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          Washington Redskins' 2019 free-agent signings: Landon Collins fills safety, leadership needs

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          Collins to sign with Redskins (0:45)

          Louis Riddick sees Landon Collins signing with the Redskins as a great move for both sides. (0:45)

          • John Keim, ESPN Staff WriterMar 11, 2019, 08:04 PM
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              John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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          A breakdown of the Washington Redskins' 2019 free-agent signings.

          Landon Collins, safety

          The Redskins signed Collins to a six-year deal worth up to $84 million. Terms of the deal include a $15 million signing bonus, $26 million guaranteed at signing and up to $44.5 million possible in guarantees. Here's a closer look at Collins, who spent the previous four years with the New York Giants:

          What it means: The Redskins have long had a need at safety and this should end that quest, at least at one of the two spots. Collins, 25, already has made three Pro Bowls and has eight career interceptions, though only two over the past two seasons. He also gives the Redskins leadership in the locker room, something they needed. Collins played at Alabama, which means there's a chance the Redskins could have seven former Crimson Tide defenders starting. Collins, a huge fan of late Redskins safety Sean Taylor, is an excellent run defender in the box, a major weakness of Washington's safeties last season.

          What's the risk: It's a huge investment at safety, with $45 million in guaranteed money. But an average of $14 million per year is a lot if Collins can only excel in the box and does not cover well -- as was stated about his time in New York. The Redskins need to pay someone big money and have that player be great. Too often they pay huge money for good play or worse.

          Adrian Peterson, running back

          The Redskins re-signed Peterson to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million Wednesday. Terms of the contract include a guaranteed $1.5 million signing bonus, with a chance to earn another $1.5 million in incentives. He could make up to $4 million in 2020 with another $1.5 million in incentives. Here's a closer look at Peterson, who spent last season with Washington:

          What it means: The Redskins want to win with their run game and defense, and in order to do so they must make sure they're covered at running back. Derrius Guice is coming off a torn ACL and has had previous knee issues and might not be ready until August. If he's limited when the season begins or can't carry a full load for a while, the Redskins are covered with a proven veteran. Peterson isn't as dynamic as he used to be, but still managed 1,042 yards -- including 119 in a Week 16 loss in Tennessee where he was the lone offensive weapon. Peterson's humble approach, combined with his study habits and intensity, made him a popular player in the locker room -- and someone Guice must learn from.

          What's the risk: Peterson is 34 and, though he played all 16 games last season, he was banged up with shoulder and knee issues. He has missed substantial time in other seasons. But that only becomes a problem if Guice proves he can't handle a full load. Peterson and Guice also are alpha male personalities and both will require a certain amount of work. How will it be split? But both are smart enough to understand their role in this offense. Does Peterson become old overnight? At some point Father Time triumphs over all, but he's known for his intense workouts, which have extended his career. The Redskins are counting on him helping for at least one more year.

          Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, cornerback

          The Redskins signed Rodgers-Cromartie to a one-year deal Friday. Here's a closer look at the cornerback who spent part of last season with the Oakland Raiders:

          What it means: The Redskins now have veteran depth at corner, something they lacked last season. It was never wise to enter a season with three rookie backups as Washington did. He has experience playing inside and outside and could rotate to safety in certain coverages. If the Redskins' young corners develop then they don't need to keep Rodgers-Cromartie around. If the young corners don't develop, then he could help. He also provides insurance if they wanted to make a move with Josh Norman, who counts $14.5 million against the cap this year. But the Redskins would need to see what Rodgers-Cromartie has left and how the young corners have developed before making that leap.

          What's the risk: There's no real risk involved in signing Rodgers-Cromartie. If he can't play they can cut without much penalty. The real risk for them is if he can't play anymore and the young corners don't develop. Then they'll be without depth once again at a premium position. They lacked solid depth last season and it cost them as starter Quinton Dunbar dealt with a nerve issue in his leg, constantly forcing young players into action before they were ready.