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

[buster c]

Wade may be fine at LG, but what this team needs is depth, and plugging in their only good backup OL as a starter doesn't get you there.

Why not plug in Jansen at LG. If he's lost his ability to be a solid tackle, move him inside.

 

[redman]

Wade may be fine at LG, but what this team needs is depth, and plugging in their only good backup OL as a starter doesn't get you there.

Why not plug in Jansen at LG. If he's lost his ability to be a solid tackle, move him inside.

I don't think he's lost that ability, but aside from that by moving him inside you're changing two spots on the line, not just one, which hurts continuity.

 

[buster c]

Wade may be fine at LG, but what this team needs is depth, and plugging in their only good backup OL as a starter doesn't get you there.

Why not plug in Jansen at LG. If he's lost his ability to be a solid tackle, move him inside.

I don't think he's lost that ability, but aside from that by moving him inside you're changing two spots on the line, not just one, which hurts continuity.

would you do it if Wade was a better RT than Jansen?

 

[redman]

Wade may be fine at LG, but what this team needs is depth, and plugging in their only good backup OL as a starter doesn't get you there.

Why not plug in Jansen at LG. If he's lost his ability to be a solid tackle, move him inside.

I don't think he's lost that ability, but aside from that by moving him inside you're changing two spots on the line, not just one, which hurts continuity.

would you do it if Wade was a better RT than Jansen?

Maybe, it depends on how much better and whether you believe that that's worth upsetting continuity, Jansen personally, and also how both guys would react to the new income disparity that would come from a OT being paid like a OG (Wade) and vice-versa (Jansen). That's something I'd leave to Bugel to work out, but I'm just pointing out that we're not simply changing out lug nuts here. The reason I say I'm not convinced that Jansen has declined is that he was playing most of last year with lower leg injuries. Aside from the respect I give him for that, it's also hindered him to the point where I can't get a good read on whether he's truly declined or been injured. He was still pretty good even with those injuries.

 

[Marvelous]

I'm on record as hating the AA signing from the day it happened...but I also realize that the deeper issue is not AA himself. It is the individual(s) inside Redskin Park who decided he was worth acquiring. At any price. In place of Ryan Clark.

I think all of last year's off season moves were busts. Signing Archuleta, Carter, Randle El, and trading 2 picks for Lloyd and another for Duckett. And not much is written about this, but losing Ryan Clark was huge, not because he is a super athlete, but he knew the defense and helped others (like Taylor) play better.Fortunately, the Redskins appear to be taking a more calculated approach this off season. I hope developing and keeping your own players becomes a bigger priority for the Redskins.

 

[Bizkiteer]

AA sent to Chicago for a 6th rounder. He re-worked his contract and brings the 'Skins some cap relief, while saying they got something in return. I didn't say SOMETHING, but something.

 

[buster c]

I'm on record as hating the AA signing from the day it happened...but I also realize that the deeper issue is not AA himself. It is the individual(s) inside Redskin Park who decided he was worth acquiring. At any price. In place of Ryan Clark.

I think all of last year's off season moves were busts. Signing Archuleta, Carter, Randle El, and trading 2 picks for Lloyd and another for Duckett. And not much is written about this, but losing Ryan Clark was huge, not because he is a super athlete, but he knew the defense and helped others (like Taylor) play better.Fortunately, the Redskins appear to be taking a more calculated approach this off season. I hope developing and keeping your own players becomes a bigger priority for the Redskins.

if and I mean IF Carter continues to play the way he did over the final 4-5 games, then he'll be a good DE for the team. and I think ARE is going to work out well. Llloyd? Junk. TJ? same guy who pimped for AA probably talked that trade up.

 

[Swing 51]

Omar Stoutmire is back, per ESPN.

 

[fatness]

ESPN article on Archuleta signing with Bears

Lovie Smith, who was Adam Archuleta's defensive coordinator in St. Louis, has been trying to acquire the safety since becoming the head coach in Chicago. On Tuesday, the Bears completed a trade with the Redskins for the 29-year-old. Chicago gave up a 2007 draft choice, believed to be in the sixth round.

After five seasons in St. Louis, Archuleta struggled in his first season with the Redskins in 2006 and was scheduled to be a backup this season in Washington.

To complete this complicated deal, the Bears had to rework Archuleta's contract. He had a guaranteed $5 million option bonus due last week, but with hopes of getting a trade, Archuleta delayed the execution of that payout until Wednesday. Faced with the deadline, everyone worked on getting a deal done. The Bears will pay Archuleta $8.1 million over the next three years. The Redskins rid themselves of his $25 million contract. A total of $5 million of Archuleta's new deal in Chicago is guaranteed.

 

[fatness]

I've got no idea yet what this does to the Skins salary cap situation. Here are some recent figures, but I don't think they take Archuleta's trad into account.

Link

 

[redman]

AA sent to Chicago for a 6th rounder. He re-worked his contract and brings the 'Skins some cap relief, while saying they got something in return. I didn't say SOMETHING, but something.

I'm amazed that they pulled this off. This may count as their best personnel move to date this offseason.

 

[Bizkiteer]

AA sent to Chicago for a 6th rounder. He re-worked his contract and brings the 'Skins some cap relief, while saying they got something in return. I didn't say SOMETHING, but something.

I'm amazed that they pulled this off. This may count as their best personnel move to date this offseason.

Especillay considering everyone knew that AA was not a fit in Washington. Lovie must love him some double arch!In other news, Jim Molinaro....errrr...Benedict Arnold...just signed in, you guessed it DALLAS.

 

[fatness]

Does anyone have any information yet on how this affected the Redskins cap situation?

Man, I'm glad they unloaded this guy's salary.

 

[redman]

AA sent to Chicago for a 6th rounder. He re-worked his contract and brings the 'Skins some cap relief, while saying they got something in return. I didn't say SOMETHING, but something.

I'm amazed that they pulled this off. This may count as their best personnel move to date this offseason.

Especillay considering everyone knew that AA was not a fit in Washington. Lovie must love him some double arch!In other news, Jim Molinaro....errrr...Benedict Arnold...just signed in, you guessed it DALLAS.

Dallas can have him. If there was any hope for him turning into a contributor, Buges and Co. would have figured it out by now.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Does anyone have any information yet on how this affected the Redskins cap situation?Man, I'm glad they unloaded this guy's salary.

La Canfora is reporting he should eat up ~$4million this season, but then he's totally off the books. The 'Skins were carrying next to nothing (relatively) in dead cap space before this so I don't think this breaks the bank by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[redman]

Does anyone have any information yet on how this affected the Redskins cap situation?Man, I'm glad they unloaded this guy's salary.

La Canfora is reporting he should eat up ~$4million this season, but then he's totally off the books. The 'Skins were carrying next to nothing (relatively) in dead cap space before this so I don't think this breaks the bank by any stretch of the imagination.

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might. Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

 

[Sidewinder16]

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might.

Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply it, but you're right. Dead space is not separate. Dead space is the chunk of a team's cap space that is taken up by players no longer on the roster. ETA: But he'll only be dead weight for the '07 season. After that he won't cost the 'Skins a penny.He would have counted a little less than $2.5 million had he stayed on the roster (I'm not sure if the $5 million bonus would have changed that any).

This site has a lot of 'Skins cap detail and is usually pretty up-to-date. However, at the moment it hasn't been updated since March 8 (Fletcher signing).

ETA2: According to the link above, it would have cost $9 million to just cut AA outright. I believe if he was traded without any concessions, the cost would have been about the same. So, despite the somewhat large cap hit the team is taking, I think the Bears did us a favor.

 

[redman]

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might.

Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply it, but you're right. Dead space is not separate. Dead space is the chunk of a team's cap space that is taken up by players no longer on the roster. ETA: But he'll only be dead weight for the '07 season. After that he won't cost the 'Skins a penny.He would have counted a little less than $2.5 million had he stayed on the roster (I'm not sure if the $5 million bonus would have changed that any).

This site has a lot of 'Skins cap detail and is usually pretty up-to-date. However, at the moment it hasn't been updated since March 8 (Fletcher signing).

ETA2: According to the link above, it would have cost $9 million to just cut AA outright. I believe if he was traded without any concessions, the cost would have been about the same. So, despite the somewhat large cap hit the team is taking, I think the Bears did us a favor.

That's what I thought. They essentially took a $1.5M cap hit to trade him (as compared to keeping him), so the real savings will come next year. That's $1.5M less to sign draft picks, etc. It needed to be done though.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might.

Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply it, but you're right. Dead space is not separate. Dead space is the chunk of a team's cap space that is taken up by players no longer on the roster. ETA: But he'll only be dead weight for the '07 season. After that he won't cost the 'Skins a penny.He would have counted a little less than $2.5 million had he stayed on the roster (I'm not sure if the $5 million bonus would have changed that any).

This site has a lot of 'Skins cap detail and is usually pretty up-to-date. However, at the moment it hasn't been updated since March 8 (Fletcher signing).

ETA2: According to the link above, it would have cost $9 million to just cut AA outright. I believe if he was traded without any concessions, the cost would have been about the same. So, despite the somewhat large cap hit the team is taking, I think the Bears did us a favor.

That's what I thought. They essentially took a $1.5M cap hit to trade him (as compared to keeping him), so the real savings will come next year. That's $1.5M less to sign draft picks, etc. It needed to be done though.

Maybe this can help put out the trading up to get Russell rumors. How can the 'Skins afford to pay the #1 overall pick, especially they are a QB. Ouch!

 

[redman]

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might.

Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply it, but you're right. Dead space is not separate. Dead space is the chunk of a team's cap space that is taken up by players no longer on the roster. ETA: But he'll only be dead weight for the '07 season. After that he won't cost the 'Skins a penny.He would have counted a little less than $2.5 million had he stayed on the roster (I'm not sure if the $5 million bonus would have changed that any).

This site has a lot of 'Skins cap detail and is usually pretty up-to-date. However, at the moment it hasn't been updated since March 8 (Fletcher signing).

ETA2: According to the link above, it would have cost $9 million to just cut AA outright. I believe if he was traded without any concessions, the cost would have been about the same. So, despite the somewhat large cap hit the team is taking, I think the Bears did us a favor.

That's what I thought. They essentially took a $1.5M cap hit to trade him (as compared to keeping him), so the real savings will come next year. That's $1.5M less to sign draft picks, etc. It needed to be done though.

Maybe this can help put out the trading up to get Russell rumors. How can the 'Skins afford to pay the #1 overall pick, especially they are a QB. Ouch!

That's one of the dumber rumors out there anyway. Of all the things we don't need from our top pick, a(nother) young QB is about at the top of the list.

 

[redman]

This Schaub trade is interesting to the 'Skins for the fact that Atlanta just netted a high 2nd round pick, putting them firmly in the running to trade up for 1.10, which is an ideal spot for the 'Skins to trade down to and still be able to grab Carriker.

 

[Bizkiteer]

This Schaub trade is interesting to the 'Skins for the fact that Atlanta just netted a high 2nd round pick, putting them firmly in the running to trade up for 1.10, which is an ideal spot for the 'Skins to trade down to and still be able to grab Carriker.

Nah, I like getting Landry and a DL in the second...with the pick the get for dropping down.

 

[nittanylion]

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/WAS/10080827

ASHBURN, Va. (March 22, 2007) -- David Patten was cut by the Washington Redskins after catching just 23 passes over two seasons.

The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

Patten caught 22 passes in nine games in 2005 before knee surgery ended his season in November. In 2006, he caught just one pass for 25 yards, having fallen behind Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart.

The 32-year-old receiver also has played for the New York Giants and Cleveland in his 10 NFL seasons.

Yet another FA signing that worked out well...

 

[thayman]

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/WAS/10080827

ASHBURN, Va. (March 22, 2007) -- David Patten was cut by the Washington Redskins after catching just 23 passes over two seasons.

The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

Patten caught 22 passes in nine games in 2005 before knee surgery ended his season in November. In 2006, he caught just one pass for 25 yards, having fallen behind Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart.

The 32-year-old receiver also has played for the New York Giants and Cleveland in his 10 NFL seasons.

Yet another FA signing that worked out well...

His stats sucked, but his first year here teams feared him enough that they were not willing to roll coverage over to Moss. Moss's numbers took a bit of a dip once Patten went out, the signings of ARE and Lloyd made him pretty expendable but when you consider what Lloyd cost I would have rather had the team hold onto Patten and not signed Lloyd last year.

 

[ATW22]

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/WAS/10080827

ASHBURN, Va. (March 22, 2007) -- David Patten was cut by the Washington Redskins after catching just 23 passes over two seasons.

The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

Patten caught 22 passes in nine games in 2005 before knee surgery ended his season in November. In 2006, he caught just one pass for 25 yards, having fallen behind Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart.

The 32-year-old receiver also has played for the New York Giants and Cleveland in his 10 NFL seasons.

Yet another FA signing that worked out well...

Crap, Now I have to take the Duct Tape w/ Patten's name on it off of my Lav Coles Jersey. This cut should cover the hit for trading ARch

 

[fatness]

Washington Times link

"I don't regret signing with the Redskins," said Archuleta, who chose Washington over Chicago as a free agent in 2006 and is now reunited with Bears coach Lovie Smith, his defensive coordinator during his first three NFL seasons. "The communication between me and certain members of the coaching staff was pretty nonexistent for the last few months of the season. I could air a whole bunch of different laundry. There's a lot more going on [at Redskin Park] than people understand."

Archuleta, a solid five-year starter in St. Louis, was certainly not as good in Washington, let alone worthy of being the league's highest-paid safety. Archuleta struggled in pass coverage in the preseason and never improved. He lost his job to 35-year-old free agent Troy Vincent in Week 9 and barely saw the field behind career special-teamer Vernon Fox in December........................

................. Washington plays host to Chicago this season. "I don't think there are many safeties who can do what I do underneath," said Archuleta, who made his reputation with the Rams as a run-stopper. "People like to say I can't cover. I don't believe it. I don't have a lot of interceptions, [but] I don't get beat a lot, [and] rarely was I out of position until last season. "I'm looking forward to the fans of Washington actually seeing what I'm capable of doing and what I could have been doing in a Redskins uniform."

And

No eyes for Russell

Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato denied reports the Redskins want to trade up for the top pick in next month's draft to take LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. He also said the Redskins do not want to deal their first-rounders in 2007 and 2008 for Chicago Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, who vowed never to play for the Bears again after his market value was reduced when they made him their franchise player. "There's no merit whatsoever," Cerrato said of those rumors.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Does dead cap space count separately from other cap space? I believe the answer's "no" but your post implies it might.

Also, how much would he have counted against the cap had he stayed?

This site has a lot of 'Skins cap detail and is usually pretty up-to-date. However, at the moment it hasn't been updated since March 8 (Fletcher signing).

That's what I thought. They essentially took a $1.5M cap hit to trade him (as compared to keeping him), so the real savings will come next year. That's $1.5M less to sign draft picks, etc. It needed to be done though.

'Skins cap info updated as of yesterday (release of Patten).

 

[Sidewinder16]

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/WAS/10080827

ASHBURN, Va. (March 22, 2007) -- David Patten was cut by the Washington Redskins after catching just 23 passes over two seasons.

The Redskins released Patten with three years remaining on the five-year, $13 million contract he signed as a free agent from New England in 2005. Patten felt ready to assume a lead role after years as part of an ensemble receiving corps with the Patriots, but he was never able to live up to his own billing.

Patten caught 22 passes in nine games in 2005 before knee surgery ended his season in November. In 2006, he caught just one pass for 25 yards, having fallen behind Santana Moss, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El on the depth chart.

The 32-year-old receiver also has played for the New York Giants and Cleveland in his 10 NFL seasons.

Yet another FA signing that worked out well...

Crap, Now I have to take the Duct Tape w/ Patten's name on it off of my Lav Coles Jersey. This cut should cover the hit for trading ARch

According to this Patten's dead cap number is bigger than AA's.

Even with both of them counting nearly 10 mil in dead cap space the Skins are still sitting about $3.8 million under the cap.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Funny thing...in Portis radio rant at the end of last year, he was asked who the core Redskins were?

He mentioned 3-5 people, one of which was Patten. He said the guys really respected his leadership in practice, and that he always helped coach other players. That what he did in practice was more important than the casual bystander could imagine.

Then Portis raged against 2 core Skins not being signed (Clark and Pierce).

WHat kind of rage will we see now. He may dress up as Butch Cassidy or something.

 

[fatness]

This article in Jason LaCanfora's blog is interesting. BTW he won't be updating the blog for awhile, his wife's having a baby.

Link

There are lot of rumors floating around out there right now about the Redskins front office. Some NFL people think The Snyder might finally cut the cord with Uncle Junior/Johnny Drama/Vinny C., and several executives I spoke to from other clubs were just as adamant that he would do no such thing.

I have heard the morale of the Skins scouts is a low, some are fearing for the future and wonder if a major shake-up might be afoot after the draft. There was also apparently an item on profootballtalk.com a few weeks back, speculating that the Skins would go Tony Soprano on their scouts and personnel guys after the draft that sent ripple waves of consternation through the corridors of Redskins Park from what I gather.

To that end, I know of at least one individual who was asked - through an agent - if he might have interest in personnel position of some sort with the Redskins. I have also heard that there is a sense among Washington's pro and amateur scouts that heads might roll. So I gathered a bunch of information to this end over the last few weeks and finally ran it up the flagpole at Redskins Park Monday.

After running it by the organization I was told that the team has no such plans. But it wasn't exactly the most emphatic denial of all time, and I am not entirely sold that at least a position or two in the front office won't open up after the draft. Some in league circles have said that Vinny has told people that he is a little worried about his job security; others say it'll never happen, he's The Snyder's boy 'til the end. One person who used to a key figure in the Skins front office believed The Owner is finally ready to put personal bias aside and get a new head of personnel. Several people who work in Redskins Park said they have never heard a word about chucking Vinny or any scouts in May. Again, take it all for what it's worth, as no one is asserting anything definite and the Skins are saying no such changes are planned.

I also spoke to a few individuals who, if the Redskins really were seeking a GM/VP of football ops type, would surely be at the top of their list of candidates, and neither heard a thing from the Skins. They were under contract, and perfectly happy where they were, but these are guys who, if the team was really going to go in this direction and were conducting a search, would have to be prime candidates. Also spoke to a few agents who represent lots of GMs/personnel guys, and they had not heard a thing about the Skins actually going in a new direction and ending the Uncle Junior Era.

So, what do I think will take place? Well, I still could see them doing something along the lines of a adding a talented, young, scouting guru from another organization and giving him a promotion here to beef things up. Would they consider a new sidekick to Vinny - currently Louis Riddick - and try to add to the mix? I wouldn't rule it out. I wouldn't even rule them out putting a new face near the top of the college scouting pyramid.

But that's just me guessing based on the scuttlebutt I've heard. Bottom line is there are some edgy people in these parts, which is the way it goes after a 5-11 season with Super Bowl operations. Of course, I also think this is all farcical. The problems in this organization and its lack of a proven personnel leader have been pointed out at great length, and until they correct that flaw I don't expect to see a major turnaround.

Adding some scouts or getting rid of some guys who, at the end of the day, have no voice in actually pulling the trigger as Coach Joe/The Snyder/Uncle Junior call the shots, would be window dressing. Scouts are the lifeblood of any organization, under-paid and over-looked foot soldiers who log crazy hours, live out of a suitcase and get no glory (as a beat schlub myself how could I not relate?). I empathize with their plight and I know the Skins have some very competent scouts in their ranks; it's the personnel paradigm that's awry.

In an organization as top-heavy as this, where glitz and splash have overwhelmed sound thought for so long, could you really blame the scouts of all people? But they are also the first guys to end up taking a bullet when times are tough, hence the worries.

 

[jbz]

if they were going to drop Vinny and the gang, they wouldn't wait to do it after the draft. why keep them around and let them muck up the draft if you don't think they're up to snuff? i think we're stuck with vinny for a while

 

[redman]

if they were going to drop Vinny and the gang, they wouldn't wait to do it after the draft. why keep them around and let them muck up the draft if you don't think they're up to snuff? i think we're stuck with vinny for a while

It's too difficult to do what you're suggesting in the weeks leading up to the draft. Draft preparation is months long and so the best way at this point to go into the draft with as much knowledge and as much of a plan as possible is to keep the status quo until afterwards. Recall that Charlie Casserly, who was very much on his way out of Houston at this time last year was still allowed to remain on with the Texans until after the draft.

 

[fatness]

If they canned front office people and/or scouting people now, all draft preparation would go out the window, and they'd only have a few weeks to hire new folks and get all their scouting reports done. That lack of preparation would be worse than what they'll have by keeping current people until after the draft.

 

[fatness]

Portis rehab progress

Running back Clinton Portis was at Redskins Park last week continuing his rehab from shoulder surgery.

"I don't have full range of motion yet--it's too soon for that," Portis said. "I have some range of motion back. I'm back to doing everything normal, where I can lift my own hand above my head and lift it out to the side. So it's going real well." Portis underwent the surgery last December. His rehab was expected to be about six months.

He has targeted training camp for his return, but he hasn't ruled out being ready for mini-camp in June.

"[The goal] has always been to be back by training camp--and I definitely know I'm on that schedule," he said. "If I can get ahead of schedule, I'll try to come back by mini-camp." Portis said he is alternating his rehab between Redskins Park and his home in Florida. "We're pleased with his progress," said Redskins director of sports medicine Bubba Tyer.

 

[fatness]

Free Agent update

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--LB Warrick Holdman, a rising star in Chicago before hurting a knee in 2002, has been just a guy in his two years in Washington. The coaches wised up and replaced him with LaVar Arrington for the stretch run in 2005 but mistakenly never benched him for rookie Rocky McIntosh last year. Holdman's just 31, but he shouldn't be a starter and doesn't play special teams.

--TE Brian Kozlowski was sitting at home in Atlanta, thinking his career was over, when the Redskins summoned him back last Nov. 15 after Christian Fauria was lost for the season. Kozlowski got into just two games with one catch and should finally be done at 36.

--LB Jeff Posey, who had played for assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams in Buffalo and also started for San Francisco, Jacksonville and Houston was signed on Aug. 15 after Chris Clemons suffered a serious knee injury. Posey played in every game but almost exclusively on special teams. Posey, 31, doesn't figure to be re-signed as the Redskins try to get younger and faster on defense.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--P Derrick Frost (tendered at $850,000 with no compensation) was on the verge of getting cut before the preseason finale in 2006 when he made an adjustment in his drop. The change worked and Frost, who had survived thanks to plenty of roll in 2005, had his best season.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--K Shaun Suisham will be an exclusive rights free agent and will be re-signed. Suisham, a former 49er and Cowboy, missed a 50-yarder in his Redskins debut on Dec. 3 but went 8-for-8 the rest of the way and also kicked off fairly well. Suisham, 25, might have finally stopped the revolving door for kickers in Washington which has been humming since former coach Norv Turner cut mainstay Chip Lohmiller in the summer of 1995.

--CB Leigh Torrence, a former Falcon, was signed for the season finale after Shawn Springs went on injured reserve. Torrence didn't play in that game against the Giants, but he might be brought back for an extended look.

 

[fatness]

Sporting News team report

The departure of David Patten leaves the No.5 receiver spot open and gives Mike Espy a chance to earn a spot on the regular-season roster. The team undoubtedly will bring in several free agents and might even draft a wide receiver in the later rounds, but Espy has a year's experience, has shown an ability to grasp the system and can be an effective special teams player. Espy has excellent quickness and a good burst. He gets off the line well, has decent hands and has improved his route running. He has potential to be a kickoff and punt returner. He's not going to displace Antwaan Randle El as the team's top punt returner, but Espy can give Randle El some relief. Espy has shown he's capable of fielding punts and can make the first tackler miss. Rock Cartwright will remain the top kickoff return man until proven otherwise. Espy can fill in for James Thrash, who is back with Cartwright on kickoffs. Espy has game-breaking speed, and his potential on kickoff returns is impressive.

Stoutmire will challenge Vernon Fox for the starting job, and even if he doesn't win the job, Stoutmire will see considerable playing time. He's smart and was on the team and in Gregg William's defense in 2005 and performed capably. The team made the playoffs that season, in large part because of the defense. Stoutmire is a solid performer who reads offenses well, and that enables him to close quickly on plays. He's a sure tackler, an area where the team struggled greatly last season. Stoutmire also is a willing special teams player. He does not provide the leadership of Troy Vincent or Ryan Clark, but Stoutmire goes about his job professionally and does not create problems in the locker room. Like Clark, Stoutmire is a player the team would have been better off keeping in 2006. Unlike Clark, the team has been able to get Stoutmire back.

 

[redman]

From that Sporting News article:

Re-signing Todd Wade as a backup offensive tackle was a major accomplishment for the team. Wade played well in relief of Jon Jansen in the one game Jansen missed with a calf injury last season. Wade (6-8, 317) has excellent size, picks up things quickly, moves his feet well and has the power to move defensive ends off the line. He gives the team peace of mind should Chris Samuels or Jansen get hurt or simply need a rest. With Wade under contract, the team can focus on an even more pressing need, finding a starting left guard, and not have to worry about depth at tackle.

Woody seems to think that Wade was re-signed to be a backup at tackle, which is not what everyone else has been saying.

 

[fatness]

I noticed that too. I may have missed it, but I haven't seen anything directly from either Wade or the Redskins saying that Wade would compete for Dockery's spot at guard, though. Perhaps it's all just speculation in that direction also? I'd think it would be something Wade would want to do. A starting guard is more valuable than a backup tackle.

 

[redman]

I noticed that too. I may have missed it, but I haven't seen anything directly from either Wade or the Redskins saying that Wade would compete for Dockery's spot at guard, though. Perhaps it's all just speculation in that direction also? I'd think it would be something Wade would want to do. A starting guard is more valuable than a backup tackle.

I can't find the link to the Fox Sports article (it may have been taken down), but this was posted at Extremeskins after the Wade signing:

Washington opted to re-sign Todd Wade with the idea of turning the career tackle into a guard.That's certainly is the message in the three-year contract they gave Wade on Mar. 14. The deal includes $3.5 million in guaranteed money and is worth $6.2 million over the first two years. The third year voids if Wade plays 80 percent of the offensive snaps in either 2007 or 2008. Backup offensive tackles don't see this kind of green, particularly backups to longtime iron men Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen.

 

[redman]

Word is that they just signed Jason Fabini to a contract. It sounds like camp fodder to me, but maybe he'll be good enough to provide some depth.

 

[commisholio]

if they were going to drop Vinny and the gang, they wouldn't wait to do it after the draft. why keep them around and let them muck up the draft if you don't think they're up to snuff? i think we're stuck with vinny for a while

It's too difficult to do what you're suggesting in the weeks leading up to the draft. Draft preparation is months long and so the best way at this point to go into the draft with as much knowledge and as much of a plan as possible is to keep the status quo until afterwards. Recall that Charlie Casserly, who was very much on his way out of Houston at this time last year was still allowed to remain on with the Texans until after the draft.

If I were a Redskins fan, I would be praying that they can Vinny on the day after the draft. He's just plain awful.

 

[redman]

if they were going to drop Vinny and the gang, they wouldn't wait to do it after the draft. why keep them around and let them muck up the draft if you don't think they're up to snuff? i think we're stuck with vinny for a while

It's too difficult to do what you're suggesting in the weeks leading up to the draft. Draft preparation is months long and so the best way at this point to go into the draft with as much knowledge and as much of a plan as possible is to keep the status quo until afterwards. Recall that Charlie Casserly, who was very much on his way out of Houston at this time last year was still allowed to remain on with the Texans until after the draft.

If I were a Redskins fan, I would be praying that they can Vinny on the day after the draft. He's just plain awful.

No disagreement there, although it's never been clear to me exactly what function he served aside from general personnel "input" since Gibbs took over. I'd like a real GM to be hired and given GM duties, but the problem is that Gibbs is both the head coach and team president, and would outrank and therefore undercut any GM. The team needs someone both with the power to make personnel decisions and to counter Gibbs when there's disagreement.

 

[Bizkiteer]

if they were going to drop Vinny and the gang, they wouldn't wait to do it after the draft. why keep them around and let them muck up the draft if you don't think they're up to snuff? i think we're stuck with vinny for a while

It's too difficult to do what you're suggesting in the weeks leading up to the draft. Draft preparation is months long and so the best way at this point to go into the draft with as much knowledge and as much of a plan as possible is to keep the status quo until afterwards. Recall that Charlie Casserly, who was very much on his way out of Houston at this time last year was still allowed to remain on with the Texans until after the draft.

If I were a Redskins fan, I would be praying that they can Vinny on the day after the draft. He's just plain awful.

No disagreement there, although it's never been clear to me exactly what function he served aside from general personnel "input" since Gibbs took over. I'd like a real GM to be hired and given GM duties, but the problem is that Gibbs is both the head coach and team president, and would outrank and therefore undercut any GM. The team needs someone both with the power to make personnel decisions and to counter Gibbs when there's disagreement.

Amen brother!

 

[fatness]

Bears to Come With Briggs Counteroffer

By Howard Bryant

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, April 2, 2007; E03

The Washington Redskins' proposed trade for Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs will reach a secondary stage today when the Bears are expected to counter the Redskins' offer of the team's sixth overall pick in next month's draft in return for Chicago's 31st pick and Briggs.

During the week, Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said he would use the weekend to consult with his staff and consider the Redskins' offer for the 26-year-old Briggs, a two-time Pro Bowl weak-side linebacker who has been in a contract dispute with the team since the Bears lost to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl. The dispute centers on Chicago's decision to name Briggs the team's franchise player, which allows it to pay him a one-year contract at $7.2 million. Briggs wants a long-term contract and has threatened to sit out for most of next season if the Bears don't trade him or work out an extension. On Saturday, Angelo said a long-term deal was unlikely, even in the event that Briggs plays in Chicago next season under the franchise tag.

Meantime, the Redskins emerged as the only outside bidder for Briggs at last week's owners' meetings in Phoenix, after a suggestion by Briggs's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that the Redskins initiate a trade with Chicago.

Though Chicago does not have a ready replacement for Briggs, the deal appears to favor Chicago, according to sources who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations. However, according to league sources, the Bears want more.

Sources said the Bears will ask the Redskins for a player in addition to the sixth pick, which they likely would trade to stockpile more first-day draft picks. Sources say the Bears could ask for middle linebacker Lemar Marshall, who started the last two seasons but will be a backup with the arrival of London Fletcher. The Bears also might ask the Redskins to part with either linebacker Rocky McIntosh, for whom the Redskins gave up two draft picks to select in the second round of last year's draft, or defensive tackle Kedric Golston, the fifth-round pick who played his way into the starting lineup last year, replacing Joe Salave'a.

Does anyone besides me see something wrong with the 2 bolded statements?

 

[redman]

Bears to Come With Briggs Counteroffer

By Howard Bryant

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, April 2, 2007; E03

The Washington Redskins' proposed trade for Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs will reach a secondary stage today when the Bears are expected to counter the Redskins' offer of the team's sixth overall pick in next month's draft in return for Chicago's 31st pick and Briggs.

During the week, Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said he would use the weekend to consult with his staff and consider the Redskins' offer for the 26-year-old Briggs, a two-time Pro Bowl weak-side linebacker who has been in a contract dispute with the team since the Bears lost to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl. The dispute centers on Chicago's decision to name Briggs the team's franchise player, which allows it to pay him a one-year contract at $7.2 million. Briggs wants a long-term contract and has threatened to sit out for most of next season if the Bears don't trade him or work out an extension. On Saturday, Angelo said a long-term deal was unlikely, even in the event that Briggs plays in Chicago next season under the franchise tag.

Meantime, the Redskins emerged as the only outside bidder for Briggs at last week's owners' meetings in Phoenix, after a suggestion by Briggs's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, that the Redskins initiate a trade with Chicago.

Though Chicago does not have a ready replacement for Briggs, the deal appears to favor Chicago, according to sources who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations. However, according to league sources, the Bears want more.

Sources said the Bears will ask the Redskins for a player in addition to the sixth pick, which they likely would trade to stockpile more first-day draft picks. Sources say the Bears could ask for middle linebacker Lemar Marshall, who started the last two seasons but will be a backup with the arrival of London Fletcher. The Bears also might ask the Redskins to part with either linebacker Rocky McIntosh, for whom the Redskins gave up two draft picks to select in the second round of last year's draft, or defensive tackle Kedric Golston, the fifth-round pick who played his way into the starting lineup last year, replacing Joe Salave'a.

Does anyone besides me see something wrong with the 2 bolded statements?

Well, there is the old adage about the person who speaks first in a negotiation getting the short end. Vinny and Dan spoke slurred first in that bar with Rosenhaus that night.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Redskins add db depth.

Macklin

 

[pablito]

Redskins add db depth.

Macklin

No news here. I watched him as a Colt for a few years and he was toasted there as badly as Kenny Wright was here.

 

[fatness]

Redskins sign David Macklin , who took less money than other teams were offering.

Macklin is a Virginia native and attended Menchville High School in Newport News. He came to the Redskins because he wanted a chance to play for coach Joe Gibbs. He was actually said to have had better offers from the Chiefs, the Saints, and the Eagles, but came to Washington anyway. He signed a one-year veteran league minimum contract that will pay him $760,000 plus a $40,000 bonus. Due to the veteran league minimum rule, his salary will only count about $500,000 against the 2007 cap.

Macklin provides Washington with another bona fide option at cornerback. Is this a sign that Shawn Springs will ultimately be released for cap purposes? Is it a sign that Springs may indeed move to safety? Or is it just a sign that the Redskins aren't happy going into this season and subjecting themselves to the same injury problems in the secondary that they had last year?

In other news, hell freezes.

 

[redman]

Macklin's a local guy who grew up in Virginia as a Redskins fan and always wanted to play for Gibbs and the Redskins. Sometimes dumb luck gets you something.

 

[fatness]

2007 schedule

Sept. 9... Miami... 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 (Monday)... at Philadelphia... 8:30

Sept. 23... Giants... 4:15

Sept. 30... Bye

Oct. 7... Detroit... 1

Oct. 14... at Green Bay... 1

Oct. 21... Arizona... 1

Oct. 28... at New England... 4:15

Nov. 4... at New York Jets... 1

Nov. 11... Philadelphia... 1

Nov. 18... at Dallas... 1

Nov. 25... at Tampa Bay... 1

Dec. 2... Buffalo... 1

Dec. 6 (Thursday)... Chicago... 8:15

Dec. 16... at New York Giants... 8:15

Dec. 23... at Minnesota... 1

Dec. 30... Dallas... 1