Redskins start free agency with a bang

In 2006 the Washington Redskins spent large chunks of cash and draft picks to bring in luminaries such as Andre Carter, Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El, with only the latter remaining on the team.

The next two offseasons the Redskins were uncharacteristically quiet during free agency, appearing to have learned from 2006 and several other high-priced free agent mistakes acquired since Daniel Snyder bought the franchise.

Last year, as Washington sat on the sidelines, it was the Oakland Raiders that went on a free agency binge, doling out millions of dollars on a bunch of malcontents and scrubs. The constant cash register ringing earned ridicule from us at Zoneblitz.com among others.

But as the chimes hit midnight Eastern Time last night the Redskins showed that, in fact, they have not learned from their mistakes or those of the Raiders. Someone must have had Snyder tied to a post in the basement in team headquarters during the 2008 free agency session to keep him from inking overpriced free agents to long-term deals.

Before the commish could finish flipping the NFL’s new league calendar, the Redskins committed more than $54 million to DeAngelo Hall, who lasted eight games as a Raider, despite Oakland giving up a second round pick to secure his services last year. Hall’s six-year deal includes about $23 million guaranteed, according to the Sports Network, via the Washington Post.

Then the team doled out $100 million for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who was probably the best player available in free agency, but who also likely carried the most baggage.

Haynesworth will always be known as the guy who went pro wrestler on Andre Gurode during a game against Dallas in 2006. And Hall, though he provided an upgrade after Washington picked him up from the Raiders’ scrap heap last season, is still the same guy who Atlanta dumped because of attitude issues.

It’s easy to be critical of a lot of the failed signings the Redskins have authored in recent years. Yet some have worked out alright. Bruce Smith, signed in 2000, finished with 29 sacks in four seasons. He was slowed, but still provided a veteran presence.

The team will be counting on a lot more from Hall and Haynesworth. Maybe after sitting out the bulk of the last two offseasons Snyder has it figured out. The big-buck signings could reinvigorate a reasonably talented but somewhat enigmatic group.

Or it could blow up the team chemistry altogether. Will the Redskins of 2009 be in the playoffs? Or will they be this years joke like the Raiders of 2008?

Happy New League Year, everyone. I think we’ll soon find out.