The Washington Redskins created more cap space -- and another hole in their secondary -- by releasing safety Dashon Goldson on Monday.
The move saves Washington $8 million in salary-cap space and is one of a handful of moves that have freed up room. But a source said there's a chance the Redskins will re-sign Goldson at a lower cost. They have said in the past that they liked how he performed in 2016, but wanted him to take a pay cut.
Goldson started 15 regular season games for Washington this season as well as their playoff game vs. Green Bay.
Goldson finished with a career-best 110 tackles this past season, his first with the Redskins. They obtained him in a trade last spring from Tampa Bay, where he spent two seasons. Goldson earned two Pro Bowl berths in six seasons with San Francisco.
Goldson has been fined a number of times in his career for illegal hits, including three times in 2013. He was suspended one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit early in the 2013 season, though it was later reduced to a $100,000 fine. Another hit drew a one-game suspension, costing him $264,705. After a third time, he received a $60,000 fine. He did not receive a fine this past season.
The Redskins have had a busy day, also releasing quarterback Robert Griffin III, veteran defensive end Jason Hatcher and safety Jeron Johnson. Meanwhile, prospective free agents in nose tackle Terrance Knighton and fullback Darrel Young were told by the club that they will not be returning.