Brandon Lloyd Released (1 Viewer)

[shims3]

Looks like the Skins admitted their mistake.

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=34639

The Redskins have released wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, the team has announced on Tuesday.

Brandon Lloyd (Getty Images)

Lloyd's two-year stint with the Redskins proved to be a disappointment. He was never able to establish himself in the Redskins' offense.

In March 2006, the Redskins traded two mid-round draft picks to the San Francisco 49ers to acquire Lloyd.

At the time, it was thought Lloyd would provide great speed and big-play ability to the Redskins' offense.

He ended up catching just 25 passes for 379 yards and no touchdowns in two seasons in Washington.

Lloyd began the 2007 season as a starter, but he was replaced by Antwaan Randle El and used in a reserve role.

He caught just two passes for 14 yards in eight games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury during a Redskins practice.

 

[Gordon Keith]

.

 

[Max Power]

And for some sad reason the Bears fans are excited.

 

[shims3]

And for some sad reason the Bears fans are excited.

I would be excited too if I had a Grossman to Lloyd combination on my team.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

And for some sad reason the Bears fans are excited.

What do the Bears have to do with this gator armed slug?$480K per catch - not a bad gig if you can get it, as he was guaranteed $12Million.

 

[Wildman]

A colleague of mine out of KC (where Lloyd hails) says Lloyd was way too full of himself and heading down the path of Freddie Mitchell early in his career. It's a shame, he was a human highlight film on some plays. He speaks volumes about the importance of what goes on between the ears as much as anything else one can evaluate.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Where's that animated gif of Lloyd DUCKING so a pass wouldn't hit him? HYSTERICAL!

 

[Guinis72]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up.

I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

 

[JPeso]

A colleague of mine out of KC (where Lloyd hails) says Lloyd was way too full of himself and heading down the path of Freddie Mitchell early in his career.

Fred-Ex!!!!

 

[fatness]

Redskin fans are pretty torn up about Lloyd being cut.

 

[Chadstroma]

The only surprise is that they did not cut him last year. What are the chances that the Titans pick him up?

 

[Max Power]

And for some sad reason the Bears fans are excited.

What do the Bears have to do with this gator armed slug?$480K per catch - not a bad gig if you can get it, as he was guaranteed $12Million.

He was good at Illinois, so for some reason people think he can rebound into a solid player if he comes back to the state...

 

[KellysHeroes]

bring on Berrian

 

[LordOpie]

Lloyd sounds a little like Ashley Lelie. I think he's on the fast track to Subway artist.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up. I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

Pickup? They TRADED two picks for the guy. He was no 'free agent' pickup.That may have been THE WORST offseason for Danny Warbucks so far... Andre Carter did well last year, but Archuleta was a bust (thanks for paying most of his contract btw Snyder) and Lloyd sucks. The Bears wanted Antwan Randle El to return punts, but when Washington overpaid for him in a major way, they drafted some return specialist out of the U.

 

[morris4903]

Where's that animated gif of Lloyd DUCKING so a pass wouldn't hit him? HYSTERICAL!

came here to post this

 

[5Rings]

The only surprise is that they did not cut him last year. What are the chances that the Titans pick him up?

I think he'll join Rashaun Woods out on the Bass Boat. Woods can fish, Lloyd can rap.

 

[thayman]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up. I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

Pickup? They TRADED two picks for the guy. He was no 'free agent' pickup.That may have been THE WORST offseason for Danny Warbucks so far... Andre Carter did well last year, but Archuleta was a bust (thanks for paying most of his contract btw Snyder) and Lloyd sucks. The Bears wanted Antwan Randle El to return punts, but when Washington overpaid for him in a major way, they drafted some return specialist out of the U.

Randle El hasn't been overpaid from a Redskin point of view. Snyder can afford to overpay, as long as he isn't trading draft picks as a fan I don't care what he pays the players. He has proven he can manage the cap better than any other NFL franchise.

 

[Rogi]

I completely forgot he was a Redskin until now. I guess his career didn't improve after San Fran.

 

[Guinis72]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up. I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

Pickup? They TRADED two picks for the guy. He was no 'free agent' pickup.That may have been THE WORST offseason for Danny Warbucks so far... Andre Carter did well last year, but Archuleta was a bust (thanks for paying most of his contract btw Snyder) and Lloyd sucks. The Bears wanted Antwan Randle El to return punts, but when Washington overpaid for him in a major way, they drafted some return specialist out of the U.

Randle El hasn't been overpaid from a Redskin point of view. Snyder can afford to overpay, as long as he isn't trading draft picks as a fan I don't care what he pays the players. He has proven he can manage the cap better than any other NFL franchise.

That's true, we did waste some picks in obtaining him which just added insult to injury. I do remember us giving up those picks, I was just speaking generally. I agree that ARE may be a little overpaid, but I also don't have a problem with that. He plays with a lot of heart, is willing to do whatever is asked of him and was probably our best overall WR last year. I know that's not something to brag about, and I expect S Moss to bounce back this year, but the fact does remain.I'm not sure how Carter and Archuletta got into a post about Lloyd, but I'm pleased with the progress Carter made last year.To the relief of most Skins fans, Danny does seem to have finally gotten the point that you need your draft picks. I know it had to be tough for him last year to only have 1 Day 1 pick, but I was proud of the organization for sucking it up and not trading 08 picks for an 07 pick.

 

[redman]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up. I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

Pickup? They TRADED two picks for the guy. He was no 'free agent' pickup.That may have been THE WORST offseason for Danny Warbucks so far... Andre Carter did well last year, but Archuleta was a bust (thanks for paying most of his contract btw Snyder) and Lloyd sucks. The Bears wanted Antwan Randle El to return punts, but when Washington overpaid for him in a major way, they drafted some return specialist out of the U.

Lloyd and Arch were by far the two worst acquisitions of the Gibbs II era. Both should have been avoided, Lloyd because his attitude was always in question and Archuleta because he's worthless against anything other than a wishbone offense. Lloyd at least had some physical talent, but the oversight on his character was embarrassing. Of course, your Chicago Bears then acquired Archuleta . . . Lay off the Randle El signing. I love the guy and think he's been a great acquisition. He's not really a true WR2 - he should be more of a Wes Welker type out of the slot - but he's been solid for them.

 

[zamboni]

A colleague of mine out of KC (where Lloyd hails) says Lloyd was way too full of himself and heading down the path of Freddie Mitchell early in his career. It's a shame, he was a human highlight film on some plays. He speaks volumes about the importance of what goes on between the ears as much as anything else one can evaluate.

There are a handful of guys who have made a living out of one or a few incredible plays (thinking of the catch along the sidelines as a Niner). Lloyd surely appears to be one of these select few.

 

[redman]

A colleague of mine out of KC (where Lloyd hails) says Lloyd was way too full of himself and heading down the path of Freddie Mitchell early in his career. It's a shame, he was a human highlight film on some plays. He speaks volumes about the importance of what goes on between the ears as much as anything else one can evaluate.

There are a handful of guys who have made a living out of one or a few incredible plays (thinking of the catch along the sidelines as a Niner). Lloyd surely appears to be one of these select few.

It's a shame because Lloyd is more physically gifted than Marvin Harrison. If his head was in the right place and he was in the right team circumstances like Harrison is with Manning, you're looking at another Jerry Rice-caliber career. Instead, he's indeed another Freddie Mitchell.

 

[EBF]

Any 49ers fan could've seen this coming. The guy was just never all that good. People would see him on highlight shows making ridiculous catches and they'd think he was a great WR, but highlight catches were the only thing he could do. He couldn't get open consistently and never really showed any hints of dominance.

 

[redman]

Any 49ers fan could've seen this coming. The guy was just never all that good. People would see him on highlight shows making ridiculous catches and they'd think he was a great WR, but highlight catches were the only thing he could do. He couldn't get open consistently and never really showed any hints of dominance.

This is why I was and am so PO'ed about that trade and signing. Gibbs always placed a premium on character and toughness, and yet they obviously failed to do their homework on this guy. It was a lower profile version of the Ryan Leaf debacle. Ridiculous.

 

[IM666]

So much for his offseason diet

 

[southeastjerome]

I certainly won't miss his shin splints in training camp this year. He was an awful signing, I am glad he's gone and hopefully the team has learned from the signing of Arch and Lloyd. I think they have. The Bears were quick to jump on Arch and that didn't turn out so well, maybe they'll be more apprehensive about another Redskins cast off.

 

[Black]

Where's that animated gif of Lloyd DUCKING so a pass wouldn't hit him? HYSTERICAL!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/Rev...loyd20Ducks.gif

 

[fatness]

Where's that animated gif of Lloyd DUCKING so a pass wouldn't hit him? HYSTERICAL!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/Rev...loyd20Ducks.gif

Thank you.

 

[fatness]

This is why I was and am so PO'ed about that trade and signing. Gibbs always placed a premium on character and toughness, and yet they obviously failed to do their homework on this guy. It was a lower profile version of the Ryan Leaf debacle. Ridiculous.

Archuleta and Lloyd were free agent signings the Redskins made without anyone on the coaching staff having any firsthand knowledge of the player. Both worked out miserably.

 

[5Rings]

It's a shame because Lloyd is more physically gifted than Marvin Harrison. If his head was in the right place and he was in the right team circumstances like Harrison is with Manning, you're looking at another Jerry Rice-caliber career. Instead, he's indeed another Freddie Mitchell.

Big fan of your shtick.

 

[redman]

It's a shame because Lloyd is more physically gifted than Marvin Harrison. If his head was in the right place and he was in the right team circumstances like Harrison is with Manning, you're looking at another Jerry Rice-caliber career. Instead, he's indeed another Freddie Mitchell.

Big fan of your shtick.

You think Marvin Harrison is a better athlete than Brandon Lloyd? There's no confusing who is a better football player or WR, but better athlete?

 

[teamroc]

It's a shame because Lloyd is more physically gifted than Marvin Harrison. If his head was in the right place and he was in the right team circumstances like Harrison is with Manning, you're looking at another Jerry Rice-caliber career. Instead, he's indeed another Freddie Mitchell.

Big fan of your shtick.

You think Marvin Harrison is a better athlete than Brandon Lloyd? There's no confusing who is a better football player or WR, but better athlete?

You're based "better athlete" off circus catches? Harrison can match any WR in that category. I remember a game against the Pats Harrison had 3 insane catches. Falling out of bounds, controlling his body, controlling the ball, tipping it to himself. Body control? Hands? Burst through cuts? Harrison kills him. It's not even close.

 

[wraith5]

Where's that animated gif of Lloyd DUCKING so a pass wouldn't hit him? HYSTERICAL!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/Rev...loyd20Ducks.gif

I could watch that all day and never stop laughing...

 

[5Rings]

It's a shame because Lloyd is more physically gifted than Marvin Harrison. If his head was in the right place and he was in the right team circumstances like Harrison is with Manning, you're looking at another Jerry Rice-caliber career. Instead, he's indeed another Freddie Mitchell.

Big fan of your shtick.

You think Marvin Harrison is a better athlete than Brandon Lloyd? There's no confusing who is a better football player or WR, but better athlete?

Of course not. Lloyd owns Marvin.Heck, for that matter, Brandon Lloyd is better than Jerry Rice.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....

Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.

Pitiful.

 

[redman]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.Pitiful.

I'm not sure why Brunell keeps getting mentioned. I thought he was overpaid, but it ain't my money and his cap # didn't inhibit the team so what do I care? Brunell also had one of his best statistical seasons of his career in 2005 and was a major positive factor in their playoff appearance, something which he unfortunately couldn't really show after his knee got injured in the December Giants game. Lloyd and Archuleta were in classes all their own as Synder era busts. Awful.

 

[southeastjerome]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.Pitiful.

I'm not sure why Brunell keeps getting mentioned. I thought he was overpaid, but it ain't my money and his cap # didn't inhibit the team so what do I care? Brunell also had one of his best statistical seasons of his career in 2005 and was a major positive factor in their playoff appearance, something which he unfortunately couldn't really show after his knee got injured in the December Giants game. Lloyd and Archuleta were in classes all their own as Synder era busts. Awful.

Definately. Brunell wasn't that bad. He played very well in leading them to the playoffs in 2005. Lloyd and Archuleta definately take the cake though. Archuleta was made the highest paid safety in football and he was a back up. He would have been a back up from day 1 had Prioleau not gotten hurt on the opening kickoff of the season. Maybe I'm being naive, but I really think the team (Snyderatto) have learned from those types of mistakes.

 

[fatness]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....

The Redskins are about $1.2 million over the cap with the deadline just two days away. But even if they don't rework the deals of any more veterans, they will be well if veteran quarterback Mark Brunell's $6.5 million contract for 2008 voids as expected.

link

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.Pitiful.

I'm not sure why Brunell keeps getting mentioned. I thought he was overpaid, but it ain't my money and his cap # didn't inhibit the team so what do I care? Brunell also had one of his best statistical seasons of his career in 2005 and was a major positive factor in their playoff appearance, something which he unfortunately couldn't really show after his knee got injured in the December Giants game. Lloyd and Archuleta were in classes all their own as Synder era busts. Awful.

Definately. Brunell wasn't that bad. He played very well in leading them to the playoffs in 2005. Lloyd and Archuleta definately take the cake though. Archuleta was made the highest paid safety in football and he was a back up. He would have been a back up from day 1 had Prioleau not gotten hurt on the opening kickoff of the season. Maybe I'm being naive, but I really think the team (Snyderatto) have learned from those types of mistakes.

It's not about Brunell but what it / he represents.Brunell has ZERO future in the NFL. He's done. Why even keep the guy on the roster?Campbell, maybe Collins if he comes back, and then you need someone to groom or grow - possibly become trade bait or learn the sytem to either (A) replace Collins or (B) step in if Campbell doesn't become that QB you expected him to be.Either way, keeping him is a statement that the organization lacks the correct direction - which we kind of knew already.Wow, I'm starting to sound like Steve Czaban.

 

[redman]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.Pitiful.

I'm not sure why Brunell keeps getting mentioned. I thought he was overpaid, but it ain't my money and his cap # didn't inhibit the team so what do I care? Brunell also had one of his best statistical seasons of his career in 2005 and was a major positive factor in their playoff appearance, something which he unfortunately couldn't really show after his knee got injured in the December Giants game. Lloyd and Archuleta were in classes all their own as Synder era busts. Awful.

Definately. Brunell wasn't that bad. He played very well in leading them to the playoffs in 2005. Lloyd and Archuleta definately take the cake though. Archuleta was made the highest paid safety in football and he was a back up. He would have been a back up from day 1 had Prioleau not gotten hurt on the opening kickoff of the season. Maybe I'm being naive, but I really think the team (Snyderatto) have learned from those types of mistakes.

It's not about Brunell but what it / he represents.Brunell has ZERO future in the NFL. He's done. Why even keep the guy on the roster?Campbell, maybe Collins if he comes back, and then you need someone to groom or grow - possibly become trade bait or learn the sytem to either (A) replace Collins or (B) step in if Campbell doesn't become that QB you expected him to be.Either way, keeping him is a statement that the organization lacks the correct direction - which we kind of knew already.Wow, I'm starting to sound like Steve Czaban.

They're not keeping Brunell on the roster in 2008. I'd love to hear who they should have gotten on the roster since 2005 other than Brunell. They tried drafting Carson Palmer's little brother last year but he wasn't any good and didn't stick. Campbell's done fine, so his development hasn't been stunted by Brunell. What's the problem here? I mean seriously, Jeff, there are plenty of things about the Redskins you can pick to criticize, but of all the things out there I'm having trouble understanding this one.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Lloyd will go down as probably the worst move in the Dan Snyder era, and that's saying a lot - especially with Mark Brunell STILL ON THE PAYROLL.....Two picks (3rd, 4th) and $12M for 25 catches and <400 yards - and ZERO touchdowns - for two years.Pitiful.

I'm not sure why Brunell keeps getting mentioned. I thought he was overpaid, but it ain't my money and his cap # didn't inhibit the team so what do I care? Brunell also had one of his best statistical seasons of his career in 2005 and was a major positive factor in their playoff appearance, something which he unfortunately couldn't really show after his knee got injured in the December Giants game. Lloyd and Archuleta were in classes all their own as Synder era busts. Awful.

Definately. Brunell wasn't that bad. He played very well in leading them to the playoffs in 2005. Lloyd and Archuleta definately take the cake though. Archuleta was made the highest paid safety in football and he was a back up. He would have been a back up from day 1 had Prioleau not gotten hurt on the opening kickoff of the season. Maybe I'm being naive, but I really think the team (Snyderatto) have learned from those types of mistakes.

It's not about Brunell but what it / he represents.Brunell has ZERO future in the NFL. He's done. Why even keep the guy on the roster?Campbell, maybe Collins if he comes back, and then you need someone to groom or grow - possibly become trade bait or learn the sytem to either (A) replace Collins or (B) step in if Campbell doesn't become that QB you expected him to be.Either way, keeping him is a statement that the organization lacks the correct direction - which we kind of knew already.Wow, I'm starting to sound like Steve Czaban.

They're not keeping Brunell on the roster in 2008. I'd love to hear who they should have gotten on the roster since 2005 other than Brunell. They tried drafting Carson Palmer's little brother last year but he wasn't any good and didn't stick. Campbell's done fine, so his development hasn't been stunted by Brunell. What's the problem here? I mean seriously, Jeff, there are plenty of things about the Redskins you can pick to criticize, but of all the things out there I'm having trouble understanding this one.

This isn't about 2005, or 2006, or even 2007. It's about looking forward.Why is Brunell still on the roster, especially for the ONE team in the last 3 days that was still over the cap?

 

[fatness]

Why is Brunell still on the roster, especially for the ONE team in the last 3 days that was still over the cap?

Link

Quarterback Mark Brunell's contract was just voided, saving the Redskins $3.4 million against the salary cap and getting them under the $116 million limit more than 30 hours before the 11:59 PM Thursday deadline. This doesn't mean Brunell, 37, won't be back for a fourth season in Washington. But it does mean if he does return, it will be at a much more sensible price.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Why is Brunell still on the roster, especially for the ONE team in the last 3 days that was still over the cap?

Link

Quarterback Mark Brunell's contract was just voided, saving the Redskins $3.4 million against the salary cap and getting them under the $116 million limit more than 30 hours before the 11:59 PM Thursday deadline. This doesn't mean Brunell, 37, won't be back for a fourth season in Washington. But it does mean if he does return, it will be at a much more sensible price.

So soon? Thanks.

 

[Katism]

As a Skins fan, I was against this pickup to begin with although admit I thought A Bryant was the one we should have picked up.

I remember hearing an interview about a year ago when someone was talking about how all the great WRs study and know all the CBs they go up against. In a pre-game interview he had asked Lloyd how he studies his opponent and he said something along the lines of "I don't need to, once I burn them once they're off their game anyway". He ended up having 1 catch for 15yds that day.

Pickup? They TRADED two picks for the guy. He was no 'free agent' pickup.That may have been THE WORST offseason for Danny Warbucks so far... Andre Carter did well last year, but Archuleta was a bust (thanks for paying most of his contract btw Snyder) and Lloyd sucks. The Bears wanted Antwan Randle El to return punts, but when Washington overpaid for him in a major way, they drafted some return specialist out of the U.

LOL

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

I played against Lloyd in high school in KC and the guy was so talented but I could tell he did not have much maturity....his HS teammate Ladell Betts has done more with less talent. Lloyd was also a great CB and pretty good punter in HS.

but.............

I have to say, even with all his baggage, the Chiefs could benefit by bringing him home. He would be a fine WR4....and KC needs all the WR help it can get.

 

[redman]

I played against Lloyd in high school in KC and the guy was so talented but I could tell he did not have much maturity....his HS teammate Ladell Betts has done more with less talent. Lloyd was also a great CB and pretty good punter in HS.but.............I have to say, even with all his baggage, the Chiefs could benefit by bringing him home. He would be a fine WR4....and KC needs all the WR help it can get.

Plus they resurrected the career of Eddie Kennison which was about as dead as a doornail not too long ago. Frustrating to watch so much talent go to waste though.

 

[The Man With No Name]

I got good use out of Lloyd. When Washington aquired him, I traded him and Chris Perry for Lee Evans and DeShaun Foster. Then before last season, I traded Evans for Roy Williams.

I knew he wasn't very good.

 

[redman]

I got good use out of Lloyd. When Washington aquired him, I traded him and Chris Perry for Lee Evans and DeShaun Foster. Then before last season, I traded Evans for Roy Williams.

I knew he wasn't very good.

Did you beat the rape charge?

 

[southeastjerome]

Why is Brunell still on the roster, especially for the ONE team in the last 3 days that was still over the cap?

Link

Quarterback Mark Brunell's contract was just voided, saving the Redskins $3.4 million against the salary cap and getting them under the $116 million limit more than 30 hours before the 11:59 PM Thursday deadline. This doesn't mean Brunell, 37, won't be back for a fourth season in Washington. But it does mean if he does return, it will be at a much more sensible price.

So soon? Thanks.

Ha, maybe they listened to you. From what I've read in the offseason, voiding Brunell's deal was inevitable. As to why they waited this long, I'm not sure. The clause was there so they could void it and nobody in their right mind thought that Brunell was worth that much in battling for the backup job.