***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

I'm probably in the minority, but does anyone else here want to draft Sam Bradford? I think Okung is a good player, but I'm not convinced he'll be as good as Samuels. I rarely am for drafting QB's early, but I really think Bradford is the real deal. I think they are better served with Bradford at 4 and then taking someone like Charles Brown with their 2nd round pick. I'm not convinced that Okung will a much better player than a guy like Brown.

I don't pretend to be an expert on college players and I have to say that up front.But no, a previously-injured QB at the #4 spot is too big a risk. If you look at the history of QB's drafted in the first round, a lot of them are busts (relative to their draft position). Add in the injury factor, the fact that he still can't play at this moment, and to me that says "no way". This team is rebuilding and should not be gambling with high draft picks.Okung, from everything I've read, is the best at his position and close to a sure thing in the pros. That's who I'd draft. Look for a QB elsewhere in the draft.

 

[buster c]

I'm probably in the minority, but does anyone else here want to draft Sam Bradford? I think Okung is a good player, but I'm not convinced he'll be as good as Samuels. I rarely am for drafting QB's early, but I really think Bradford is the real deal. I think they are better served with Bradford at 4 and then taking someone like Charles Brown with their 2nd round pick. I'm not convinced that Okung will a much better player than a guy like Brown.

Okung, from everything I've read, is the best at his position and close to a sure thing in the pros. That's who I'd draft. Look for a QB elsewhere in the draft.

like saying a car should have wheels

 

[fatness]

upcoming visit

Former Carolina nose tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu is scheduled to visit the Redskins on Tuesday, a league source said.

Kemoeatu, whom the Panthers released this week, missed the 2009 season because of an injury. In 2008, Kemoeatu started 14 games for the Panthers and was credited with 31 unassisted tackles.

 

[fatness]

Rotoworld, a few days ago.:

An unnamed NFL executive told SI.com that the Redskins will "throw around money like it's playing Monopoly" in free agency."The feeling we get is that nobody's going to be very active in free agency except for the Redskins," said the club official. "We're hearing they have significant interest in Julius Peppers and Darren Sproles." According to SI's Don Banks, Skins coach Mike Shanahan "covets" Sproles, and owner Dan Snyder will fire up his "private jet and Brink's truck" for Peppers.

:whoosh:

 

[fatness]

Has anyone ever seen Rick Snider and buster c in the same place at the same time? Hmmmm.....

So let me get this straight: in capped years, we spend money like drunken sailors, misappropriating resources that cause areas of need to not get addressed, wrecking team chemistry and ensuring one losing season after another. Now -with no salary cap to worry about- and after cutting 3 team captains creating a void for new leaders (chemistry), they’re exercising fiscal constraint? All Snyder does is the opposite of what he should be doing! Look, I don’t for one minute think Peppers is worth 10m/year or that we need him, but there really is no good reason to NOT sign him. Sign everybody! What is the downside? And everybody here is cheering the new fiscal restraint!

What a letdown.The Washington Redskins didn't get pass rusher Julius Peppers -- the kingpin of free agency. They didn't sign Karlos Dansby, the best linebacker available. Safety Antrel Rolle went to the New York Giants. Even over-the-hill left tackle Chad Clifton turned Washington down.Owner Dan Snyder must be saying, "Hello operator, I need the number of a V. Cerrato now living in Chicago."Seriously, who forgot to tell new general manager Bruce Allen the Redskins are kings of the offseason? This is the uncapped year Snyder has awaited 11 years. The one time he could buy a Super Bowl. Instead, the Redskins haven't even bought a used Toyota, which at least would have raced ahead unchecked.How is a 4-12 team supposed to get better when it only has five draft choices and no prominent free agents? Maybe the Redskins need a more measured approach than Wall Street bankers cashing bailout bonuses, but Allen is now chairman of the NFL Tea Party conservative movement. Allen knew the marquee free agents were overpriced, but needs to learn Snyder's dough is like monopoly money -- worthless if not spent.

:whoosh:

 

[fatness]

Tony Pachos was originally thought to had a deal done as well. But instead it was later reported that no deal has been made and than Pachos was on his way to visit the Cleveland Browns. I do not have details on the numbers that were discussed, however I did hear that the asking price for the talent did not match with what was offered. Did the Skins “lowball” a free agent? Has the world gone bananas? Chad Clifton was supposedly in Washington to try to manipulate his asking price, and left without a contract. He then went back to Green Bay to sign with the Packers. A commenter on PFT.com suggested:

PCinOz says:

March 5, 2010 8:06 PM

Redskins offered the $20 over 3 years, Clifton gave the Packers the chance to match it.

Redskins wouldn’t go higher.

So far, we have had three potential linemen come in to discuss deals. One signed, one left to weigh options, and another signed with his original deal. 1 out of 3 isn’t bad, especially when you didn’t overpay for him and you see him as a potential upgrade (Stephan Heyer).

Riggins's website

 

[fatness]

Asked if the club approached Peppers, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said, “No, we didn’t,” during an exclusive interview with Redskins.com.

Despite the rising tide of media guesswork in the days before free agency commenced, the Redskins sat out the pursuit of Peppers, who also had offers from the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

“There are so many rumors before free agency starts and then afterward there’s speculation,” Allen said. “We divided out our staff and went after the players we think will fit what we’re looking to accomplish this season.”

Peppers, who has 81 sacks in eight seasons, wasn’t included.

news from the Death Star

 

[DesmondBishop]

Redskin Homer's,

Do you think the skins hang on to Cooley and Fred Davis? I know Cooley is everyone's boy, but Davis looked pretty good last year once he got into the starting gig. Hard to believe they keep both, but I guess it is possible, Mike uses TE's but I do not see them both getting many catches.

Davis is probably cheaper to keep and Cooley would probably fetch more in the market for anyone needing a solid TE, do you think they make a move or just keep them both?

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Redskin Homer's, Do you think the skins hang on to Cooley and Fred Davis? I know Cooley is everyone's boy, but Davis looked pretty good last year once he got into the starting gig. Hard to believe they keep both, but I guess it is possible, Mike uses TE's but I do not see them both getting many catches. Davis is probably cheaper to keep and Cooley would probably fetch more in the market for anyone needing a solid TE, do you think they make a move or just keep them both?

Honestly, none of us can answer that because we don't yet have a feel for how the new regime works or exactly what its plan is. I could see them running 2-TE sets more with both Davis and Cooley and they've talked about doing that, but I've also been watching football long enough to know that every public statement between January and April has to be taken with an enormous grain of salt. I do believe that Shanny's offense tends to use TE's rather than FB's to a much larger degree than Zorn's, and there are those of us who have been irritated at how little that formation has been tried to date. It would seem to fit the personnel and would benefit Campbell or any other QB as well as the running game. I agree that Cooley's more expensive to keep, and he's also coming off of a season-ending injury. He could also fetch more in trade, though likely not enough IMHO such that it would be "worth it" unless a draft pick landed a tremendous prospect, which you can never of course predict. They look to me like they've cleared enough cap space with the 10 veteran cuts they've made so far, so they don't "need" to shed Cooley's salary. It probably just all comes down to what plan they'll have. Anyway, I don't think 'Skins fans have much more insight into this than any regular football watcher as of yet. We'll all just have to wait and see.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Redskin Homer's, Do you think the skins hang on to Cooley and Fred Davis? I know Cooley is everyone's boy, but Davis looked pretty good last year once he got into the starting gig. Hard to believe they keep both, but I guess it is possible, Mike uses TE's but I do not see them both getting many catches. Davis is probably cheaper to keep and Cooley would probably fetch more in the market for anyone needing a solid TE, do you think they make a move or just keep them both?

As was mentioned, neither I, nor any other 'Skins fan, have any special insight, but I would be surprised if one of them were cut/traded. Both of them can (and have) line up as WRs, FB/HBs or TEs. They provide a lot of flexibility within formations by their versatility. Also, the 'Skins don't otherwise have a plethora of proven receiving talent. I think that fact alone provides for both of those guys to be on the team and be involved in the passing game this season.

 

[Marvelous]

Redskin Homer's, Do you think the skins hang on to Cooley and Fred Davis? I know Cooley is everyone's boy, but Davis looked pretty good last year once he got into the starting gig. Hard to believe they keep both, but I guess it is possible, Mike uses TE's but I do not see them both getting many catches. Davis is probably cheaper to keep and Cooley would probably fetch more in the market for anyone needing a solid TE, do you think they make a move or just keep them both?

Honestly, none of us can answer that because we don't yet have a feel for how the new regime works or exactly what its plan is. I could see them running 2-TE sets more with both Davis and Cooley and they've talked about doing that, but I've also been watching football long enough to know that every public statement between January and April has to be taken with an enormous grain of salt. I do believe that Shanny's offense tends to use TE's rather than FB's to a much larger degree than Zorn's, and there are those of us who have been irritated at how little that formation has been tried to date. It would seem to fit the personnel and would benefit Campbell or any other QB as well as the running game. I agree that Cooley's more expensive to keep, and he's also coming off of a season-ending injury. He could also fetch more in trade, though likely not enough IMHO such that it would be "worth it" unless a draft pick landed a tremendous prospect, which you can never of course predict. They look to me like they've cleared enough cap space with the 10 veteran cuts they've made so far, so they don't "need" to shed Cooley's salary. It probably just all comes down to what plan they'll have. Anyway, I don't think 'Skins fans have much more insight into this than any regular football watcher as of yet. We'll all just have to wait and see.

The Redskins are low on talent and players right now. It makes no sense to trade away a talented player just to get a draft pick. Now if a player does not fit the system, just wants out (possibly Carlos Rogers), or brings too much baggage, that is another issue. Also remember that Davis is a big liability when blocking. A coach may be hesitant to name Davis a full time starter until his block improves. And Shanahan will want to run the ball, so the TE will need to do some blocking.

 

[DesmondBishop]

Thank you both for the feedback. That was all I was really looking for.

 

[southeastjerome]

Pashos to Cleveland according to Schefter on twitter.

 

[southeastjerome]

I'm probably in the minority, but does anyone else here want to draft Sam Bradford? I think Okung is a good player, but I'm not convinced he'll be as good as Samuels. I rarely am for drafting QB's early, but I really think Bradford is the real deal. I think they are better served with Bradford at 4 and then taking someone like Charles Brown with their 2nd round pick. I'm not convinced that Okung will a much better player than a guy like Brown.

Okung, from everything I've read, is the best at his position and close to a sure thing in the pros. That's who I'd draft. Look for a QB elsewhere in the draft.

like saying a car should have wheels

Okung is definitely more of a sure thing that Bradford. I also thing Bradford is the closest thing to a sure thing for a QB in the draft. And I honestly don't think there is a huge drop off from Okung and someone like Brown.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Got a tweet that Denver and the Skins have talked with McCoy alot.

 

[Marvelous]

Pashos to Cleveland according to Schefter on twitter.

From PFT:

Tony Pashos reaches agreement with Cleveland, after visiting RedskinsIf there was any confusion Saturday night about whether tackle Tony Pashos was Washington-bound, there shouldn't be now. Pashos is signing with the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN.com.Pashos, a free agent from San Francisco, was in Ashburn on Friday and had dinner with Coach Mike Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster that night at Morton's Steakhouse. But the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday. Pashos's agent, in fact, characterized the talks as "nowhere near close.""He left the building," agent Rick Smith said Saturday night. "He's headed to Cleveland right now."According to the ESPN.com report, Pashos's contract with the Browns is a three-year deal for $10.3 million. Pashos might've seemed like a natural fit with the Redskins because of Foerster, his position coach in Baltimore and San Francisco.Though the Redskins' have signed Artis Hicks, a versatile lineman from Minnesota, they still need to address their hole at left tackle. Pashos was brought in to discuss the right tackle slot, so it seems they might be looking for an upgrade there, as well.By Rick Maese | March 7, 2010; 3:36 PM ET

Either the price of OL has really come down or these guys really aren't that good. $3.5M per year for a starting OL is peanuts.

 

[buster c]

Has anyone ever seen Rick Snider and buster c in the same place at the same time? Hmmmm.....

So let me get this straight: in capped years, we spend money like drunken sailors, misappropriating resources that cause areas of need to not get addressed, wrecking team chemistry and ensuring one losing season after another. Now -with no salary cap to worry about- and after cutting 3 team captains creating a void for new leaders (chemistry), they’re exercising fiscal constraint? All Snyder does is the opposite of what he should be doing! Look, I don’t for one minute think Peppers is worth 10m/year or that we need him, but there really is no good reason to NOT sign him. Sign everybody! What is the downside? And everybody here is cheering the new fiscal restraint!

What a letdown.The Washington Redskins didn't get pass rusher Julius Peppers -- the kingpin of free agency. They didn't sign Karlos Dansby, the best linebacker available. Safety Antrel Rolle went to the New York Giants. Even over-the-hill left tackle Chad Clifton turned Washington down.Owner Dan Snyder must be saying, "Hello operator, I need the number of a V. Cerrato now living in Chicago."Seriously, who forgot to tell new general manager Bruce Allen the Redskins are kings of the offseason? This is the uncapped year Snyder has awaited 11 years. The one time he could buy a Super Bowl. Instead, the Redskins haven't even bought a used Toyota, which at least would have raced ahead unchecked.How is a 4-12 team supposed to get better when it only has five draft choices and no prominent free agents? Maybe the Redskins need a more measured approach than Wall Street bankers cashing bailout bonuses, but Allen is now chairman of the NFL Tea Party conservative movement. Allen knew the marquee free agents were overpriced, but needs to learn Snyder's dough is like monopoly money -- worthless if not spent.

I find it hard to believe that the irony of fiscal restraint in an uncapped year is :whoosh:

 

[thayman]

Has anyone ever seen Rick Snider and buster c in the same place at the same time? Hmmmm.....

So let me get this straight: in capped years, we spend money like drunken sailors, misappropriating resources that cause areas of need to not get addressed, wrecking team chemistry and ensuring one losing season after another. Now -with no salary cap to worry about- and after cutting 3 team captains creating a void for new leaders (chemistry), they’re exercising fiscal constraint? All Snyder does is the opposite of what he should be doing! Look, I don’t for one minute think Peppers is worth 10m/year or that we need him, but there really is no good reason to NOT sign him. Sign everybody! What is the downside? And everybody here is cheering the new fiscal restraint!

What a letdown.The Washington Redskins didn't get pass rusher Julius Peppers -- the kingpin of free agency. They didn't sign Karlos Dansby, the best linebacker available. Safety Antrel Rolle went to the New York Giants. Even over-the-hill left tackle Chad Clifton turned Washington down.Owner Dan Snyder must be saying, "Hello operator, I need the number of a V. Cerrato now living in Chicago."Seriously, who forgot to tell new general manager Bruce Allen the Redskins are kings of the offseason? This is the uncapped year Snyder has awaited 11 years. The one time he could buy a Super Bowl. Instead, the Redskins haven't even bought a used Toyota, which at least would have raced ahead unchecked.How is a 4-12 team supposed to get better when it only has five draft choices and no prominent free agents? Maybe the Redskins need a more measured approach than Wall Street bankers cashing bailout bonuses, but Allen is now chairman of the NFL Tea Party conservative movement. Allen knew the marquee free agents were overpriced, but needs to learn Snyder's dough is like monopoly money -- worthless if not spent.

I find it hard to believe that the irony of fiscal restraint in an uncapped year is

Why is it irony? There isn't anyone out there that will help them in the long term so why bother? Would you prefer they made Dansby one of the highest paid LBs in the league? or Rolle one of the highest paid safties? It appears they are moving in the direction you have been saying you want them to go in, building through the draft and not chasing Free Agents.

 

[fatness]

Parker, Foote, and Kemoeatu scheduled for visits today and tomorrow.

 

[fatness]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

Where do they hope to play him?

 

[TankRizzo]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

Where do they hope to play him?

I believe RG, but I don't think it's been explicitly said.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

Cool. That means we need only one more guy.

 

[Fat Nick]

I'm probably in the minority, but does anyone else here want to draft Sam Bradford? I think Okung is a good player, but I'm not convinced he'll be as good as Samuels. I rarely am for drafting QB's early, but I really think Bradford is the real deal. I think they are better served with Bradford at 4 and then taking someone like Charles Brown with their 2nd round pick. I'm not convinced that Okung will a much better player than a guy like Brown.

Okung, from everything I've read, is the best at his position and close to a sure thing in the pros. That's who I'd draft. Look for a QB elsewhere in the draft.

like saying a car should have wheels

Okung is definitely more of a sure thing that Bradford. I also thing Bradford is the closest thing to a sure thing for a QB in the draft. And I honestly don't think there is a huge drop off from Okung and someone like Brown.

I'll be honest...Bradford worries me. Everybody raves about him, but I don't/haven't seen enough to say he's worth the top QB spot in the draft. Yes, he had a huge year 2 years ago. The injuries worry me A LOT. Especially since the actual plays where he got hurt didn't look overly unusual. I'm also still a bit gun-shy about taking a QB that early, especially for the Skins. Call it Schuleritis if you want, but I'd prefer an OT here. Of course I'm still in the camp that Campbell can be a solid starting QB in this league if he's got time (both to develop in a system, and to throw the ball).

 

[dgreen]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

That's good. Most of the guys last year could play 0 positions.

 

[dgreen]

Snyder responds to Emmitt's criticism:

"I applaud Emmitt Smith's induction into the NFL Hall of Fame and, from what I understand, he's a heck of a dancer," Snyder said. "I think we've only met once briefly at an NFL function in 2000. I will say, however, that I like to think of myself as being a compassionate person, except toward the Dallas Cowboys."

I prefer Snyder doing things like this rather than preparing draft boards and talking to FAs.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

I find it hard to believe that the irony of fiscal restraint in an uncapped year is :whoosh:

Ok, so it's ironic. So what? How many times are you going to keep elbowing people in the rib cage about all this irony? Meanwhile, you don't even seem to be enjoying the fact that the team seems to be genuinely headed in a new direction, away from the flashy, impulsive, wasteful and directionless personnel policies of Snyderratto, as attested to by that very same irony. The "irony" is finite however. There's only one uncapped year (so far), and spending excesses this year would spell trouble in future years, and moreover this isn't exactly a FA bumper crop.

 

[dgreen]

I agree with others that it appears we have a front office that is showing restraint. However, part of me wonders if it isn't just restraint. Part of me wonders if some players just don't want to come here. Now that we no longer outbid ourselves by $10M, players are no longer interested in being part of this "great franchise with such a strong tradition." (It seems every FA who has come here the past 10 years talks about the great tradition of the Redskins in their press conference. Now that the money isn't there, they don't seem to care too much about that tradition.) Tony Pashos opted for Cleveland after "the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday" in DC. He got 3 years and $10M in Cleveland. Did the Redskins not come close to matching that? Did Pashos actually like Cleveland better?

 

[Peggy Starfish]

I agree with others that it appears we have a front office that is showing restraint. However, part of me wonders if it isn't just restraint. Part of me wonders if some players just don't want to come here. Now that we no longer outbid ourselves by $10M, players are no longer interested in being part of this "great franchise with such a strong tradition." (It seems every FA who has come here the past 10 years talks about the great tradition of the Redskins in their press conference. Now that the money isn't there, they don't seem to care too much about that tradition.) Tony Pashos opted for Cleveland after "the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday" in DC. He got 3 years and $10M in Cleveland. Did the Redskins not come close to matching that? Did Pashos actually like Cleveland better?

It's WAY too early to be saying that. Last year the team was in far greater disarray and they landed the top FA the day FA started. Besides, these guys ARE making the trips to Ashburn. This is not a FA bumper crop and the paradigm of the front office seems to have moved away from "land what we need (or what we "need") no matter what" to "sign guys at areas of need at the right price". Shanny's not afraid to spend money as the Denver D-line saga played over many years clearly demonstrated, but they clearly aren't going to just throw money at guys who are nothing remarkable. Anyway, Pashos opted for Cleveland, but Cleveland isn't the old Cleveland with Holmgren any more than Washington is the old Washington with Allen/Shanny. I'm not going to draw any preliminary conclusions here until after the draft because I'd suspect that their FA strategy is meant to fit with their draft strategy.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Artis Hicks can play 4 of the 5 offensive line positions.

Where do they hope to play him?

I believe RG, but I don't think it's been explicitly said.

RI post a few days ago:

While serving as the primary backup at guard and tackle for the Vikings last season, Hicks appeared in every game and started twice at right guard and once at right tackle. He is expected to compete to start at right guard for the Redskins next season.

"That's what they've mentioned," said Hicks's agent, JR Rickert. "He hasn't been guaranteed anything. He's being brought in to compete on the offensive line. But they've talked about right guard."

 

[dgreen]

I agree with others that it appears we have a front office that is showing restraint. However, part of me wonders if it isn't just restraint. Part of me wonders if some players just don't want to come here. Now that we no longer outbid ourselves by $10M, players are no longer interested in being part of this "great franchise with such a strong tradition." (It seems every FA who has come here the past 10 years talks about the great tradition of the Redskins in their press conference. Now that the money isn't there, they don't seem to care too much about that tradition.) Tony Pashos opted for Cleveland after "the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday" in DC. He got 3 years and $10M in Cleveland. Did the Redskins not come close to matching that? Did Pashos actually like Cleveland better?

It's WAY too early to be saying that. Last year the team was in far greater disarray and they landed the top FA the day FA started. Besides, these guys ARE making the trips to Ashburn. This is not a FA bumper crop and the paradigm of the front office seems to have moved away from "land what we need (or what we "need") no matter what" to "sign guys at areas of need at the right price". Shanny's not afraid to spend money as the Denver D-line saga played over many years clearly demonstrated, but they clearly aren't going to just throw money at guys who are nothing remarkable. Anyway, Pashos opted for Cleveland, but Cleveland isn't the old Cleveland with Holmgren any more than Washington is the old Washington with Allen/Shanny. I'm not going to draw any preliminary conclusions here until after the draft because I'd suspect that their FA strategy is meant to fit with their draft strategy.

Good points. We'll see how it all plays out.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I agree with others that it appears we have a front office that is showing restraint. However, part of me wonders if it isn't just restraint. Part of me wonders if some players just don't want to come here. Now that we no longer outbid ourselves by $10M, players are no longer interested in being part of this "great franchise with such a strong tradition." (It seems every FA who has come here the past 10 years talks about the great tradition of the Redskins in their press conference. Now that the money isn't there, they don't seem to care too much about that tradition.) Tony Pashos opted for Cleveland after "the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday" in DC. He got 3 years and $10M in Cleveland. Did the Redskins not come close to matching that? Did Pashos actually like Cleveland better?

I think you heard that from all the "big splash" FAs that were getting the big money. Those types of guys simply weren't invited to Redskins Park this year (Allen admitted that the team didn't even contact Peppers) so I'm not sure it can be said that they are no longer interested. If agents for Peppers or Dansby or Rolle had received phone calls from Allen or Shanny talking about big contract numbers, I have a hard time believing that they all would say "no thanks" and not even bother to visit.

 

[fatness]

"Free agency isn't a day, and it's not a weekend. We think free agency runs 'til the first day of training camp," Allen told Sports Illustrated's Peter King on Sunday. "Let's see who you have a couple of months from now, not just who you have after a couple of days. What difference does it make when you sign them, if they help you?''

Bruce Allen

 

[Peggy Starfish]

"Free agency isn't a day, and it's not a weekend. We think free agency runs 'til the first day of training camp," Allen told Sports Illustrated's Peter King on Sunday. "Let's see who you have a couple of months from now, not just who you have after a couple of days. What difference does it make when you sign them, if they help you?''

Bruce Allen

What a nut. He clearly should be in a room with soft walls wearing a very snug-fitting jacket.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I agree with others that it appears we have a front office that is showing restraint. However, part of me wonders if it isn't just restraint. Part of me wonders if some players just don't want to come here. Now that we no longer outbid ourselves by $10M, players are no longer interested in being part of this "great franchise with such a strong tradition." (It seems every FA who has come here the past 10 years talks about the great tradition of the Redskins in their press conference. Now that the money isn't there, they don't seem to care too much about that tradition.) Tony Pashos opted for Cleveland after "the two sides couldn't hammer out a deal Saturday" in DC. He got 3 years and $10M in Cleveland. Did the Redskins not come close to matching that? Did Pashos actually like Cleveland better?

I think you heard that from all the "big splash" FAs that were getting the big money. Those types of guys simply weren't invited to Redskins Park this year (Allen admitted that the team didn't even contact Peppers) so I'm not sure it can be said that they are no longer interested. If agents for Peppers or Dansby or Rolle had received phone calls from Allen or Shanny talking about big contract numbers, I have a hard time believing that they all would say "no thanks" and not even bother to visit.

To be fair, though:

"If I get a chance to compete for that, I'll do my best to try to hold that spot," Hicks said. "But whatever my role is, man, I'll definitely accept it with open arms and try to make the most out of it, whatever it might be.

"You get a chance to come in and compete for a spot on a team that has a rich football tradition like the Redskins, that's always exciting. They've got a great coaching staff that they've just put together, so the pieces are starting to fall into place now."

 

[Sidewinder16]

Looks like Ryan Clark could be a Dolphin:

Free agent safety Ryan Clark arrived on Flight 2043 into Fort Lauderdale on Sunday evening, prepared to find his new team after spending the weekend with a close eye on the way each of the first three days of free agency unfolded.

Now, it's up to the Miami Dolphins to make sure he doesn't take another flight out anytime soon.

Clark said he would like to make this his one and only stop.

``Without a question,'' Clark told The Miami Herald. ``That's the reason we waited so long to take any [free agent] trips. We had interested teams that I didn't really want to go to, and I didn't want to try to make myself look busy by going to a bunch of different places.

``There were a lot of good offers, and a lot of good fits. But this seems like a good spot. So I'm praying it goes well.''

I wonder if one of those other "interested teams" was the Redskins. Does he (still?) have any animosity towards the 'Skins for how he was let go?Clark was one of those 2nd tier guys I thought would be good to add. Although, if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him on a contract then maybe he is asking for too much.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Looks like Ryan Clark could be a Dolphin:

Free agent safety Ryan Clark arrived on Flight 2043 into Fort Lauderdale on Sunday evening, prepared to find his new team after spending the weekend with a close eye on the way each of the first three days of free agency unfolded.

Now, it's up to the Miami Dolphins to make sure he doesn't take another flight out anytime soon.

Clark said he would like to make this his one and only stop.

``Without a question,'' Clark told The Miami Herald. ``That's the reason we waited so long to take any [free agent] trips. We had interested teams that I didn't really want to go to, and I didn't want to try to make myself look busy by going to a bunch of different places.

``There were a lot of good offers, and a lot of good fits. But this seems like a good spot. So I'm praying it goes well.''

I wonder if one of those other "interested teams" was the Redskins. Does he (still?) have any animosity towards the 'Skins for how he was let go?Clark was one of those 2nd tier guys I thought would be good to add. Although, if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him on a contract then maybe he is asking for too much.

You have no idea (nor do I) what Haslett thinks of him. This is all supposition.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Looks like Ryan Clark could be a Dolphin:

Free agent safety Ryan Clark arrived on Flight 2043 into Fort Lauderdale on Sunday evening, prepared to find his new team after spending the weekend with a close eye on the way each of the first three days of free agency unfolded.

Now, it's up to the Miami Dolphins to make sure he doesn't take another flight out anytime soon.

Clark said he would like to make this his one and only stop.

``Without a question,'' Clark told The Miami Herald. ``That's the reason we waited so long to take any [free agent] trips. We had interested teams that I didn't really want to go to, and I didn't want to try to make myself look busy by going to a bunch of different places.

``There were a lot of good offers, and a lot of good fits. But this seems like a good spot. So I'm praying it goes well.''

I wonder if one of those other "interested teams" was the Redskins. Does he (still?) have any animosity towards the 'Skins for how he was let go?Clark was one of those 2nd tier guys I thought would be good to add. Although, if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him on a contract then maybe he is asking for too much.

You have no idea (nor do I) what Haslett thinks of him. This is all supposition.

I'm not sure I understand. I'm not trying to make a statement on what the team is or isn't doing. Just that Clark sounded, to me, like he could have been a good addition to the roster ('Skins need a FS, he's a good FS that has been successful in a 3-4). I'm fine if the team and/or Clark decided otherwise.

 

[Sidewinder16]

"Free agency isn't a day, and it's not a weekend. We think free agency runs 'til the first day of training camp," Allen told Sports Illustrated's Peter King on Sunday. "Let's see who you have a couple of months from now, not just who you have after a couple of days. What difference does it make when you sign them, if they help you?''

Bruce Allen

Also in that post:

Allen told King he presented his free agency plan to owner Daniel Snyder before the Super Bowl. "Good," Snyder told him. "Do what you guys think is best."

And when free agency opened and the Redskins weren't making headlines across the league, the owner was apparently still on board. "He didn't throw anything at me. And he didn't throw a tantrum," Allen told King. "He's fine with it.''

Welcome to a new world order.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Looks like Ryan Clark could be a Dolphin:

Free agent safety Ryan Clark arrived on Flight 2043 into Fort Lauderdale on Sunday evening, prepared to find his new team after spending the weekend with a close eye on the way each of the first three days of free agency unfolded.

Now, it's up to the Miami Dolphins to make sure he doesn't take another flight out anytime soon.

Clark said he would like to make this his one and only stop.

``Without a question,'' Clark told The Miami Herald. ``That's the reason we waited so long to take any [free agent] trips. We had interested teams that I didn't really want to go to, and I didn't want to try to make myself look busy by going to a bunch of different places.

``There were a lot of good offers, and a lot of good fits. But this seems like a good spot. So I'm praying it goes well.''

I wonder if one of those other "interested teams" was the Redskins. Does he (still?) have any animosity towards the 'Skins for how he was let go?Clark was one of those 2nd tier guys I thought would be good to add. Although, if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him on a contract then maybe he is asking for too much.

You have no idea (nor do I) what Haslett thinks of him. This is all supposition.

I'm not sure I understand. I'm not trying to make a statement on what the team is or isn't doing. Just that Clark sounded, to me, like he could have been a good addition to the roster ('Skins need a FS, he's a good FS that has been successful in a 3-4). I'm fine if the team and/or Clark decided otherwise.

Sorry, I thought this was a continuation of the discussion about the Redskins' unattractiveness as a landing spot for FA's. My apologies if I misunderstood.

 

[Marvelous]

Looks like Ryan Clark could be a Dolphin:

Free agent safety Ryan Clark arrived on Flight 2043 into Fort Lauderdale on Sunday evening, prepared to find his new team after spending the weekend with a close eye on the way each of the first three days of free agency unfolded.

Now, it's up to the Miami Dolphins to make sure he doesn't take another flight out anytime soon.

Clark said he would like to make this his one and only stop.

``Without a question,'' Clark told The Miami Herald. ``That's the reason we waited so long to take any [free agent] trips. We had interested teams that I didn't really want to go to, and I didn't want to try to make myself look busy by going to a bunch of different places.

``There were a lot of good offers, and a lot of good fits. But this seems like a good spot. So I'm praying it goes well.''

I wonder if one of those other "interested teams" was the Redskins. Does he (still?) have any animosity towards the 'Skins for how he was let go?Clark was one of those 2nd tier guys I thought would be good to add. Although, if Pittsburgh couldn't come to an agreement with him on a contract then maybe he is asking for too much.

You have no idea (nor do I) what Haslett thinks of him. This is all supposition.

I'm not sure I understand. I'm not trying to make a statement on what the team is or isn't doing. Just that Clark sounded, to me, like he could have been a good addition to the roster ('Skins need a FS, he's a good FS that has been successful in a 3-4). I'm fine if the team and/or Clark decided otherwise.

In general, it looks like Shanahan definately wants younger players. And due to the 6 years of service before becoming a free agent, this free agent class is older than the others. Also, free safety is one of the easier positions to fill. I think the Redskins will do fine with Doughty and Moore at Free Safety. One other theory I had: when the Redskins sign a lot of their big name free agents in the past, I am not clear they even met them before the came to wine, dine, and sign. Haynesworth was signed five hours after free agency started and they were prohibited from meeting with him prior to that.

Shanahan may be a lot less impulsive, prefering to meet the person and actually conduct an interview to see how well they will get along and how his personality fits in with the team.

 

[fatness]

Randle El signed with the Steelers.

 

[fatness]

Heard on ESPN980 today: if there was a salary cap (of modestly more than last year's cap), cutting all those players would have produced enough dead money to put the Redskins $39 million over the cap.

 

[fatness]

Chargers claimed Marcus Mason off waivers.

 

[fatness]

Andre Carter may be the odd man out in Redskins' switch to 3-4 defense

Carter's stats in his lone year as a linebacker were solid -- he was credited with 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks -- but those familiar with the year said he was uncomfortable standing up and lacked the natural instincts to drop back in pass coverage.

As they review tape, Redskins coaches have surely noted this and it's part of the reason Carter is more of a question mark this offseason. He's probably too small to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and if the Redskins sign a linebacker such as Larry Foote, Rocky McIntosh could slide over to the outside linebacker slot and Carter would be the odd man out. Just a couple months after one of the most successful seasons of his career -- he had 11 sacks and was credited with 62 total tackles -- Carter could find himself in a place of uncertainty.

I realize that's just speculation. I hope it doesn't work out that way because it doesn't seem like the best use of team personnel. Carter was in the best shape of his career last year and had a very good year. Moving him aside seems counterproductive.

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Andre Carter may be the odd man out in Redskins' switch to 3-4 defense

Carter's stats in his lone year as a linebacker were solid -- he was credited with 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks -- but those familiar with the year said he was uncomfortable standing up and lacked the natural instincts to drop back in pass coverage.

As they review tape, Redskins coaches have surely noted this and it's part of the reason Carter is more of a question mark this offseason. He's probably too small to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and if the Redskins sign a linebacker such as Larry Foote, Rocky McIntosh could slide over to the outside linebacker slot and Carter would be the odd man out. Just a couple months after one of the most successful seasons of his career -- he had 11 sacks and was credited with 62 total tackles -- Carter could find himself in a place of uncertainty.

I realize that's just speculation. I hope it doesn't work out that way because it doesn't seem like the best use of team personnel. Carter was in the best shape of his career last year and had a very good year. Moving him aside seems counterproductive.

This is what I've been saying. Their personnel is built around a 4-3 lineup, and obviously that's not by accident. Fletcher is tiny for a 3-4 LB, as is Blades. McIntosh is even a tad small as a 3-4 OLB, and also isn't anything special rushing the passer. Carter is too small to be a 3-4 DE, by at least 30 lbs. Their DT's, with the possible exception of Monty, are 4-3 undertackles who are smaller but quicker upfield, or in the case of Haynesworth is huge but is also meant to penetrate rather than hold the line (and who will rebel at being told to do otherwise - besides, he's paid to be a playmaker rather than a NT). I'm not even convinced that Orakpo is really any good at dropping back into coverage the way that 3-4 OLB's occasionally need to do (and if he's not required to do this, isn't this still a 4-3 defense then?). The only guy who's really a good fit is Daniels by virtue of his ability to be a good, large and strong 3-4 DE, but Daniels is about the last guy you'd want to build a defense around.

This is Haslett building a defense around what he likes rather than what he has. I don't like this plan at all.

 

[dgreen]

Andre Carter may be the odd man out in Redskins' switch to 3-4 defense

Carter's stats in his lone year as a linebacker were solid -- he was credited with 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks -- but those familiar with the year said he was uncomfortable standing up and lacked the natural instincts to drop back in pass coverage.

As they review tape, Redskins coaches have surely noted this and it's part of the reason Carter is more of a question mark this offseason. He's probably too small to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and if the Redskins sign a linebacker such as Larry Foote, Rocky McIntosh could slide over to the outside linebacker slot and Carter would be the odd man out. Just a couple months after one of the most successful seasons of his career -- he had 11 sacks and was credited with 62 total tackles -- Carter could find himself in a place of uncertainty.

I realize that's just speculation. I hope it doesn't work out that way because it doesn't seem like the best use of team personnel. Carter was in the best shape of his career last year and had a very good year. Moving him aside seems counterproductive.

I believe he played 3-4 OLB his last year in SF and it didn't work out. I don't see how he'll fit in at that position and, as mentioned, he doesn't fit the typical 3-4 DE mold. However, the NFL has changed. Teams don't run 2 WR sets as often as they used to. They go 3, 4, or even 5 WR more often than they used to. Carter can play DE in many of those situations and probably see a lot of snaps and be affective as a pass rusher.

 

[dgreen]

Andre Carter may be the odd man out in Redskins' switch to 3-4 defense

Carter's stats in his lone year as a linebacker were solid -- he was credited with 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks -- but those familiar with the year said he was uncomfortable standing up and lacked the natural instincts to drop back in pass coverage.

As they review tape, Redskins coaches have surely noted this and it's part of the reason Carter is more of a question mark this offseason. He's probably too small to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and if the Redskins sign a linebacker such as Larry Foote, Rocky McIntosh could slide over to the outside linebacker slot and Carter would be the odd man out. Just a couple months after one of the most successful seasons of his career -- he had 11 sacks and was credited with 62 total tackles -- Carter could find himself in a place of uncertainty.

I realize that's just speculation. I hope it doesn't work out that way because it doesn't seem like the best use of team personnel. Carter was in the best shape of his career last year and had a very good year. Moving him aside seems counterproductive.

This is what I've been saying. Their personnel is built around a 4-3 lineup, and obviously that's not by accident. Fletcher is tiny for a 3-4 LB, as is Blades. McIntosh is even a tad small as a 3-4 OLB, and also isn't anything special rushing the passer. Carter is too small to be a 3-4 DE, by at least 30 lbs. Their DT's, with the possible exception of Monty, are 4-3 undertackles who are smaller but quicker upfield, or in the case of Haynesworth is huge but is also meant to penetrate rather than hold the line (and who will rebel at being told to do otherwise - besides, he's paid to be a playmaker rather than a NT). I'm not even convinced that Orakpo is really any good at dropping back into coverage the way that 3-4 OLB's occasionally need to do (and if he's not required to do this, isn't this still a 4-3 defense then?). The only guy who's really a good fit is Daniels by virtue of his ability to be a good, large and strong 3-4 DE, but Daniels is about the last guy you'd want to build a defense around.

This is Haslett building a defense around what he likes rather than what he has. I don't like this plan at all.

For the most part, I agree. But, I do think Haynesworth can work as a 3-4 DE if they can get someone else to play NT. Also, I'm not familiar with the size of a typical 3-4 ILB. Is it a height thing or a weight/bulk thing? Or both?

 

[Peggy Starfish]

Andre Carter may be the odd man out in Redskins' switch to 3-4 defense

Carter's stats in his lone year as a linebacker were solid -- he was credited with 58 tackles and 4.5 sacks -- but those familiar with the year said he was uncomfortable standing up and lacked the natural instincts to drop back in pass coverage.

As they review tape, Redskins coaches have surely noted this and it's part of the reason Carter is more of a question mark this offseason. He's probably too small to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense, and if the Redskins sign a linebacker such as Larry Foote, Rocky McIntosh could slide over to the outside linebacker slot and Carter would be the odd man out. Just a couple months after one of the most successful seasons of his career -- he had 11 sacks and was credited with 62 total tackles -- Carter could find himself in a place of uncertainty.

I realize that's just speculation. I hope it doesn't work out that way because it doesn't seem like the best use of team personnel. Carter was in the best shape of his career last year and had a very good year. Moving him aside seems counterproductive.

This is what I've been saying. Their personnel is built around a 4-3 lineup, and obviously that's not by accident. Fletcher is tiny for a 3-4 LB, as is Blades. McIntosh is even a tad small as a 3-4 OLB, and also isn't anything special rushing the passer. Carter is too small to be a 3-4 DE, by at least 30 lbs. Their DT's, with the possible exception of Monty, are 4-3 undertackles who are smaller but quicker upfield, or in the case of Haynesworth is huge but is also meant to penetrate rather than hold the line (and who will rebel at being told to do otherwise - besides, he's paid to be a playmaker rather than a NT). I'm not even convinced that Orakpo is really any good at dropping back into coverage the way that 3-4 OLB's occasionally need to do (and if he's not required to do this, isn't this still a 4-3 defense then?). The only guy who's really a good fit is Daniels by virtue of his ability to be a good, large and strong 3-4 DE, but Daniels is about the last guy you'd want to build a defense around.

This is Haslett building a defense around what he likes rather than what he has. I don't like this plan at all.

For the most part, I agree. But, I do think Haynesworth can work as a 3-4 DE if they can get someone else to play NT. Also, I'm not familiar with the size of a typical 3-4 ILB. Is it a height thing or a weight/bulk thing? Or both?

3-4 ILB's tend to be on the larger end of the LB scale, over 6' and 250-260 lbs. There are exceptions, but that tends to be the case. An extreme example was Lavon Kirkland who was 280 lbs. The OLB's also tend to be as large or larger than 4-3 OLB's, especially the Will's, because a big part of their job is pass rushing and run stopping even more than coverage, and they have one fewer lineman in front of them to help keep traffic off of them.

 

[fatness]

Link

The deal came down as Bryant, an unrestricted free agent who led the Bucs in receptions and receiving yards in 2008, was preparing to visit the Cincinnati Bengals today.

Bryant's agent, Lamont Smith, said Bryant had also arranged a visit with the Washington Redskins that could prove more enticing as Bryant would apparently be a second receiver behind Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati.

"Bryant" = Antonio Bryant