Merged: TE/H-back depth chart

ESPN Bottom Line said that we signed TE Fred Baxter to a 1 year deal. Here is his profile
http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/1355

why do you guys think we picked him up? We have enough TE/H-Backs, doesnt make sense to me

I don't claim to know much about Fred Baxter, but he is a big guy, height: 6-3, weight: 268
Plus he went to Auburn which was primarily a running offense.
It sounds like he is a run blocking TE. So he could serve as a 2nd or 3rd TE on short yardage/jumbo packages.
Plus be a insurance/back up to recently injury prone Walter Rasby.

Yeah I think Defense is right, Baxter seem like he fits the mold of Rasby and could be insurance for him

I also agree with Defense's assessment. And don't forget, teams like to overstock big time prior to training camp. It makes for more competition, and also provides "fodder" in the early practices. We have more TE's than we will keep, and no way to know yet who will end up being the fodder...

I wonder if someone like Royals could be on the bubble.

I'm sure Gibbs wants as much depth as possible at the tight end, H-back spot since his offense is centered around the run to set up the pass. If this guy is a good run blocker, then I'm sure we need him.

Yes, TE is an important position, but if I count it right, this makes 7 TE's for them now. That means around 4 will not make the final cut. No way they keep 7 TE's no matter how key that position is. In training camp they like to be very deep at all positions, knowing they will trim at every position. Often they do not keep extra depth at K, P, and QB, but expect some guys at every other position to be cut before week 1.

I don't remember the source, but I read that Joe plans to keep 4 TEs on the roster.

Baxter's experience (12 years) likely played a big role in his signing. With Rasby, Koslowski and now Baxter, the Skins now have a trio of veteran TEs with a combined 34 years of NFL experience among them. These three vets will provide leadership and veteran savvy to complement the youth and athleticism of the other four TEs on the roster: Cooley, Ware, Stephens and Royal, who share a combined 5 years of NFL experience.

Though Baxter, Rasby and Koslowski may not be the fastest or most athletic TEs out there, they fit perfectly with Gibbs' specifications for TEs that are smart, tough and hard-working blockers.

Baxter is a good signing.

Joe, it sounds like you are thinking the Redskins could possibly keep all (or almost all) of these TE's. Is that so? I would sure think the absolute max would be 4, with one on the practice squad. Do you have any idea what his roster makeup was in his last go-round here? (Of course, back then his practice squad was the IR LOL).