The Washington Redskins have a lengthy history of letting players to go too soon, with several names that could have stayed a little
longer. Whether through trade or free agency, names like Champ Bailey and Lorenzo Alexander will always haunt fans, leaving them
wondering “what if?” about what may have been.
Those names have recently gained traction as the Redskins prepare for life without Kirk Cousins and Kendall Fuller, and given their
importance to the team during their time in D.C., a familiar sense of regret may soon return to the minds of burgundy and gold fans
everywhere.
Sure, hindsight is 20/20, and history is the final deciding factor in what should have been done, but it’s difficult to claim that the
Redskins had the opportunity to keep key players only to let them leave at the height of their powers. A 5-11 season and a 600-yard
rushing leader after Stephen Davis left, a combined 14 Pro Bowl appearances and multiple All-Pro honors for Bailey and Paul Kraus,
and a future franchise quarterback. Fans are disappointed not only by what was lost, but also by how things were handled in the first
place.
The Redskins will hope that history does not repeat itself in the coming years as they strive to create a roster capable of competing for
NFC and NFC East crowns, but with this current head office, anything is possible. Until then, take a look back at the players who left
way too soon.
Bailey was the league’s best cornerback when he left for the Denver Broncos in 2003, and he went on to enjoy a career that will almost
surely land him in the Hall of Fame. The former first-round pick would have surely become a Redskins icon, probably the best
defensive player the team has ever had. Bailey was personally taught by great Darrell Green and went on to record eight Pro Bowl
seasons after being traded to the Broncos, as well as four of his five first-team All-Pro choices. He was designated an all-decade
performer and is a lock to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Clinton Portis was no slouch during his time in
Washington, but Bailey was nearly unrivaled.
