The Washington Redskins added a premier player to their secondary on Tuesday afternoon, acquiring safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round pick.
In a corresponding move, the Redskins have waived linebacker Cassanova McKinzy and terminated defensive back Jason Thompson from the practice squad.
Clinton-Dix, 25, is in the midst of his fifth season after being selected in the first round out of Alabama in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Packers used their fifth-year option on him this season, meaning he will be a free agent after the end of this year.
The 2016 Pro Bowler has never missed a game in his career. In 71 contests, he's collected 390 tackles, 14 interceptions, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
According to Pro Football Focus, Clinton-Dix is having his best season to date. In seven games, he has an 87.7 defensive grade, thanks in part to his three interceptions (one coming against the Redskins during the team's Week 3 matchups).
In 2016, Clinton-Dix was named to his first career Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro recognition from The Associated Press and All-NFC honors from the PFWA in 2016 after leading the team with a career-high five interceptions (tied for No. 5 in the NFL and No. 2 among safeties).
According to Packers.com, his five interceptions in 2016 were the most by a Packers safety in a single season since Charles Woodson (seven) and Charlie Peprah (five) in 2011. In 2016, posted a career-high two interceptions in both Week 9 and Week 14, becoming the first Packer to have multiple two-INT games in a season since Woodson in 2011.
Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his two-interception performance at Chicago in Week 15 of the 2016 season, becoming the first Packers DB to win the award since Woodson in 2010 (Week 4). He also led the team in tackles (18) and passes defensed (four) during the 2016 postseason.
The move significantly bolsters a Redskins defense that has been playing at a high level this season. Clinton-Dix will pair with safety D.J. Swearinger Sr., who has been playing at an All-Pro level himself this season with four interceptions and two forced fumbles.
With Clinton-Dix in the fold, and Troy Apke recently placed on Injured Reserve, the Redskins now have four safeties on the roster. Montae Nicholson has started all seven games this season opposite Swearinger, combining for 35 tackles and one pass defensed.
