Report: Redskins could offer Fred Davis a long-term deal

Redskins tight end Fred Davis suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 7. (US Presswire)

With the increasing role the tight end position has assumed in offenses throughout the NFL, the Washington Redskins face a critical decision over the next few weeks on whether to re-sign veteran free agent Fred Davis.

Although Davis appeared in only seven games in 2012, the Redskins could still offer him a long-term contract, according to the Washington Post. Using his athleticism to capitalize on mismatches, Davis finished with career-highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (796) in 2011. Davis suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in 2012 during a Week 7 loss to the Giants.

Following his stellar season in 2011, Davis signed the franchise tag with the Redskins for a one-year deal approximately worth $5.446 million. Under the CBA, Davis would receive roughly $6.5 million if he signs the franchise tag again, the Post reported.

Davis' catch rate improved from 67 percent in 2011 to 75 percent this past season, according to footballoutsiders.com. If the Redskins are unable to sign Davis, the NFC East champions have a capable replacement in Logan Paulsen. The third-year veteran had 25 receptions for 308 yards in relief of Davis in 2012. Paulsen, a former tight end at UCLA, also had a catch rate of 69 percent on 36 targets.

In 2012, the 10 highest-paid tight ends in the NFL all made at least $5.421 million for the season. If Davis is in search of a long-term deal, he could receive one similar to the five-year, $34 million contract Seahawks tight end Zach Miller signed in 2011.

A deep tight end pool in free agency includes Jets tight end Dustin Keller, Titans tight end Jared Cook and Giants tight end Martellus Bennett.

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