***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

[Dexter Manley]

Thanks for posting that article Dexter. It seems like a good look at who they might be pursuing.This part's more than a bit troubling though.

The Redskins hope young left tackle Trent Williams will continue to develop and that either Will Montgomery or veteran Kory Lichtensteiger can compete with Casey Rabach at center, with Artis Hicks at one guard spot and Brown, if re-signed, at right tackle.

No wonder they want to sign Yanda. Hicks failed at guard last year, and now they're "hoping" he'll be their starter? Same with Brown failing at tackle. Jeez........

Agree on Hicks. Wrt to Brown, however, I thought he was playing well by the end of the season when he seemed to finally be close to 100%. As long as they don't overpay I would like to see him back instead of overpaying for someone else who might not even be an upgrade (i.e. Gaither).

 

[MikeApf]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d820be464/article/redskins-prepared-to-make-run-on-big-free-agents-after-lockout

Redskins prepared to make run on big free agents after lockoutBy Jason La Canfora NFL Network NFL Network InsiderPublished: July 12, 2011 at 01:41 a.m. Updated: July 13, 2011 at 08:29 a.m. Liked: 0 | Comments: 45 Email Like Print Read Discuss Friend(s) Email Your Email Send Email By Jason La Canfora NFL Network 'Skins set to go shoppingBack in business: Vick close to another endorsement dealMore Columns > The Washington Redskins, who largely sat out the free-agent market in 2010, are prepared to make a splash this year, numerous sources familiar with the team's offseason plans said Tuesday.Facing a serious lack of talent at crucial positions, the longtime NFC East doormats have put together a list of high-end free agents they want and will be very aggressive in pursuing them as soon as the NFL lockout is lifted, according to the sources.Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by Akamai Signing New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes reportedly is the primary objective of Redskins coach and chief decision maker Mike Shanahan. Guard Marshal Yanda, a player whom the Baltimore Ravens will vigorously fight to retain -- just as the Jets will make a concerted effort to retain Holmes -- also is coveted in Washington.Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins and brother Kris, who's oft-injured but was very effective for the Jets when healthy, also are key targets for the Redskins, and league sources would be surprised if the team didn't land both, with competition for those two players not likely to be as steep as for Holmes and Yanda.New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield, despite being a 4-3 player to this point, also has been the subject of offseason planning by the Redskins, who operate a 3-4 defense.The sources said the Redskins also will work hard to retain some of their own free agents, with wide receiver Santana Moss still in their plans, though it will be tricky to sign him and Holmes. Right tackle Jammal Brown, despite his checkered injury history, also remains in Washington's plans, and the team is optimistic about re-signing him.Backup quarterback Rex Grossman will be re-signed (Shanahan remains dedicated to John Beck being his starter, team sources said); cornerback Phillip Buchanon will be pursued, given the woeful state of the team's corners; and the Redskins' staff has wavered on the merits of retaining linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who didn't fare well in 2010 evaluations and seemed ill-fitted to the team's scheme.It all adds up to what could be a pivotal offseason for Shanahan, who already has fallen under scrutiny following clashes with top players and acute struggles on both offense and defense during his first season in Washington.Team sources maintain that they can't foresee the Redskins keeping either quarterback Donovan McNabb or defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Receiving much for either in a trade will prove quite difficult given their contracts, and several team sources believe Shanahan ultimately will take anything he can for Haynesworth. The Redskins are particularly concerned that if they release Haynesworth, he will sign with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and reunite with his former Tennessee Titans position coach, Jim Washburn.With trade options for McNabb limited, team sources expect Shanahan ultimately to release him. The Minnesota Vikings would be among the teams interested in the quarterback, league sources have said.Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by Akamai Shanahan, who has a long history of offensive wizardry, is desperate for a playmaker, which makes Holmes so attractive (contrary to reports, the Redskins haven't spent much time discussing Holmes' Jets teammate, Braylon Edwards). The Redskins also are desperate for impact offensive lineman, and if they miss out on Yanda, they likely will target two other Ravens -- Chris Chester or Jared Gaither -- since Washington's offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, has ties to those players from his time in Baltimore.The Redskins hope young left tackle Trent Williams will continue to develop and that either Will Montgomery or veteran Kory Lichtensteiger can compete with Casey Rabach at center, with Artis Hicks at one guard spot and Brown, if re-signed, at right tackle. Yanda would greatly improve the interior of the line opposite Hicks at guard, but again, adding him is a big if.Washington's defensive line, which lacked the personnel to switch to the 3-4 last season, needs a makeover, and the team hopes to address it with quantity and quality, sources said.The Jenkins brothers have ties to the Washington area, and both have been standouts in a 3-4. Nose tackle is a major issue for the Redskins, and Kris Jenkins, coming off another season-ending surgery, could be a bargain on the open market. Cullen Jenkins is a versatile 3-4 lineman who can play multiple positions and is a natural fit for Washington.Cofield, though lacking experience in the 3-4 scheme, has been a regular topic of conversation at Redskins Park, and the team believes he could be a major upgrade. San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin also has been linked to the Redskins, but sources said he hasn't been a focal point.Shanahan has been unwavering in his support of Beck, to the dismay of some in the organization who haven't seen anything to suggest the former Raven and Miami Dolphin can be a competitive starting quarterback. With the 2010 season lost, Shanahan chose to play Grossman over Beck, and some at Redskins Park wonder why Beck, if he was indeed the future, didn't receive the call in those meaningless games.NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan investigates the pressing issues facing each team when the lockout ends: » AFC East: Jets, Pats search for missing title piece » NFC East: Division rivals reload as Redskins rebuild » AFC North: Ravens, Steelers prepare to maintain edge » NFC North: Vikings' Rice might shift power in division » AFC South: Trio of teams still taking aim at Colts » NFC South: Hard choices lie ahead for top teams "He is set on Beck," said a source familiar with Shanahan's thinking. "That's his guy. He isn't just saying it for the media or to blow smoke. He's serious as hell about it."Grossman, who has almost no other free-agent options, is nearly certain to re-sign with the Redskins on a cheap, short-term deal. Washington still needs a third quarterback, with Vince Young a possibility (he hasn't been the subject of much internal discussion at this point, according to sources).The Redskins also know that at some point in the next six to nine months, they must sign star safety LaRon Landry to a long-term deal. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract.Also, off the field, team sources expect general manager Bruce Allen to assume at least some of the roles that just-departed team counsel David Donovan performed on a day-to-day basis, at least until owner Dan Snyder hires a full-time replacement (Shanahan has final say on personnel and is the driving force behind player acquisitions). Bob Wallace, who spent 16 years with the St. Louis Rams and previously served as their general counsel, is among the top candidates to replace Donovan's title, league sources said.

Not particularly high on Holmes for some reason, but I love the focus on Offensive and Defensive lineman and feel that they can only help. Take it all with a grain of salt coming from Jason LF though...wasn't he the one who had us moving up to # 2 and selecting Gabbert in last year's draft? "Sources" <-- ???

 

[fatness]

Jason LaCanfora was supposed to be on the Sports Reporters at 5 pm today on ESPN980, discussing the Redskins and free agency. Did anyone hear it?

 

[fatness]

Wrt to Brown, however, I thought he was playing well by the end of the season when he seemed to finally be close to 100%. As long as they don't overpay I would like to see him back instead of overpaying for someone else who might not even be an upgrade (i.e. Gaither).

I seem to remember that Brown was still bothered by his hip injury at the end of last year. Wasn't he even replaced by Heyer as starter? In any event, if he returned to his old form I'd be glad to see them keep him at a reasonable price. I'd put the chance of that "return to form" at about 10% though, so my hopes aren't high. They have a tendency to hang on to linemen who underperform, are hurt, and/or are aging.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Hello to my fellow Skins friends

 

[fatness]

Hello to my fellow Skins friends

Hey dude, how have you been?

 

[Eastwood]

Fat Albert is going to report to camp on time.

 

[dgreen]

Fat Albert is going to report to camp on time.

:teamplayer:

 

[thayman]

Fat Albert is going to report to camp on time.

:teamplayer:

Chris Russell of ESPN 980 Washington reports that Albert Haynesworth will report to Redskins training camp."Of course he will," said a source. The reasons are obvious. Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.) The Skins can save $3.4 million under the projected salary cap by releasing or trading Haynesworth before the season. Jul 20, 4:07 PMFrom Rotoworld.If he is smart he keeps his mouth shut and does well, it will just continue to make the Redskins look like bigger idiots.

 

[fatness]

Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.)

Here we go again. Another training camp, preseason, and season disrupted by a disgruntled player the team doesn't want and a highly-successful 6-10 head coach who won't trade or cut him. "League Laughingstock, Part II"

 

[fatness]

The price for the top free agent nose tackles went up Wednesday. Again.

As if the number of teams employing a 3-4 defensive scheme hasn’t made nose tackle a premium position, the retirement of the Jets’ Kris Jenkins makes the pool even more shallow. Jenkins, whose exit was reported by ESPN New York 1050, comes after he sustained ACL injuries in consecutive seasons, including last year’s opener against Baltimore. He played a combined 10 years with Carolina and the Jets and when healthy in his prime, was a dominant player.

The Redskins are in dire need of a nose tackle and could have made a play for Jenkins and his younger brother, Cullen, who played for Green Bay last year. Cullen Jenkins should remain a target because of his experience playing in a 3-4 system.

The nose tackle spot in free agency doesn’t have a lot of answers and the Redskins’ current group is Maake Kemoteau, Anthony Bryant and draft pick Chris Neild. Of course, Albert Haynesworth also remains under contract. The top nose tackle on the market is San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, followed by Kansas City’s Ron Edwards, Minnesota’s Pat Williams (who is 38 years old) and Arizona’s Gabe Watson.

Ryan O'HalloranLet me get this right: the Redskins are intent on running a 3-4, don't yet have a decent nose tackle in year 2, and their biggest hope was a 10-year unsigned vet with 2 ACL injuries?

And John Beck is their starting QB?

Gotta love our personnel department.

 

[fatness]

Redskins will need to grind it out, Rich Tandler

Recently on CSNwashington.com, I outlined a plan to improve the offensive line. Whether or not they follow that plan or do something else, the line needs to improve. Pro Football Focus recently ranked it 28th in the NFL and most who watched the team last season would consider that to be generous. Obviously, if the line does not improve, trying to run more will be futile (for that matter, trying to pass will be, too).

don’t abandon the run, upgrade the offensive line, and roll with a group of young running backs. It looks good on paper. If it translates onto the field, the Redskins might not be so difficult to watch in 2011.

 

[thayman]

The price for the top free agent nose tackles went up Wednesday. Again.

As if the number of teams employing a 3-4 defensive scheme hasn’t made nose tackle a premium position, the retirement of the Jets’ Kris Jenkins makes the pool even more shallow. Jenkins, whose exit was reported by ESPN New York 1050, comes after he sustained ACL injuries in consecutive seasons, including last year’s opener against Baltimore. He played a combined 10 years with Carolina and the Jets and when healthy in his prime, was a dominant player.

The Redskins are in dire need of a nose tackle and could have made a play for Jenkins and his younger brother, Cullen, who played for Green Bay last year. Cullen Jenkins should remain a target because of his experience playing in a 3-4 system.

The nose tackle spot in free agency doesn’t have a lot of answers and the Redskins’ current group is Maake Kemoteau, Anthony Bryant and draft pick Chris Neild. Of course, Albert Haynesworth also remains under contract. The top nose tackle on the market is San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin, followed by Kansas City’s Ron Edwards, Minnesota’s Pat Williams (who is 38 years old) and Arizona’s Gabe Watson.

Ryan O'HalloranLet me get this right: the Redskins are intent on running a 3-4, don't yet have a decent nose tackle in year 2, and their biggest hope was a 10-year unsigned vet with 2 ACL injuries?

And John Beck is their starting QB?

Gotta love our personnel department.

I still don't get the decision to play in the 3-4. I'm getting the feeling that they will switch back to a 4-3 just a year after Haynesworth is gone.

 

[Marvelous]

don’t abandon the run, upgrade the offensive line, and roll with a group of young running backs. It looks good on paper. If it translates onto the field, the Redskins might not be so difficult to watch in 2011.

I think this is the goal for the season, to be "not so difficult to watch".Maybe Snyder and come up with a good advertising campaign on this.

 

[netnalp]

don’t abandon the run, upgrade the offensive line, and roll with a group of young running backs. It looks good on paper. If it translates onto the field, the Redskins might not be so difficult to watch in 2011.

I think this is the goal for the season, to be "not so difficult to watch".Maybe Snyder and come up with a good advertising campaign on this.

It could be like the recent Miracle Whip ads.

 

[sihaokills]

Probably lots of offseason moves again

 

[dgreen]

Let me get this right: the Redskins are intent on running a 3-4, don't yet have a decent nose tackle in year 2...

You do realize there's this whole lockout thing preventing teams from acquiring players, right?

 

[MikeApf]

What do you guys know about Harris...sounds promising? If he's good, it's really encouraging that he wants to come here and is cool playing Shanny style of ball. Good player or no?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/redskins-watch/2011/jul/20/right-tackle-ryan-harris-warm-redskins-reunion-sha/

Right tackle Ryan Harris warm to a Redskins reunion with Shanahan

Rich Campbell

Published on July 20, 2011

If I’m Mike Shanahan, my biggest priority entering unrestricted free agency (next week?) is the Redskins’ offensive line.

To refresh your memory: Washington ranked 23rd in sacks per pass attempt last season and 16th in rushing yards per attempt. We all saw how poor line play hindered a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback; imagine how tough that would make life for John Beck.

Reports from the ongoing labor negotiations between the NFL and the decertified players union are that a new collective bargaining agreement will allow players with at least four years of service to become unrestricted free agents. And if that is the case, the Redskins would have the opportunity to significantly upgrade their line in the biggest free agent pool ever.

One of the options in that scenario would be right tackle Ryan Harris. Shanahan drafted Harris, 26, in Denver in the third round (70th overall) in 2007 and promoted him to a full-time starter in 2008.

During an appearance Tuesday on Denver radio station 102.3 The Ticket, host Nate Kreckman asked Harris: “Would you go play for Mike Shanahan again?”

“Yeah," Harris said. "I had a great experience with Mike Shanahan. [He] drafted me into the league, gave me my first opportunity. We had the No. 1 pass offensive line [in sacks per pass] and the No. 3 rushing offensive line [in yards per carry] so I know he’s got a system that works. He knows how to put players together."

Harris, as you’d expect from a lineman that Shanahan hand-picked, is known for his above-average lateral quickness, agility and range.

His biggest problem is injuries. He has played only 19 games since playing all 16 in 2008. He dislocated the big toe on his right foot in Nov. 2009 and finished that season on injured reserve. He injured his left ankle in the 2010 preseason finale and started only 10 games. With that in mind, you couldn't blame the Redskins for being cautious when considering the terms of a contract offer to him.

Harris, however, proclaimed his full health on the radio Tuesday. He said he is up to 315 pounds after playing at approximately 300 in the past. He said he has added “good weight” in order to address some teams’ concern about his size. He stands 6-feet-5.

Harris during his appearance seemed resigned to leaving Denver. The Broncos plan on playing second-round rookie Orlando Franklin at right tackle, according to ESPN.

Jammal Brown is the Redskins’ incumbent right tackle, but he, too, would be a free agent under the parameters discussed above. Brown, 30, struggled last season in transitioning from the left side. He was coming off hip surgery that cost him the 2009 season, and he battled the hip throughout 2010. His play improved late last year as the hip pain eased and he became more comfortable playing on the right.

“We definitely have our eye out for teams who we’ve identified are going to go after tackles in free agency,” Harris said. “We’re just going to weigh all our options. We’re going to have a lot of options coming out…and we’ll see where that takes us.”

 

[Sidewinder16]

What do you guys know about Harris...sounds promising? If he's good, it's really encouraging that he wants to come here and is cool playing Shanny style of ball. Good player or no?

When not injured (in his four-year career, he's only played in more than 11 games once) he's one of the better RTs in the league. Of course, so is Jammal Brown.

 

[MikeApf]

What do you guys know about Harris...sounds promising? If he's good, it's really encouraging that he wants to come here and is cool playing Shanny style of ball. Good player or no?

When not injured (in his four-year career, he's only played in more than 11 games once) he's one of the better RTs in the league. Of course, so is Jammal Brown.

Yeah, and before that, we were targeting Kris Jenkins for Defensive Line? I guess we are in the position of "taking chances" that injured guys will be healthy. On the other hand, he's only 26, so maybe that's a chance worth taking if he's not too costly?

 

[MikeApf]

Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.)

Here we go again. Another training camp, preseason, and season disrupted by a disgruntled player the team doesn't want and a highly-successful 6-10 head coach who won't trade or cut him. "League Laughingstock, Part II"

For sure, they need to move on from Haynesworth this year. In retrospect, they should have made the deal with Tennessee if the Titans were indeed ready to part with a fourth rounder. With that said, I think you have to give the Redskins front office a week or two to ferret out potential deals before outright cutting him at the beginning of camp. I was listening to Lavar and Dukes on Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan and they were saying, essentially, that unless the Redskins cut Haynesworth the day after the lockout ends, then it was a signal that it will be another circus this year that will doom the Redskins to failure. While I agree that they should move on from Haynesworth this year, I think they should really try over the first week or two after the lockout to move him via trade, if nothing else just to direct him to a team outside the division. The fact that they made mistakes last year does not mean they should compound those mistakes by acting overly rash this year. Move him, yes, but proceed deliberately. Maybe someone will take him for a 6th or 7th rounder to avoid having to bid for him in Free Agency. Who knows. If it doesn't work, then cut him. But try. Let the haters hate in the meantime but get it done the right way.

 

[jbobbett]

Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.)

Here we go again. Another training camp, preseason, and season disrupted by a disgruntled player the team doesn't want and a highly-successful 6-10 head coach who won't trade or cut him. "League Laughingstock, Part II"

For sure, they need to move on from Haynesworth this year. In retrospect, they should have made the deal with Tennessee if the Titans were indeed ready to part with a fourth rounder. With that said, I think you have to give the Redskins front office a week or two to ferret out potential deals before outright cutting him at the beginning of camp. I was listening to Lavar and Dukes on Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan and they were saying, essentially, that unless the Redskins cut Haynesworth the day after the lockout ends, then it was a signal that it will be another circus this year that will doom the Redskins to failure. While I agree that they should move on from Haynesworth this year, I think they should really try over the first week or two after the lockout to move him via trade, if nothing else just to direct him to a team outside the division. The fact that they made mistakes last year does not mean they should compound those mistakes by acting overly rash this year. Move him, yes, but proceed deliberately. Maybe someone will take him for a 6th or 7th rounder to avoid having to bid for him in Free Agency. Who knows. If it doesn't work, then cut him. But try. Let the haters hate in the meantime but get it done the right way.

Why would you fear Haynesworth in the division? He is likely to make his new team worse, not better. Everyone was surprised when the Eagles traded McNabb within the division last year, but what a coup that was. The Eagles simultaneously sabatoged the present (McNabb) and future (picks) of their "rival" while improving their own present and future. THAT is pretty hard to do.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Let me get this right: the Redskins are intent on running a 3-4, don't yet have a decent nose tackle in year 2...

You do realize there's this whole lockout thing preventing teams from acquiring players, right?

 

[MikeApf]

Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.)

Here we go again. Another training camp, preseason, and season disrupted by a disgruntled player the team doesn't want and a highly-successful 6-10 head coach who won't trade or cut him. "League Laughingstock, Part II"

For sure, they need to move on from Haynesworth this year. In retrospect, they should have made the deal with Tennessee if the Titans were indeed ready to part with a fourth rounder. With that said, I think you have to give the Redskins front office a week or two to ferret out potential deals before outright cutting him at the beginning of camp. I was listening to Lavar and Dukes on Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan and they were saying, essentially, that unless the Redskins cut Haynesworth the day after the lockout ends, then it was a signal that it will be another circus this year that will doom the Redskins to failure. While I agree that they should move on from Haynesworth this year, I think they should really try over the first week or two after the lockout to move him via trade, if nothing else just to direct him to a team outside the division. The fact that they made mistakes last year does not mean they should compound those mistakes by acting overly rash this year. Move him, yes, but proceed deliberately. Maybe someone will take him for a 6th or 7th rounder to avoid having to bid for him in Free Agency. Who knows. If it doesn't work, then cut him. But try. Let the haters hate in the meantime but get it done the right way.

Why would you fear Haynesworth in the division? He is likely to make his new team worse, not better. Everyone was surprised when the Eagles traded McNabb within the division last year, but what a coup that was. The Eagles simultaneously sabatoged the present (McNabb) and future (picks) of their "rival" while improving their own present and future. THAT is pretty hard to do.

I would just do it to "play it safe." He could absolutely turn it around. We really won't know until he gets an opportunity. With that much uncertain, if you can get a deal done playing it safe, why not? Absolutely I would cut him loose and let him go whereever if I couldn't move him in the first week or so.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I agree with basically all of this. Resign Brown to a reasonable deal. Get a stud guard in FA (preferrably Yanda). Have one of the young guys can step up and start at center.

How to fix the Redskins O-line Recommend Comment(5) Email Print Facebook RSS Redskins Features Highlights: D.C. United vs New EnglandWatch the highlights as the Black-and-Red fell at home to New England on a scorching night in the nation's capital.more... Tonight on CSN: United seek revenge vs. Revolutionmore... More from Rich TandlerExpect Haynesworth to be on his best behavior Redskins should beware of free agent receivers Redskins will need to grind it out in 2011 Are you ready for some football? Free agency FAQ's Report: NFL minicamps on Saturday? How to fix the Redskins O-line Delay of game? Free agency may start later The Redskins' two-QB option NFL free agency arriving four months late Redskins have $26 million in cap space Tuesday, July 19, 2011 6:30 a.m.By Rich TandlerRedskins BloggerCSNwashington.comREDSKINS PAGE | REDSKINS VIDEOThe Washington Redskins’ offensive line was one of the major weaknesses on the team last year. Anyone who watched the games knows this without looking at the statistics but you don’t have to go much beyond their 31st-ranked running game or the 46 sacks they surrendered, more than all but four other teams, if you need confirmation.If the team is to make any progress back towards respectability in 2011 the line must improve. Here is a plan for doing that:1. Re-sign Jammal Brown—There are many fans out there who would like to see the team let him move on rather than keep the 30-year old Brown. There probably will be younger options on the market but the Redskins have a draft pick and, more importantly, a year invested in Brown. He was starting to round into form towards the latter part of the season as he got healthier and picked up the system. Brown has a few more good years left in him and can get the job done until the Redskins can draft and groom a replacement.2. Have a competition for the center job—Casey Rabach is a warrior, a great leader, and does a great job making the line calls. That’s everything you want in a center except for consistent blocking and there, Rabach did not deliver. Both of the guards who started the last part of the year, Will Montgomery and Kory Lichtensteiger, are natural centers and one or both of them should compete with Rabach for the job. Maybe Erik Cook, a seventh-round draft pick last year, should also be thrown into the mix although at 6-feet-6 he might be a bit too tall to play center.3. Sign a free agent guard—Actually, this will have to come before a center competition, sometime just before or just after the start of training camp. They could go pricey and try to lure Marshall Yanda away from the Ravens. Harvey Dahl of Atlanta would not come cheap either but he would be a good fit for the Redskins’ zone blocking scheme. The names of Davin Joseph and Robert Gallery have been floating around but neither seems right for the zone and in Joseph’s case, the Bucs have made retaining him a priority. They do not necessarily need to sign a top-shelf guard—a good zone-blocking guard can be had for less than premium dollars—but they do need to get a solid starter.4. Get the most out of Trent Williams—Last year Williams started at one of the toughest positions on the field right out of the box as a rookie. His overall grade on the year was a C or maybe lower. There were some legitimate reasons for his struggles including facing a very tough slate of pass rushers, some injuries, and hitting the rookie wall the latter part of the season. That’s all well and good but he has to perform and protect the blind side of John Beck, Rex Grossman or whoever ends up taking the snaps for the Redskins.5. Reserves should be a good blend of youth and experience—Stephon Heyer, the swing tackle who started games on both sides last year, is a free agent and he said on ESPN 980 last week that his return was a 50-50 proposition. Many fans would be happy to see him go but experienced backups do not grow on trees. Artis Hicks could be a salary cap causality but his ability to fill in a both guard and tackle could keep him around. Cook and tackle Selvish Capers got some experience on the practice squad last year (Cook was on the roster for the last few games but was inactive) and guard Maurice Hurt was drafted in the seventh round. Four or five reserves need to be selected from that group plus tackles Clint Oldenburg and Xavier Fulton, who have a lot of time around the NFL but not much time on the field, and any veteran free agents the team might sign. The key will be to sprinkle in a mix of younger players who can develop and veterans who can be relied on when needed.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Fat Albert is going to report to camp on time.

:teamplayer:

Grant Paulsen tweeted these last night:[QUOTE='Grant Paulsen tweet]Albert Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, via email on the reports that 92 will be at #Redskins camp on time: "I'm not sure why this is news."
[/QUOTE] [QUOTE='Grant Paulsen tweet]Speck on Haynesworth: "He's under contract with the #Redskins. Unless that changes I expect him to report to camp when he's required to."
[/QUOTE]Well, gosh, Chad, I guess we all should just expect him to do everything "he's required to". I mean, he's got such a clean record in that department, right?

 

[dgreen]

Can't wait to see what kind of shape Albert's in. How many times does he fail this year's conditioning drill?

 

[thayman]

Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and the quickest way to force the team's hand is to cause another media blitz by showing up on time. (Assuming Mike Shanahan reacts to the disruption this time.)

Here we go again. Another training camp, preseason, and season disrupted by a disgruntled player the team doesn't want and a highly-successful 6-10 head coach who won't trade or cut him. "League Laughingstock, Part II"

For sure, they need to move on from Haynesworth this year. In retrospect, they should have made the deal with Tennessee if the Titans were indeed ready to part with a fourth rounder. With that said, I think you have to give the Redskins front office a week or two to ferret out potential deals before outright cutting him at the beginning of camp. I was listening to Lavar and Dukes on Sportsradio 106.7 The Fan and they were saying, essentially, that unless the Redskins cut Haynesworth the day after the lockout ends, then it was a signal that it will be another circus this year that will doom the Redskins to failure. While I agree that they should move on from Haynesworth this year, I think they should really try over the first week or two after the lockout to move him via trade, if nothing else just to direct him to a team outside the division. The fact that they made mistakes last year does not mean they should compound those mistakes by acting overly rash this year. Move him, yes, but proceed deliberately. Maybe someone will take him for a 6th or 7th rounder to avoid having to bid for him in Free Agency. Who knows. If it doesn't work, then cut him. But try. Let the haters hate in the meantime but get it done the right way.

Why would you fear Haynesworth in the division? He is likely to make his new team worse, not better. Everyone was surprised when the Eagles traded McNabb within the division last year, but what a coup that was. The Eagles simultaneously sabatoged the present (McNabb) and future (picks) of their "rival" while improving their own present and future. THAT is pretty hard to do.

The Redskins sabatoged the Redskins in the McNabb deal.

 

[thayman]

Can't wait to see what kind of shape Albert's in. How many times does he fail this year's conditioning drill?

I'm not sure what sort of pissing contest Shannahan is planning on drawing up this year.

 

[fatness]

Let me get this right: the Redskins are intent on running a 3-4, don't yet have a decent nose tackle in year 2...

You do realize there's this whole lockout thing preventing teams from acquiring players, right?

Sure. But the Redskins knew the lockout was coming and were part of planning for it so if that's an impediment it's self-imposed. Do you see some sort of plan they have yet for improving the line play which is critical for a 3-4?

 

[fatness]

The Redskins sabatoged the Redskins in the McNabb deal.

The Redskins gave up a 2nd and a 4th round draft pick to trade McNabb to a team that didn't want him. I can honestly say I've never seen that before.

 

[fatness]

Can't wait to see what kind of shape Albert's in. How many times does he fail this year's conditioning drill?

That brings up an interesting thought. Other players didn't have to pass the conditioning drill at training camp last year because they had supposedly "passed" the drill during offseason activities. There were no offseason activities this year.So how will the Redskins orchestrate everyone else passing and Haynesworth failing this year?

 

[dgreen]

Do you see some sort of plan they have yet for improving the line play which is critical for a 3-4?

Well, in the draft they hopefully got a starting OLB and 3-4 DE with their first two picks. They took a shot at a possible NT later in the draft.As for their plan to continue personnel improvement, I'm assuming they have a plan of who to target in FA. I'll be shocked (and disappointed) if they don't address NT in FA.

 

[thayman]

The Redskins sabatoged the Redskins in the McNabb deal.

The Redskins gave up a 2nd and a 4th round draft pick to trade McNabb to a team that didn't want him. I can honestly say I've never seen that before.

You have a short memoryhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1739475

 

[fatness]

You have a short memoryhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1739475

I was trying to forget that. Someone remind me how Shanahan and Allen are better than Gibbs and Cerrato again; I keep forgetting.

 

[Eastwood]

fatness you spew more hate to our franchise than Cowboy fans. God I've never wanted the Skins to win more now just to shut you up.

 

[Sebowski]

I just want someone to freeze me for a year and thaw me out next year after we draft Andrew Luck. This year is going to be painful, but worth it if we land Luck. The only thing I am hoping for this year is no embarrassing ### whoopings like the MNF Eagles game.

 

[fatness]

fatness you spew more hate to our franchise than Cowboy fans. God I've never wanted the Skins to win more now just to shut you up.

I love the Skins, man, and I've been rooting for them longer than you have. I hate seeing the front office run them into the ground year after year.

 

[fatness]

I just want someone to freeze me for a year and thaw me out next year after we draft Andrew Luck. This year is going to be painful, but worth it if we land Luck. The only thing I am hoping for this year is no embarrassing ### whoopings like the MNF Eagles game.

My dream for this year is an offensive line and defensive line that are average, rated maybe 16th in the league, that can at least hold the line of scrimmage. I'm tired of watching other teams' lineplay dominate the Skins games.Once they can hold the line of scrimmage, progress is possible.

 

[Eastwood]

fatness you spew more hate to our franchise than Cowboy fans. God I've never wanted the Skins to win more now just to shut you up.

I love the Skins, man, and I've been rooting for them longer than you have. I hate seeing the front office run them into the ground year after year.

I've been a fan my entire life (40 years old). And I'm not questioning your love for them, I just question why all the public negativity towards them? Trust me, anyone who grew up watching the SB teams HATES seeing our franchise towards the bottom of the league year after year. But we get enough crap from the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys fans don't we? Hope springs eternal...regardless of what you say, we DO have a better coach and GM (I mean, how can it get WORSE than Cerrato?)

 

[thayman]

fatness you spew more hate to our franchise than Cowboy fans. God I've never wanted the Skins to win more now just to shut you up.

I love the Skins, man, and I've been rooting for them longer than you have. I hate seeing the front office run them into the ground year after year.

I've been a fan my entire life (40 years old). And I'm not questioning your love for them, I just question why all the public negativity towards them? Trust me, anyone who grew up watching the SB teams HATES seeing our franchise towards the bottom of the league year after year. But we get enough crap from the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys fans don't we? Hope springs eternal...regardless of what you say, we DO have a better coach and GM (I mean, how can it get WORSE than Cerrato?)

I've been a fan and have always had hope for the team. Up until last year until he can prove it otherwise I'm going to agree with Buster and say that as long as Snyder owns this team they will doomed to lose.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Sounds like teams can try and sign their own UFAs today. I'm hoping an agreement is reached w/ Moss by the end of the day (for the right price).

 

[jbobbett]

The Redskins sabatoged the Redskins in the McNabb deal.

The Redskins gave up a 2nd and a 4th round draft pick to trade McNabb to a team that didn't want him. I can honestly say I've never seen that before.

Don't forget they renogiated his contract to give him $3.75M MORE in 2010, AFTER he was benched in the previous game. You really cannot make this stuff up. And we can't even blame that move on Vinnie.In McNabb's case, the Redskins paid their quarterback $3.75 million in 2010 for the right to pay him $12.5 million in 2011 and control his rights.

If the Redskins cut him after the year or trade him, they are on the hook for only the $3.75 million while McNabb has his football freedom. Plus, with this deal, the Redskins now will pay McNabb $17.5 million this season -- more than the franchise quarterback salary.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5812371

 

[Sidewinder16]

Teams reporting on a staggered schedule based on first preseason game (every team starts 15 days prior to first game). 'Skins should report to camp on Thursday.

 

[southeastjerome]

The Redskins sabatoged the Redskins in the McNabb deal.

The Redskins gave up a 2nd and a 4th round draft pick to trade McNabb to a team that didn't want him. I can honestly say I've never seen that before.

Don't forget they renogiated his contract to give him $3.75M MORE in 2010, AFTER he was benched in the previous game. You really cannot make this stuff up. And we can't even blame that move on Vinnie.In McNabb's case, the Redskins paid their quarterback $3.75 million in 2010 for the right to pay him $12.5 million in 2011 and control his rights.

If the Redskins cut him after the year or trade him, they are on the hook for only the $3.75 million while McNabb has his football freedom. Plus, with this deal, the Redskins now will pay McNabb $17.5 million this season -- more than the franchise quarterback salary.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5812371

I'm no capologist, but I think the reason the redskins made the deal was so they can cut him this year without owing him the 12.5 million (so long as it is done before the season). So they took a larger hit last year in an uncapped year to get more freedom in a capped year (this league year).

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm no capologist, but I think the reason the redskins made the deal was so they can cut him this year without owing him the 12.5 million (so long as it is done before the season). So they took a larger hit last year in an uncapped year to get more freedom in a capped year (this league year).

This.

 

[Eastwood]

That is correct. If there is one thing (and it might be the ONLY thing) the Skins have shown they do well during Snyder's era is manipulate and stay under the cap.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I'm not convinced it was strictly a cap move. I think it was more like the start of mitigating the effects of a failed attempt at acquiring a franchise QB.

And since franchise QBs a la Peyton Manning or Kurt Warner just fall off trees all the time (I mean, most teams are getting rid of franchise QBs in droves, right?) it's quite reasonable to completely ream the front office for not hitting on this shot at a franchise QB. I mean seriously, every other team has nailed one with their blind shots-in-the-dark. Why haven't these buffoons nailed one after one complete season? It's ridiculous.

 

[dgreen]

I'm not convinced it was strictly a cap move. I think it was more like the start of mitigating the effects of a failed attempt at acquiring a franchise QB.And since franchise QBs a la Peyton Manning or Kurt Warner just fall off trees all the time (I mean, most teams are getting rid of franchise QBs in droves, right?) it's quite reasonable to completely ream the front office for not hitting on this shot at a franchise QB. I mean seriously, every other team has nailed one with their blind shots-in-the-dark. Why haven't these buffoons nailed one after one complete season? It's ridiculous.

 

[Sebowski]

I'm not convinced it was strictly a cap move. I think it was more like the start of mitigating the effects of a failed attempt at acquiring a franchise QB.And since franchise QBs a la Peyton Manning or Kurt Warner just fall off trees all the time (I mean, most teams are getting rid of franchise QBs in droves, right?) it's quite reasonable to completely ream the front office for not hitting on this shot at a franchise QB. I mean seriously, every other team has nailed one with their blind shots-in-the-dark. Why haven't these buffoons nailed one after one complete season? It's ridiculous.

What's ridiculous was to think that McNabb was something he isn't after having 10 years of tape on him.