with wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon hitting the free-agent market. But one of the more pressing areas of concern has to be within the secondary, particularly at safety.

Veterans Donte Whitner and Duke Ihenacho are both free agents as well, which creates even more pressure on Washington general manager Scot McCloughan to bring in reinforcements. Preferably younger ones too.

Tony Jefferson, D.J. Swearinger and perhaps even Barry Church would be younger options and likely upgrades for this hole on defense.

Next: 10 Free Agents the 49ers Should Consider after Franchise Tags

But don’t be surprised if Washington also looks to the NFL Draft as a supplement here as well.