On the opening evening of 2011 free agency, the Redskins addressed arguably their biggest roster hole, signing defensive tackle Barry Cofield away from the division rival New York Giants.
The 27-year-old Cofield is coming off of his most productive season, where he registered a career-high 54 tackles and four sacks for New York. The Giants drafted the run stuffing defensive tackle in the fourth round of the 2006 Draft, but he worked his way into the starting line-up in his first season. He has only missed one game in the 5 seasons since.
The Redskins didn't seem to be too worried that Cofield came from a 4-3 scheme, and has no NFL experience playing nose in the 3-4. Washington signed him to a reported six-year deal worth $6 million per season, but only $12.5 million of the contract is guaranteed. While the pundits will see the $6 million per year and scoff at the 'Redskins offseason spending sprees,' this seems like a very reasonable deal when you look only at the guaranteed money.
The Redskins hope that the addition of the 6'4", 306 pound veteran will shore up an interior line that the opposition ran rough shod over last year. The 4.6 yards per carry allowed was 'good' enough for 26th overall against the run. Hopefully Cofield can come in and eat up some double team and free up the edges for Brian Orakpo and rookie Ryan Kerrigan,
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