Redskins stay or go: WR Leonard Hankerson

Position/name: Wide receiver/Leonard Hankerson
Age at start of season: 27
2014 cap number: $810,000
2014 stats: 1 game, 0 receptions

Background: Last year was a lost season for Hankerson as he spent 14 games either on the PUP list or as a game day inactive. It wasn’t his first lost season as he has played in 16 games just once in his four years in the league. Even in his full season his production was not that impressive as he caught 38 passes for 543 yards and three touchdowns in 2012. The Redskins have been waiting for his breakout season and they may or may not keep him around to see if he can have it in 2015.

Tandler: Go—Yes, I did write a couple of days ago that the Redskins could be looking for bigger wide receivers to help out in the red zone and at 6-2 Hankerson does fit that description. Well, he does according to the tape measure anyway. But he’s a big receiver who plays small. Hankerson has 81 career receptions, all with the Redskins. Can you recall any of them where he went up and outfought a smaller defensive back for the ball? There might be a few times he did it but using his height to his advantage is not a hallmark of his play; he is a big receiver who plays small. Add in his durability problems and you have a player you can let walk.

El-Bashir: Stay (for now)—I’d be in favor of re-signing Hankerson with the intention of giving him one more shot to prove he can 1) stay healthy and 2) help the team. Given his injury history, I’m not convinced he can stay healthy. But I do recall his productive 2012 campaign (16 games, 38 catches, 543 yards, 3 touchdowns), so I’m also not ready to give up on the former third round pick, particularly since the Redskins have spent four years developing him. I say sign Hankerson to the veteran minimum, with no guaranteed money, and include bonuses for making the 53-man roster, for being active on game days and perhaps some additional incentives. If he makes the team, great. If he pushes No. 3 wide receiver Andre Roberts and second year player Ryan Grant, even better. If he can't, no big deal. It will be time for both sides to move on.   


(csnwashington.com)