Betts in contract extension talks with 'Skins (1 Viewer)

[redman]

Extension for Betts?

Veteran running back Ladell Betts, who returned to practice from a hamstring injury yesterday, confirmed that preliminary discussions with the Redskins about a contract extension are under way. Betts, the primary backup for injured franchise running back Clinton Portis, is eligible for free agency in the offseason, and, despite believing he has the skills to be a starter in the NFL, is happy in Washington.

"I'm definitely open to staying here," said Betts, a second-round pick in 2002. "The Redskins were the first team to give me an opportunity to play NFL football, so I'm definitely willing to listen."

Betts recently switched agents, signing with Tony Agnone, and Coach Joe Gibbs said there has been some contact between Agnone and director of football administration Eric Schaffer.

"We like Ladell," Gibbs said. "We always want to sign all of our good football players."

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[Neo]

As a Betts owner in a dynasty....without Portis......I hope this doesn't happen. I drafted him in hopes he'll get a chance to be the starter somewhere next season.

 

[msommer]

Would Betts be able to fight for a starter job on another team? If so you'd think that he would ask for something close to starter money, which the Redskins won't pay

 

[redman]

Would Betts be able to fight for a starter job on another team? If so you'd think that he would ask for something close to starter money, which the Redskins won't pay

The short answer is yes. I think he could. He's a borderline starting talent who I'd most compare to Lamont Jordan. Neither guy is a star, but they have talent and with a good team around them can perform well.What hurts guys like this is that the league is about as deep with RB's as I can ever remember it. Every team seems to have two guys, with a solid starter and a backup who is either aging but proven (e.g. Holmes in KC) or is a good, young prospect (e.g. Maroney in NE). I'm not sure where he's going to get a good opportunity to sign as a starter; Jordan IMHO got lucky in that regard.

 

[fruity pebbles]

As a Portis and Betts dynasty owner, I hope he signs with the skins. It's nice to have a clear cut backup who can perform if the starter goes down.

 

[redman]

As a Portis and Betts dynasty owner, I hope he signs with the skins. It's nice to have a clear cut backup who can perform if the starter goes down.

This would seem to be the ideal situation.

 

[BigTex]

Looks like I'll be taking him off of my draft board.

 

[Gandalf]

This makes no sense to me. If I'm LaDell Betts, why on earth would I ink a deal now when I can get starter money next year as an unrestricted free agent? I appreciate loyalty, but he could always re-sign with Washington in the offseason. Why lock yourself down now? Can someone explain this to me?

 

[citydawg]

This makes no sense to me. If I'm LaDell Betts, why on earth would I ink a deal now when I can get starter money next year as an unrestricted free agent? I appreciate loyalty, but he could always re-sign with Washington in the offseason. Why lock yourself down now? Can someone explain this to me?

I agree...especially when he should have a shot with Portis's injury to showcase himself in a good offense. If Im Ladell...Im playing hard to get a shot at big money at the season's end.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I think Betts keeps his options open and maybe tests the market. Though a situation might not seem to be in plain view right now, there is always a RB spot that opens up by year end or during the off-season. Thus, he could be inline for a featured job and every RB likes to be tha man.

 

[cws3030]

Would Betts be able to fight for a starter job on another team? If so you'd think that he would ask for something close to starter money, which the Redskins won't pay

why wouldn't they pay close to starter money for him? they seem to find a way to overpay everyone else