MARCUS WASHINGTON Linebacker, 2004-08
Washington is the best free agent acquisition of the Snyder Era because he paired sustained on-field performance with locker room leadership. He was 26 in March 2004 when he signed a 6-year, $24 million deal that included a $7 million signing bonus. He made an immediate impact in Joe Gibbs' first season back, helping the defense rank third in the NFL in yards per game. He tied for the team lead in solo tackles (87) that year, was the Redskins' only Pro Bowler and started in the game. The fumble he forced against Tampa Bay in the 2005-06 playoffs was returned for a touchdown and was a key turning point in the Redskins' lone playoff victory since Jan. 2000. Though injuries slowed Washington for the two seasons that preceded his offseason release, his pass-rushing contributions (19.5 sacks total) were critical to a defense that struggled in that area.
RANDY THOMAS Right Guard, 2003-present
After Thomas signed a 7-year, $28 million contract that included a $7 million signing bonus in 2003, he promised: "I'm going to be worth all of it." He was right. His dominant run-blocking and longevity with the franchise set him apart from the other members of the "JetSkins" free agent class of 2003 (Laveranues Coles, Chad Morton and John Hall). Thomas, 33, is a big reason why the Redskins have had a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the last five seasons. He is one of the NFL's best at pull blocking, and it showed during the Redskins' five-game winning streak at the end of 2005, which resulted in a playoff berth. Thomas has been durable, too. He hasn't missed more than two games in a season--with the exception of 2007, when a triceps tear limited him to three games--and he has started all 16 games in three seasons with the Redskins.
ETHAN ALBRIGHT Long Snapper, 2001-present
With a nod to linebacker London Fletcher, Albright ranks third because of his consistency, longevity and value. Except for one or two snaps over eight seasons with the Redskins, he has been perfect in one of the most pressure-packed, detail-oriented roles in football--a distinction that was rewarded with a Pro Bowl appearance in 2007. Albright's durability is unparalleled, too. He signed a three-year deal for approximately the league minimum in 2001 and has since played in 131 consecutive games. (Huge props to anyone who can name his predecessor.) You can't beat the value that Albright provides, either. He has been willing to play for approximately the veteran minimum on short-term deals each season. And at age 38, "Red Snapper" (because of his fiery hair) hasn't showed many signs of decline. (If you named Joe Zelenka as his predecessor, you need a life).
ADAM ARCHULETA Safety, 2006
There's some stiff competition for this dubious spot, but Archuleta is the biggest bust of the last 10 years because of his monster contract, his disastrous play and the fact that the Redskins jettisoned emerging safety Ryan Clark in the process of signing him. A recap not for the weak-hearted: Clark ranked second on the team in interceptions (three) and seventh in tackles (43) in 2005. However, the Redskins replaced him with the 28-year-old Archuleta, who signed a 6-year, $31.8 million dollar deal with a $10 million signing bonus. Never mind the fact that Archuleta had only three interceptions in his previous five seasons combined. Clark, meanwhile, signed with Pittsburgh for $7 million over four years and a $1.65 million signing bonus. Archuleta struggled in pass coverage and clashed with the Redskins' coaching staff. He started only seven games and was demoted to special teams during the second half of the season before being traded to Chicago for a measly sixth-round draft choice in March 2007. And Clark? He'd be happy to show you his 2008 Super Bowl ring.
JEFF GEORGE Quarterback, 2000-2001
George stands as the predominant symbol of Snyder's misguided spending. The Redskins won the NFC East in 1999 behind Pro Bowl quarterback Brad Johnson and his 4,005 passing yards--the second-best single-season total in team history. The following offseason, a free agent spending spree landed such high-priced veterans as defensive end Bruce Smith, cornerback Deion Sanders (we'll get to him) and safety Mark Carrier. At age 32, George signed a 4-year, $18.25 million contract that included a $2 million signing bonus. The former first-overall draft pick had a problematic attitude and temper that overshadowed his cannon arm. Though the Redskins sought to add him as insurance in case Johnson got hurt, the acquisition essentially manufactured a quarterback controversy. Team chemistry dissolved and coach Norv Turner was fired during a disappointing 2000 season. Johnson left and won a Super Bowl two years later with Tampa Bay. George lasted only two games under coach Marty Schottenheimer in 2001 before he was cut. His record in D.C.: 1--6.
DEION SANDERS Cornerback, 2000
Sanders is another headliner of the disappointing 2000 free agent class that still mars Snyder's reputation. His bust didn't result as much from his play, which was serviceable, as it did from his contract and premature departure from the team. At age 32, the future Hall of Famer signed a whopping 7-year, $56 million contract that included an $8 million signing bonus. However, the game-breaking plays that made him a star during his days in Atlanta and his Super Bowl stints in San Francisco and Dallas did not follow him to D.C. It wasn't all bad, though. He did manage to intercept four passes, recover two fumbles and help mentor second-year cornerback Champ Bailey. But the team crumbled en route to a disappointing 8-8 finish in 2000, and the midseason firing of Norv Turner left Sanders' commitment to the team in limbo. He opted to retire rather than play for incoming coach Marty Schottenheimer. Ultimately, the Redskins probably sold a lot of No. 21 jerseys, but they paid Sanders approximately $15 million in salary and bonuses for one season-not exactly a good investment.
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