BOCA RATON, Fla. — Jay Gruden loves the passion and energy that Duke Ihenacho brings to the field. The only problem is that the Washington Redskins haven’t had a chance to see it much over the last two seasons.
Ihenacho broke his wrist in last year’s season-opener against the Miami Dolphins — which landed him on injured reserve for the second consecutive year. After signing with the Redskins in 2014, the 26-year-old broke his foot in Week 3. The Redskins retained the restricted free agent on a one-year deal and are eager to see what he can do this season.
“The games he did play, he really was a sound tackler, a physical player which is what we liked,” Gruden said on Wednesday at the NFL’s annual meeting. “We’re anxious to see what he can do with actually playing some time.”
For Gruden, that anxiousness borderlines on uncertainty not just regarding Ihenacho, but an entire secondary shrouded with questions as the offseason carries on. The depth at safety is the greatest concern after the team decided to release veteran free safety Dashon Goldson.
Goldson was scheduled to make $8 million in 2016 and the Redskins saved all of it by cutting him before the start of the new league year on March 9. It is possible he returns on a cheaper salary, but the Redskins have been comfortable with the idea of moving in another direction. DeAngelo Hall transitioned from cornerback to safety last season after a toe injury and will make a full-time switch to the position in his 13th season. Washington retained Ihenacho and signed David Bruton to a three-year deal.
Bruton is a special teams ace and adds depth to the defense, but he is also recovering after breaking his leg in December.
“Very concerned, really, if you think about it,” Gruden said. “Duke and Bruton, who we just signed, they’re both coming off injuries. And then D-Hall had an injury last year and really that’s the first time he’s played safety. We moved [Deshazor] Everett in their at safety as well. He’s never really played it. So the depth at safety is a little challenging right now.
“It’s something that we have to address, but we feel good about those prospects if we can keep them on the field. I think D-Hall’s going to be as good a safety as there is. I love Duke. And obviously David coming over from Denver’s going to give us an added pump also. So we have three safeties that we really like, but we do have to address the depth issue.”
Perhaps the most concerning injury is Kyshoen Jarrett’s. His rookie season ended abruptly when he sustained a neck and shoulder injury in the final regular-season game against the Dallas Cowboys and still has nerve damage in his right arm. Jarrett’s versatility was valuable as the secondary was decimated by injuries last season. Along with Hall and Ihenacho, cornerback Chris Culliver tore his ACL and MCL on Thanksgiving.
Jarrett, drafted as a free safety, transitioned to nickel cornerback and proved he was able to play wherever the team needed him. As the Redskins struggled to find consistent play from Trenton Robinson and Jeron Johnson, Jarrett helped at safety toward the end of the season as Hall made the transition.
“It’s a tough injury for him,” Gruden said. “Hopefully continue to see the doctor and nerve specialist, things will change, but right now we’re a little concerned.”
The hope is that the Redskins will have their top two corners in Bashaud Breeland and Culliver, who is aiming to return from his knee injury by the start of the regular season. If that happens it will certainly help, but it is uncertain how effective he will be immediately.
The Redskins re-signed cornerback Will Blackmon to a two-year deal, who also has the versatility to play in the slot and at safety. Gruden said the Redskins might try to incorporate Blackmon at safety, though that would impact the depth at cornerback. Washington also expects Quinton Dunbar to take a step forward in his second season after switching from wide receiver in training camp.
“We got Dunbar who obviously surpassed expectations and we obviously see a bright future for him,” Gruden said. “We got Blackmon back, he can play out there also. So that’s good. Everett we can put back there also, we’re trying him at safety. But yeah, I’d say Breeland is a sure fire starter and the rest of them will be thrown out there until we bring Chris back.”
Last season, the Redskins found versatility in players such as Blackmon in Jarrett, but that was more out of necessity than desire. There is still a chance the team adds a veteran to the group via free agency, but it is expected they will address their needs in the draft. The Redskins have the No. 21 pick and general manager Scot McCloughan has been adamant about wanting to acquire more picks.
Either way, you can bet more than one will be used to help boost the secondary.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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