****OFFICIAL**** Washington Redskins Offseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[fatness]

My recipe for this offseason:trade down;sign Fletcher-Baker; restructure and retain Springs;resign Dockery;acquire Clements, Bly or Smoot, in that order of preference;draft best available DE/DT/S with first pickdraft best available DE/DT/S to fill spot not filled with first pick; draft depth to o-line.

Draft BranchSign Fletcher-Bakerlet Springs goSign Clements or Blydon't sign Smootre-sign Dockeryfind O-line and D-line help with lower draft picks and cuts from other teamsI think Branch would do too much for their defense to pass him up. Otherwise I'd say trade down and pick up some more draft picks.Springs will play half a season at most because he's always hurt, so why bother?

 

[Domination]

My recipe for this offseason:trade down;sign Fletcher-Baker; restructure and retain Springs;resign Dockery;acquire Clements, Bly or Smoot, in that order of preference;draft best available DE/DT/S with first pickdraft best available DE/DT/S to fill spot not filled with first pick; draft depth to o-line.

Draft BranchSign Fletcher-Bakerlet Springs goSign Clements or Blydon't sign Smootre-sign Dockeryfind O-line and D-line help with lower draft picks and cuts from other teamsI think Branch would do too much for their defense to pass him up. Otherwise I'd say trade down and pick up some more draft picks.Springs will play half a season at most because he's always hurt, so why bother?

It all sounds good, but they don't have the money needed to sign all those guys.

 

[redman]

The reason I want Springs back is that he's still the best cover CB on the roster. They need him. I'd love to reduce his workload by putting him in the nickle a lot by adding Bly. That should keep him healthy.

 

[southeastjerome]

Why trade for Bly? Not only will theyhave to ante up and give him a big money deal, but they'll have to dip into next year's draft, which I do not want to do at all. More than that, Bly is 30, on the downside of his career and not the player Clements is. I realize Clements will be expensive, but at least he won't cost us future cheap talent in the form of next year's draft picks. Inexpensive young talent is what this team is in dire need of and they won't get it if they keep trading their picks away for more expensive, and in this case, older veterans. If they can't sign clements, then keep springs around, bring smoot in when he is cut and there we have 3 solid corners without costing us a draft pick or two.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

My recipe for this offseason:trade down;sign Fletcher-Baker; restructure and retain Springs;resign Dockery;acquire Clements, Bly or Smoot, in that order of preference;draft best available DE/DT/S with first pickdraft best available DE/DT/S to fill spot not filled with first pick; draft depth to o-line.

Draft BranchSign Fletcher-Bakerlet Springs goSign Clements or Blydon't sign Smootre-sign Dockeryfind O-line and D-line help with lower draft picks and cuts from other teamsI think Branch would do too much for their defense to pass him up. Otherwise I'd say trade down and pick up some more draft picks.Springs will play half a season at most because he's always hurt, so why bother?

Looks like everyone wants Fletcher I agree with that.Resign Dockery this is a MUST!!!!!!Then I say ClementsDraft a DT I guess Branch good be the better Hollis Thomas, stuffing the run, with the ability to get to the QB.I agree with the Bly thing. We'll have to throw in draft picks. Maybe we do bring in Smoot, I'm unaware if he went on any sex cruises in the harbor.And as always finding ol and dl........

 

[Bizkiteer]

I don't think Dockery is a must. If he's asking for too much money, then we can get another doable OG to fill that spot. Though I'd rather have Dock, but Timmerman and a few others are out there that would suffice.

I'm not in favor of getting Fletcher-Baker because his price tag to going to be BIG and he's already getting up in age. If he were younger, then I think it would be worth spendig that kind of money. I'd rather they spent the money on a CB like Clements who is in his prime. Bly would be interesting only if the trade price wasn't high. Smoot is doable and played his best ball in DC, so I think he'd be good. I would find it interesting how well he would do as being the #1 CB though, which it was much easier when he was with us before as the #2 CB behind Champ. Depending on how they view Rogers, they might even get two CB's, if Springs is not retained. Springs is showing the same thing when he was in SEA, he's great when he's healthy...but how often is he healthy?

I think if the 'Skins trade down, I'd like them to draft Willis for MLB and then take a DL, maybe not in that order. Willis makes sense if Fletcher-Baker is not signed. I'm assuming that the trade down fetches an early 2nd rounder.

Depending on draft plan, I think they need to sign a DL too. Thus, if they are taking a DE...sign a DT. Nothing major, but there are several servicable guys. I get a feeling the Kerney might be a Redskins when all is said and done, which could lead to us drafting a DT.

If we are keeping AA, then use him for his talents. If not, a SS that I like is Michael Lewis. He's not a cover guy, but he can bring it. If they need more of a cover safety, then he's not a fit.

 

[fatness]

The reason I want Springs back is that he's still the best cover CB on the roster. They need him. I'd love to reduce his workload by putting him in the nickle a lot by adding Bly. That should keep him healthy.

I agree about Srpings, he's their best cover guy. If they could do that, they'd really improve themselves if he's not hurt. If their defensive line is allowing QB's plenty of time to throw, I'm not sure it really matters who plays in the secondary, though. They really need better D-line pressure, more than they need LB's or D-backs.

 

[fatness]

From PFT again, about Archuleta:

In this regard, we expect some cuts to come on Friday, since by rule any attempt to take advantage of the new rule that allows players to be cut before June 1 with the bonus acceleration to be split between two cap years must occur on the first day of the league year.Guys who could be released under this twist in the rules include Patriots running back Corey Dillon and Redskins safety Adam Archuleta.

 

[AB in DC]

I forget, has Fletcher-Baker been playing in a 3-4 or a 4-3?

 

[Bizkiteer]

I forget, has Fletcher-Baker been playing in a 3-4 or a 4-3?

4-3

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Dre Bly (CB) DEN 3/1/2007

Bly has been traded to the Broncos in exchange for running back Tatum Bell and offensive tackle George Foster, ESPNews reports. Bly will pair up with Champ Bailey to give Denver one of the best shutdown cornerback tandems in the NFL, after struggling in the Cover Two scheme installed by Lions head coach Rod Marinelli in 2006.

There goes Bly

 

[Bizkiteer]

Didn't see this listed...

The Washington Times reports if the LB London Fletcher-Baker deal isn't consummated and CB Nate Clements opts to sign elsewhere, the Redskins could trade for LB Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who struggled when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2006.

ray:

 

[redman]

Didn't see this listed...

The Washington Times reports if the LB London Fletcher-Baker deal isn't consummated and CB Nate Clements opts to sign elsewhere, the Redskins could trade for LB Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who struggled when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2006.

ray:

Now that could be interesting. I wonder if that would be in conjunction with a trade-down in the draft.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Didn't see this listed...

The Washington Times reports if the LB London Fletcher-Baker deal isn't consummated and CB Nate Clements opts to sign elsewhere, the Redskins could trade for LB Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who struggled when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2006.

ray:

Now that could be interesting. I wonder if that would be in conjunction with a trade-down in the draft.

This blurb was in a WaPo article today:

After being unimpressed with Clemson's Gaines Adams and intrigued but not overwhelmed by Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch -- though sources said the team liked its non-workout meeting with Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson --

If true, it suggests to me that the 'Skins are probabyl pretty willing to trade down and and address DL later in the draft (or through FA).

 

[redman]

If true, it suggests to me that the 'Skins are probabyl pretty willing to trade down and and address DL later in the draft (or through FA).

There's so much smoke that it's hard to know what's true or not. Still, I think trading down is the best approach here.

 

[redman]

Redskins re-sign S Vernon Fox

 

[redman]

Redskins extend Sellers and Thomas

 

[redman]

Former Rams CB Travis Fisher to visit the Redskins

 

[fatness]

Didn't see this listed...

The Washington Times reports if the LB London Fletcher-Baker deal isn't consummated and CB Nate Clements opts to sign elsewhere, the Redskins could trade for LB Jonathan Vilma, the 2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who struggled when the New York Jets switched to a 3-4 scheme in 2006.

Not likely according to Jason LaCanfora. Link

Oh yeah, and one other thing, this Vilma/Portis crap has got to stop. Joe Gibbs love CP. Loves him. Heck, I'll write it again. Loves him. Does not want to think about him not being on the roster. Can't imagine it. They are not shopping him or trying to move him in any way.

Also, spoke to someone very close to Vilma today to try to end that nonsense once and for all. If Vilma is being shopped no one has told him. If the Jets want to move him, no one has told him. There has been no contact from any outside teams. No teams have been granted contact to speak to him.

Could he eventually be traded in his NFL career? Sure. Wayne (bleeping) Gretzky was dealt, twice (right, the St. Louis deal was a trade and not FA, right?). Anyway, it's pretty much impossible to trade a guy in the NFL without him being in on it, because of the cap ramifications and the new contract they usually need from the new team and all of that. And Vilma has not heard a thing.

 

[fatness]

London Fletcher Is In the House

From what I hear, Dockery is in Atlanta and the Falcons have some interest in Dock, so you could probably connect some dots there. Not sure he is/will visit the Falcons yet, but it would make sense. The Skins still making a push to keep him.

Fletcher is here and just left the building with a member of the training staff. Almost certain he is getting his physical done and I imagine a deal will be done within the next few hours. Smoot is almost certain to be here as well. I don't see him leaving without a contract.

 

[fatness]

Leonard Davis - Updated, Second Time

Looks like Leonard Davis could be in the house tonight when the Skins take their free agent entourage to the Wizards game. They want to bring him in; not sure if he is in Dallas first, but the Skins are pushing for him. Sounds like the Dockery thing is not panning out perhaps.

Just got off the phone with someone very close to the situation. Davis in indeed in another city as we speak - Dallas I believe- but I heard there is a "75-80 percent" chance he could be in Washington soon. The Redskins are indeed his next free agent visit destination, if in fact he makes another trip. I hear his agents are talking to 4-5 teams and fielding lots of calls, so it's possible he signs with another team while still on this first visit.

As for other O Line stuff. I hear nothing new between the Skins and Todd Wade lately and, considering what it would take to sign Dock or Davis, they probably won't be able to do much there. Dockery has been working out in Atlanta, and I was told he is currently in Buffalo. Again, not looking good for a re-sign there, but never say never with the Skins.

Also, Ladell Betts said he has been told nothing about being dealt, but realizes some rumors persist. Said he speaks to his agents daily and they have never mentioned anything, but I also hear that the jets and Broncos have some serious interest in him.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Latest on Smoot and Fletcher

Heard he is traveling to this area and should be here in time for the game. Again, I think it's failrly close to certain the Skins will get Fletcher and Smoot. Fletcher returned from his physical a little while ago and was whisked to the back of the building.

 

[Marvelous]

From PFT, so take it for what it's worth.

POSTED 7:37 p.m. EST; UPDATED 7:55 p.m. EST, February 28, 2007'SKINS TO CLEAN HOUSE AFTER THE DRAFT?There's talk in league circles that the Washington Redskins will clean out the personnel department following the 2007 draft. It's presently unclear whether V.P. of football operations Vinny Cerrato would be caught up in the rumored purge. Cerrato was fired by the team during the failed Marty Schottenheimer experiment, and re-hired after Marty was Schott-canned.Per the 2006 NFL Record & Fact Book, the front office also includes director of pro personnel Louis Riddick, director of college scouting Scott Campbell, pro scouts Terry Ray and Donnie Warren, college scouts Mike Faulkiner, Tim Gribble, Shemy Schembechler, and Jim Zeches, national scouts Russ Bolinger and Joel Patten, and director of football administrtion Eric Schaffer.

Please get rid of Cerrato.

This is an interesting article from PFT. In general, they are not very accurate when speculating on Redskin moves, but here, they are reporting a rumor in league circles. They have speculated much less on the Redskins lately.

 

[fatness]

There are threads at 2 Redskin message boards saying Fred Smoot is signed already, and that all that remains is for him to pass a physical and it'll be official.

Main thread

Source

 

[fatness]

Dockery signed with Buffalo. Leonard Davis is supposedly on his way from Dallas to Washington according to John Clayton.

Link to the report elsewhere on FBG

Why do we want Leonard Davis? He's a tackle, and we have Samuels and Jansen.

 

[beachbum]

if he'd agree to convert he'd be a helluva guard

 

[nittanylion]

There's been scattered talk over the last week or so, as it started looking grim in regards to re-signing Dockery, on local and national radio, about what the 'skins might opt for as an alternative...

...I can't give you a link, or a source, but I'm 100% positive I heard at least one pundit comment on Leonard Davis being versatile enough to move to OG, and be able to mix it up as a brawler/mauler if put in that position...

If that's the case, he's about the only free agent OL I'd want to bring in to replace Dock...

...it's sad they have to do this. They could have worked out locking him up late last season or early this year, if they'd put their minds to it.

Once again, instead of grooming, developing and extending their own, they must opt to bring in yet another outside element, and have to not only integrate him into the philosophy/scheme, but into the chemistry as well.

...different year, same old 'skins...

 

[fatness]

if he'd agree to convert he'd be a helluva guard

Supposedly he already has contract offers from the Giants and Cowboys. He doesn't want to play for Coughlin, and he doesn't want to move to guard as Dallas wants him to do.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Once again, instead of grooming, developing and extending their own, they must opt to bring in yet another outside element, and have to not only integrate him into the philosophy/scheme, but into the chemistry as well....different year, same old 'skins...

Not really, no way he's 18 mil, we never would have resigned him for that amount.

 

[Al Toon's Mole]

London Fletcher-LB- Bills Mar. 2 - 8:45 pm et

The Redskins have reportedly signed linebacker London Fletcher to a five-year, $25 million contract. The deal includes a $10.5 million signing bonus and pays Fletcher $12.5 million over the first two seasons.

This marriage has long been expected. Fletcher played under current Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Buffalo, when Williams was the head coach of the Bills. More details to follow.

Source: Profootballtalk.com

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Posted at 8:54 PM ET, 03/ 2/2007

Fletcher Is Done

Just got word from a very good league source that the deal with Fletcher is done. Still working on the details but I am guessing he will get at least $10 million guaranteed and a healthy average salary. Smoot could be done before the night is through as well.

Posted by Jason La Canfora

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Nate Clements (CB) SF 3/2/2007

Clements signed an eight-year, $80 million contract with the Niners on Friday, ESPNews reports. San Francisco has outbid Washington among others for Clements' services, making him the highest-played defensive player in NFL history. He'll start opposite Walt Harris and give the Niners a much more formidable cornerback tandem heading in 2007.

Welcome home SMOOT!!!!!

 

[Domination]

Dockery signed with Buffalo. Leonard Davis is supposedly on his way from Dallas to Washington according to John Clayton.

Link to the report elsewhere on FBG

Why do we want Leonard Davis? He's a tackle, and we have Samuels and Jansen.

He is supposedly asking for a $12 million signing bonus. I don't think that he is a viable option at that price.

 

[drifer]

Once again, instead of grooming, developing and extending their own, they must opt to bring in yet another outside element, and have to not only integrate him into the philosophy/scheme, but into the chemistry as well....different year, same old 'skins...

I'm all for grooming and holding onto our own, but Dock is not worth the contract he got. Just because we overpay other teams players doesn't mean we have to do the same to our own.

 

[fatness]

Link

Linebacker London Fletcher agreed to a five-year, US$25-million contract with the Washington Redskins on Friday, capping another busy day of free agency for one of the NFL's top-spending teams.

The agreement, which includes a $10.5-million signing bonus, came as Fletcher and cornerback Fred Smoot were treated to a Washington Wizards game, part of a courtship by a Redskins team that went 5-11 and needs to repair the worst defence in the NFC.

Fletcher fills a need at middle linebacker, where Lemar Marshall regressed last year in his second season since Antonio Pierce's departure. Fletcher is small for the position - five foot 10 and 245 pounds - and will turn 32 in May. But he has been reliably solid over nine NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills and St. Louis Rams. He's yet to miss a game in his NFL career and has started every game since 2001.

The Redskins were also in serious negotiations with Smoot, who played four seasons with the Redskins before leaving in 2005 to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

"Everything would be put back in place if I did (return)," said Smoot, who had two difficult seasons in Minnesota. "Me leaving here was a big mistake."

In addition, cornerback Travis Fisher was scheduled to visit Saturday, and the team was also courting offensive lineman Leonard Davis.

"We're just working as hard as we can. You never know," coach Joe Gibbs said as he left with the entourage heading to the NBA game in stretch limousines. "It's probably a little more up in the air than it normally is.

"Normally, the first day, we would have already knocked a bunch of stuff out. We haven't got a lot done, so I don't know."

Meanwhile, the Redskins took care of three of their own players. They re-signed safety Vernon Fox, keeping him off the free-agent market, and gave multi-year contract extensions to guard Randy Thomas and fullback Mike Sellers, a former CFL player with Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Fletcher and Fletcher both took physicals after arriving at Redskins Park.

We got 2 of him!

 

[fatness]

You'll like this. :X

That would be great if it was an advantage but we have made so many disastrous free agent signings since 2000 that it shows we don't use free agency correctly.

I have talked to some very respected present and former GMs and front office people in the NFL and not one of them likes what we do with free agency. We can sit here and say everyone else is wrong year after year, unfortunately the facts bear out our reputation around the league. This is not a reputation made up from media "haters". The media gets this info. from people all over the league.

One example - my source called me on the way back from the combine and he was with some of hisother's team scouts and they were all ripping on Cerrato (as they do every time they see him).

I don't get wrapped up in it b/c if you have been a fan for 30 years you just stick with your team. But, it is sad that we are viewed this way.

Link

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Gibbs on Springs from the Washington Post

Gibbs Says Redskins 'Counting' on Springs

 

[redman]

Gibbs on Springs from the Washington Post

Gibbs Says Redskins 'Counting' on Springs

I think the trio of Springs, Rogers and Smoot would be solid, and would be enough for us to rely upon for at least one more year even accounting for Springs' propensity for getting injured and missing some games. This would be a downright excellent unit if Rogers turned into the player we hoped when we drafted him at 1.09 two years ago.

 

[Marvelous]

Blurb from PFT:

POSTED 2:40 p.m. EST, March 3, 2007DAVIS WANTS BIG MONEYWord on the NFL street is that free-agent offensive lineman Leonard "Big" Davis, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft, is looking for $23 million in guaranteed money.We're told that the request was made during a visit by Davis to the Cowboys.Consequently, the visit was a short one.Hey, if the guy was that good, the Cardinals' line wouldn't have been so bad. And the Cards would have used some of their staggering cap surplus to keep him.Next up for Davis is the Redskins. But if they weren't ready to pay Derrick Dockery, why would they pay Davis?

I think the Redskins are showing some financial restraint this year, which I think is good. Of course, they have a number of areas to address and a limited amount of cap space. If Davis wants this much money, no way the Redskins will pay him this to be an OG.

 

[fatness]

Smoot left without a deal, but with an offer. Same with Leonard Davis.

Posted at 2:48 PM ET, 03/ 3/2007

Fred Smoot Still Does Not Have A Deal/Fisher Here (Updated Several Times)

Like I've been writing, the Skins were the first team to pounce on him. They pushed for him. They got deep into negotiations. They got close to a deal. They have no deal and had no deal and Joe Gibbs said just a few minutes ago, "No deal is imminent with anyone." That includes Smoot, although the sides expect to speak again tonight. Howard just heard that Smoot is leaving the building and flying home. (Update Np. 2 - Smoot was chatting in Steve Jackson's office for a while, left for the parking lot and is headed to the airport). Could he still sign here, sure? But the stuff on certain website was way premature if not completely wrong, and honestly, I don't even blame them for it (even if there is a fringe among them that take a mean-spirited bent).

Hmm, do you think maybe someone within this building would leak a false rumor that Smoot was already signed to a website owned by the same guy who owns the Redskins? And then people from that website barrage profootballtalk.com with emails until they post the same thing - that Smoot had signed here yesterday afternoon, which, if you think about it, would be a perception that could scare off other teams or get out the idea on the web that Smoot was already signed here? Nah, couldn't be. Stuff happens during the recruiting period of free agency and I know it's dog eat dog out there. I ain't hating even if something like that happened, 'cause that's the NFL and any little advantage helps. Just a theory.

Also, Travis Fisher - who has a serious set of dreads - just pulled up to The Park in Jerry Grey's Benz. Like I said, he's a Rosenhaus guy, which is never a bad thing around here.

Posted at 1:50 PM ET, 03/ 3/2007

Leonard Davis Speaks

Just ran into him as Jason Campbell was taking the big man to lunch. Davis seems likea cool, laid back cat. Said it's down to the Redskins and Dallas, where he visited yesterday. Said the Cowboys did not make a firm offer but they talked about parameters. Has no other visits planned. "I might make a decision this evening," Davis said. "I've just got to talk to my agent and talk to my wife ... It's all up in the air right now." Davis said he had good meetings with Buges, Coach Joe, The Snyder (he didn't call them by those names of course, but you get the drift).

"This is my top two," Davis said of the Skins and Cowboys. He also said he wants to play here because "this organization "is committed winning." Yeah, that's what everyone says. Not sure if winning and spending are one and the same, but you get the idea.

LaCanfora's blog

 

[buster c]

Smoot Is A Redskins

The sides, after another day of talk, have come to an agreement in the last fwe minutes. It's done.. Smoot was scheduled to leave here this afternoon at one point, but returned to the building and they finally got this thing sorted out before another night of dinners.

Hope to get more details on the contract shortly, but go ahead and dig those Smoot jerseys out of the closet. I am banking on a press conference tommorow.

© 2006 The Washington Post Company

 

[fatness]

Starting CB on one side: Rogers

Starting CB on the other side: Sproot

 

[redman]

Starting CB on one side: Rogers

Starting CB on the other side: Sproot

That took me a second but I got it.

 

[redman]

I just watched Fletcher's presser on Redskins.com, and I'm very impressed by the guy. Very cool dude, and comes across as a bright leader.

He was asked whether his height was still an issue for him and whether it still motivated him, and I loved his response:

On the discussion about his size and if it is an issue with him:

“It has never been an issue for me. I am surprised that it is still an issue. When people write or say something about me that is the first thing they mention regardless of the fact that I have been in the league for 10 seasons. Not only have I been in the league for 10 years but I am proven player and have been a starting middle linebacker for two Super Bowls. The height concern I guess is something to create a story. Last time I checked the holes open this way (wide) not this way (tall).”

 

[fatness]

A Washington Times article critical of the way the Redskins handle free agency over the years:

The first two days of free agency for the Washington Redskins have turned into an expensive game of "Making Up For Past Mistakes." Much like previous offseasons, the Redskins have been in full scramble mode, trying to create enough salary cap space to be active in signing quality players while simultaneously seeing other holes develop because of market miscalculations.

Friday provided three more examples.

Still trying to find a replacement for Antonio Pierce two years after he joined the New York Giants for a $26 million contract the Redskins could have matched and because Lemar Marshall proved he isn't a top-flight middle linebacker, they gave soon-to-be 32-year-old London Fletcher a $25 million deal.

Still trying to find a replacement for Fred Smoot two years after he joined Minnesota for a $30 million contract the Redskins could have matched, and because Carlos Rogers hasn't developed as quickly as expected and veterans Walt Harris and Kenny Wright didn't work out as nickel backs, they signed ... Fred Smoot.

And because they were unwilling to overpay during the regular season to re-sign left guard Derrick Dockery, the Redskins entered the offensive line market by chatting with Arizona's Leonard Davis. Dockery received $49 million from Buffalo -- an outrageous figure Dan Snyder was wise not to match. But the Redskins could have locked him up with a significantly lower amount had they read the market more accurately in December.

One signing and two ongoing negotiations, none which needed to happen. If Pierce never left, middle linebacker would have never developed into a problem. If Smoot weren't allowed to leave, the Redskins could have traded down to get Jason Campbell instead of sacrificing their 2006 first-round pick and then drafted a corner in the later rounds to team with Smoot and Shawn Springs. If Dockery had been re-signed, the Redskins' free agent efforts this weekend could have focused entirely on defense.

But this is what the Redskins do during the offseason. They panic and overpay.

 

[fatness]

The Lions are apparently interested in Shawn Springs. Link

NOTEBOOK: The Lions have shown interest Washington cornerback Shawn Springs, who could be traded or released. But Millen said he liked what he had in Fernando Bryant, Stanley Wilson, Keith Smith and Dee McCann. "It's not like we're void of talent," Millen said. ...

The Lions liked free agent middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker but could not outbid Washington.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

A Washington Times article critical of the way the Redskins handle free agency over the years:

The first two days of free agency for the Washington Redskins have turned into an expensive game of "Making Up For Past Mistakes." Much like previous offseasons, the Redskins have been in full scramble mode, trying to create enough salary cap space to be active in signing quality players while simultaneously seeing other holes develop because of market miscalculations.

Friday provided three more examples.

Still trying to find a replacement for Antonio Pierce two years after he joined the New York Giants for a $26 million contract the Redskins could have matched and because Lemar Marshall proved he isn't a top-flight middle linebacker, they gave soon-to-be 32-year-old London Fletcher a $25 million deal.

Still trying to find a replacement for Fred Smoot two years after he joined Minnesota for a $30 million contract the Redskins could have matched, and because Carlos Rogers hasn't developed as quickly as expected and veterans Walt Harris and Kenny Wright didn't work out as nickel backs, they signed ... Fred Smoot.

And because they were unwilling to overpay during the regular season to re-sign left guard Derrick Dockery, the Redskins entered the offensive line market by chatting with Arizona's Leonard Davis. Dockery received $49 million from Buffalo -- an outrageous figure Dan Snyder was wise not to match. But the Redskins could have locked him up with a significantly lower amount had they read the market more accurately in December.

One signing and two ongoing negotiations, none which needed to happen. If Pierce never left, middle linebacker would have never developed into a problem. If Smoot weren't allowed to leave, the Redskins could have traded down to get Jason Campbell instead of sacrificing their 2006 first-round pick and then drafted a corner in the later rounds to team with Smoot and Shawn Springs. If Dockery had been re-signed, the Redskins' free agent efforts this weekend could have focused entirely on defense.

But this is what the Redskins do during the offseason. They panic and overpay.

Yeah but IF my aunt had balls she would be my uncle!!!Yes I do know that this team is ran like a fantasy team, and I'm not sure where you guys live, if most of you are near the DC area, but from where I live, (New Orleans) atleast I can say our OWNER (The Snyder) has sold his soul to the Devil, and has made old man Cooke roll over in his grave several times to try to win a championship. And lets not forget that Snyder did bring coach Gibbs back. Which I personally never thought that would of happened. We haven't been good in 10 plus years, but at least we go out and give a dam every year, unlike most owners.....

 

[redman]

The Redskins' biggest sin is not in getting FA's, it's in trading away draft picks. That's hurting them right now where they have no apparent replacement for Dockery, which is precisely the kind of guy they could/should have drafted with one of those mid-round picks they've so freely given away in years past.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Davis signed by Dallas? Now who plays guard for us? Do we drop down and get the center from USC, Kahill, to play guard. Kid was impressive durning combine. And pic up a Dt with our draft pick we get for trading down?

 

[fatness]

The Redskins' biggest sin is not in getting FA's, it's in trading away draft picks. That's hurting them right now where they have no apparent replacement for Dockery, which is precisely the kind of guy they could/should have drafted with one of those mid-round picks they've so freely given away in years past.

You're right. Constantly trading away draft picks has meant constantly trading away future, affordable depth.