Washington Redskins sign free agent tight end Thaddeus Moss
The feeling of sitting through seven rounds of an NFL Draft and not hearing your name called probably isn’t a pleasant one. Unfortunately for Thaddeus Moss, that nightmare became a reality on Saturday when he was passed up in this year’s draft. However, the son of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss would not be left unclaimed for very long.
Following the conclusion of the draft, it was announced that Moss had indeed found a team. The tight end out of LSU had opted to sign with the Washington Redskins as a free agent.
“Thaddeus was a productive guy,” declared Redskins vice president of player personnel Kyle Smith to reporters when the signing was announced. “It was really a no-brainer to sign him.”
While Thaddeus wasn’t selected in the first round like his father or even in the draft at all, he will have an opportunity to prove he is capable of playing in the NFL during his time in Washington. The Redskins lack talent and a bona fide number one starter in the position. Although the team did already sign two tight ends – Logan Thomas and Richard Rodgers – in free agency prior to Moss, the battle for playing time is wide open.
The 21-year-old came up big for LSU in his final season with the Tigers, putting up two Touchdowns and 36 yards in the 2020 National Championship Game to help beat Clemson. As a result, LSU quarterback Jim Burrow set an NCAA single season record for most touchdowns in a single season in the National Championship Game and was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in this year’s draft. Moss opted not to return for his senior season.
Moss spent his freshman season at North Carolina State, featuring in five games and putting up once touchdown before deciding to transfer to LSU. He sat out the complete 2017 season because of NCAA transfer rules and didn’t play a single game in 2018 either as he was out with a foot injury. The fact he sat out for two full seasons makes what he was able to accomplish in 2019 with the Tigers even more impressive.
His injury history has to be a concern for the Redskins though, considering he wasn’t even able to workout at the NFL combine because of a broken bone in his right foot that required surgery.
The Redskins could certainly use the help in offense though, as they put up just 266 points last year – less than every other team in the entire NFL. The club finished the campaign with just three wins – only the Cincinnati Bengals had less. While Washington did take defensive standout Chase Young with the second overall pick in the draft, their next four consecutive selections went into bolstering their offense including the acquisition of Memphis running back Antonio Gibson with the 66th overall pick.
Questions remain regarding the start of the NFL preseason, but Moss will be looking to make the most of his chance with Washington once he is healthy enough to get back onto the field.
