Rumor: Betts close to signing extension with Redskins (1 Viewer)

[redman]

I don't have a link, but 980 is reporting that Ladell Betts is close to signing an extension with the Redskins. No details as of yet, and I'm not even sure if what is being reported is in fact news or "analysis"/wishful thinking.

Obviously this would impact dynasty owners who are banking on Betts becoming a starter on another team.

I'll update this if I can with something more concrete than these reports.

 

[zamboni]

Obviously this would impact dynasty owners who are banking on Betts becoming a starter on another team.

It would also make the overall FA RB situation a bit more interesting. The only UFAs of note are Betts, Chris Brown and Duckett, with Turner as an RFA.

 

[Trap Play]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Very surprised Betts wouldn't at least try the FA market. Whatever Washington is offering now, they will offer in the offseason. Betts does have a chance to get more money to play a more integral role than backup/33% part of an RBBC.

If this does happen, Betts dynasty value takes a big hit, and Portis's takes a small hit.

 

[phillzphan]

Do we know this for sure? If so, Duckett would likely be the odd man out and could make things interesting this offseason. Teams like Philly, and many others, need someone like that

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

If true, looks like brown and Duckett will get nice deals....also remember Travis Henry could be a UFA if TENN does not restructure due to the incentives he reached.

 

[softball]

If true, looks like brown and Duckett will get nice deals....also remember Travis Henry could be a UFA if TENN does not restructure due to the incentives he reached.

IF Duckett gets a good deal. It will be from a BAD team and WORSE organization. He is NOT good, I'm not sure how many times he will have to prove it before it sinks in...as a power back, he maybe deserves a few more bucks. but nothing special.Betts is nuts if this is true, he is looking really good in the LJ, Priest,Marshall Faulk position. The Jets, Packers, Browns and Texans may all be in the mix for an RB and a sleeper shopper is Denver.The only reason for this could be his personal fear of an injury like Drew Brees. Otherwise I would let the pennies fall from heaven, and have a BIG bucket to catch them.

 

[Slinger]

I think this is good for him. There's never a shortage of RB's during the FA period, so he might as well sign while his value is high.

 

[redman]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

 

[Onions]

WTF would he do that?

It seems to me, any sort of competitor would want the opportunity to start. If Washington can't offer that, he'd be a fool not to at least explore the FA market.

I hope this is misinformation.

 

[DCThunder]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

Redman, I like your analysis, although as to point #2, I'd feel a lot better about that if they'd resigned Pierce and Ryan Clark rather than letting them go as FAs.BTW, did you hear Betts being interviewed by Andy and Doc on the post game show yesterday. He was pretty non-committal about his contract, although you could interpret what he said to keeping his mouth shut while the agent worked things out with Vinny and Danny.

 

[CrossEyed]

If true, looks like brown and Duckett will get nice deals....also remember Travis Henry could be a UFA if TENN does not restructure due to the incentives he reached.

IF Duckett gets a good deal. It will be from a BAD team and WORSE organization. He is NOT good, I'm not sure how many times he will have to prove it before it sinks in...as a power back, he maybe deserves a few more bucks. but nothing special.Betts is nuts if this is true, he is looking really good in the LJ, Priest,Marshall Faulk position. The Jets, Packers, Browns and Texans may all be in the mix for an RB and a sleeper shopper is Denver.The only reason for this could be his personal fear of an injury like Drew Brees. Otherwise I would let the pennies fall from heaven, and have a BIG bucket to catch them.

The Steelers have shown interest in TJ on multiple occasions. I could see them making a push for him in the offseason.

 

[redman]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

Redman, I like your analysis, although as to point #2, I'd feel a lot better about that if they'd resigned Pierce and Ryan Clark rather than letting them go as FAs.BTW, did you hear Betts being interviewed by Andy and Doc on the post game show yesterday. He was pretty non-committal about his contract, although you could interpret what he said to keeping his mouth shut while the agent worked things out with Vinny and Danny.

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

 

[zamboni]

If true, looks like brown and Duckett will get nice deals....also remember Travis Henry could be a UFA if TENN does not restructure due to the incentives he reached.

IF Duckett gets a good deal. It will be from a BAD team and WORSE organization. He is NOT good, I'm not sure how many times he will have to prove it before it sinks in...as a power back, he maybe deserves a few more bucks. but nothing special.Betts is nuts if this is true, he is looking really good in the LJ, Priest,Marshall Faulk position. The Jets, Packers, Browns and Texans may all be in the mix for an RB and a sleeper shopper is Denver.The only reason for this could be his personal fear of an injury like Drew Brees. Otherwise I would let the pennies fall from heaven, and have a BIG bucket to catch them.

The Steelers have shown interest in TJ on multiple occasions. I could see them making a push for him in the offseason.

I was thinking that as well, but is he really any better than Davenport?

 

[redman]

Do we know this for sure? If so, Duckett would likely be the odd man out and could make things interesting this offseason. Teams like Philly, and many others, need someone like that

I don't think the Redskins will resign Duckett even if Betts leaves. Duckett is not versatile enough for them to keep him purely to be a backup RB. Moreover, what he's good at is not dissimilar enough from what Portis as the starter is good at; Betts OTOH is a superb receiver for a RB and therefore excels in the 3rd down role. Betts is also valuable on special teams, which Duckett even still is not playing on. Plain and simple, Duckett was acquired to replace Portis when it was assumed that Portis might be lost for the season. It's maddening to me because they gave away a 2nd rounder to get Duckett (understandable at the time because both Portis and Betts were injured), but Duckett will be elsewhere next year. For dynasty purposes that may mean he holds some "buy low" value right now because he might end up in a good situation on another team.

 

[Bizkiteer]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

Redman, I like your analysis, although as to point #2, I'd feel a lot better about that if they'd resigned Pierce and Ryan Clark rather than letting them go as FAs.BTW, did you hear Betts being interviewed by Andy and Doc on the post game show yesterday. He was pretty non-committal about his contract, although you could interpret what he said to keeping his mouth shut while the agent worked things out with Vinny and Danny.

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

Add Smoot to that list because had we re-signed Smoot, we wouldn't have drafted C. Rogers. Thus, we could have had "Lights Out" Merriman or someone else that could have made more of an impact.As for the Betts possibly being re-signed, good if it's the right price. Maybe Betts looking at Portis contract and thinks Portis might not make it to the end of it, so get paid nicely now and be starter in the city/organization that he's comfortable in. Then again, he could just realize that he's not a top RB, so take what I can get...

 

[DCThunder]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

Redman, I like your analysis, although as to point #2, I'd feel a lot better about that if they'd resigned Pierce and Ryan Clark rather than letting them go as FAs.BTW, did you hear Betts being interviewed by Andy and Doc on the post game show yesterday. He was pretty non-committal about his contract, although you could interpret what he said to keeping his mouth shut while the agent worked things out with Vinny and Danny.

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

Add Smoot to that list because had we re-signed Smoot, we wouldn't have drafted C. Rogers. Thus, we could have had "Lights Out" Merriman or someone else that could have made more of an impact.As for the Betts possibly being re-signed, good if it's the right price. Maybe Betts looking at Portis contract and thinks Portis might not make it to the end of it, so get paid nicely now and be starter in the city/organization that he's comfortable in. Then again, he could just realize that he's not a top RB, so take what I can get...

This also could be Gibbs working on getting his "core Redskins" idea across. Maybe Betts takes the sure thing now rather than the potential later because he likes being a Redskin. Or could it mean that Portis goes on the trading block during the off season. Would Portis as is, get two firsts from someone? Or am I dreaming? (Should be a poll.)

 

[Loomba]

Could be a lot of factors in play here.

Firstly, I wouldn't be surprised if the team is offering a lot of money -- Washington has overspent before.

If he goes to FA and can't find a better deal, he may not be assured the backup roll if he returns -- Duckett might surpass him.

imho

 

[Bizkiteer]

With a FA class as weak as this one, Betts could potentially be a starter somewhere else. What is he thinking?

IF this is true, it's probably a combination of the following things:1) Betts is in an ideal situation given his skill set. He's a good, but not great, NFL RB. He probably could rush for 1000+ yards as a starter, but he's no Pro Bowler. He's on par with Lamont Jordan, Chester Taylor, Tatum Bell, Thomas Jones, etc., who are guys who can have a good season but aren't on anyones short list of RB's "to have". He's excellent as a 3rd down RB who can spell the starter, and the Redskins need that given that Portis has gotten banged up every year he's been with the Redskins due to his heavy usage.

2) the Redskins aren't shy about paying FA players and they recognize his value to the team. He could be as well compensated by them as he could be by another team.

3) Betts' personality is quiet and workmanlike. I'm sure he'd like in a perfect world to start somewhere, but I don't view him as a guy who needs to start. He may well be happy on a roster with a good coaching staff and teammates, and more so than chasing the $$ to a new team.

That's just my take on this and on Betts. As a 'Skins homer I'd love to have him back. He's very valuable to the team.

Redman, I like your analysis, although as to point #2, I'd feel a lot better about that if they'd resigned Pierce and Ryan Clark rather than letting them go as FAs.BTW, did you hear Betts being interviewed by Andy and Doc on the post game show yesterday. He was pretty non-committal about his contract, although you could interpret what he said to keeping his mouth shut while the agent worked things out with Vinny and Danny.

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

Add Smoot to that list because had we re-signed Smoot, we wouldn't have drafted C. Rogers. Thus, we could have had "Lights Out" Merriman or someone else that could have made more of an impact.As for the Betts possibly being re-signed, good if it's the right price. Maybe Betts looking at Portis contract and thinks Portis might not make it to the end of it, so get paid nicely now and be starter in the city/organization that he's comfortable in. Then again, he could just realize that he's not a top RB, so take what I can get...

This also could be Gibbs working on getting his "core Redskins" idea across. Maybe Betts takes the sure thing now rather than the potential later because he likes being a Redskin. Or could it mean that Portis goes on the trading block during the off season. Would Portis as is, get two firsts from someone? Or am I dreaming? (Should be a poll.)

I would say he's worth two 1st rounders, but they wouldn't get that for him. Most players value in draft picks is like trading in your current vehicle....never get back what it's really worth.

 

[redman]

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

Add Smoot to that list because had we re-signed Smoot, we wouldn't have drafted C. Rogers. Thus, we could have had "Lights Out" Merriman or someone else that could have made more of an impact.As for the Betts possibly being re-signed, good if it's the right price. Maybe Betts looking at Portis contract and thinks Portis might not make it to the end of it, so get paid nicely now and be starter in the city/organization that he's comfortable in. Then again, he could just realize that he's not a top RB, so take what I can get...

I don't add Smoot because he wasn't worth what Minny paid him. He was trying to get paid like a shutdown corner when all he really is is a very good 2nd CB to have. He's no Nate Clements, Champ Bailey, etc. I was happy that the team didn't resign him for that price. The irony there is that they may be able to resign him for a better price given that Minny isn't starting him any more and figures to dump him after the season. Pierce and in particular Clark had very reasonable price tags. As for Rogers, while I'm not happy with his progress, I'm still not convinced that his problems this year aren't related to the secondary's and defense's woes as a whole rather than him primarily.

 

[TeddyKGB]

I would say he's worth two 1st rounders, but they wouldn't get that for him. Most players value in draft picks is like trading in your current vehicle....never get back what it's really worth.

In other words, perfect trading conditions for the Skins! If you can't overpay, might as well undersell. If they played their cards right, Denver could probably get Portis back cheap and also steal a high pick in 2008.

 

[redman]

I would say he's worth two 1st rounders, but they wouldn't get that for him. Most players value in draft picks is like trading in your current vehicle....never get back what it's really worth.

In other words, perfect trading conditions for the Skins! If you can't overpay, might as well undersell. If they played their cards right, Denver could probably get Portis back cheap and also steal a high pick in 2008.

Portis isn't going anywhere. He's an elite RB and Gibbs loves him. The irony of that trade is that at various times this year, both teams I'm sure would have felt better off at the time if they hadn't done the trade.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I too would feel better had they resigned Pierce and Clark. Those are the two worst non-resignings of FA's that they have, and I'm convinced that the bulk of their defensive problems this year are attributable to the absence of those two guys.

Add Smoot to that list because had we re-signed Smoot, we wouldn't have drafted C. Rogers. Thus, we could have had "Lights Out" Merriman or someone else that could have made more of an impact.As for the Betts possibly being re-signed, good if it's the right price. Maybe Betts looking at Portis contract and thinks Portis might not make it to the end of it, so get paid nicely now and be starter in the city/organization that he's comfortable in. Then again, he could just realize that he's not a top RB, so take what I can get...

I don't add Smoot because he wasn't worth what Minny paid him. He was trying to get paid like a shutdown corner when all he really is is a very good 2nd CB to have. He's no Nate Clements, Champ Bailey, etc. I was happy that the team didn't resign him for that price. The irony there is that they may be able to resign him for a better price given that Minny isn't starting him any more and figures to dump him after the season. Pierce and in particular Clark had very reasonable price tags. As for Rogers, while I'm not happy with his progress, I'm still not convinced that his problems this year aren't related to the secondary's and defense's woes as a whole rather than him primarily.

I like Rogers myself, but think if we planned better...we wouldn't have had to use a top 10 pick on CB. Smoot was signed for too much by Minny, but we surely could have signed him for much cheaper a year before that when Smoot was looking to re-sign. Smoot is a decent #2 CB and that's all we would have needed him for.Rogers became a need and his progress isn't helped that the front 7 can't get any pressure on the opposing QB's. THus, any CB would have trouble covering WR's for that long each play.

 

[redman]

Gibbs wants to resign Betts.

Gibbs: Re-signing Betts is 'Important'

December 4, 2006

By By Gary Fitzgerald

Ladell Betts could be playing himself into a new contract with the Redskins.

On Monday, head coach Joe Gibbs said that the team hopes to re-sign Betts, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Asked about Betts' status, Gibbs said: "Hopefully what we're going to be able to do is get him signed. That's what we're trying to do."

After years as a backup to the likes of Stephen Davis, Trung Canidate and Clinton Portis, Betts has emerged as a legitimate starting running back the last two weeks.

Ladell Betts

In a 17-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 26, Betts rushed for 104 yards on 24 carries. Last Sunday, in a 24-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Betts set career highs with 155 rushing yards on 28 carries. He also had an 8-yard touchdown run.

"It was a pretty awesome performance," Gibbs said of Betts' game against the Falcons.

For the season, Betts has rushed for a career-high 643 yards on 141 carries, a 4.6 yards-per-carry average, and two touchdowns. He has also caught 40 passes for 301 yards.

Complicating matters is the presence of Portis, who is widely considered the franchise back for the Redskins.

Portis rushed for 523 yards on 127 carries and logged seven touchdowns before he succumbed to a fractured hand and a lingering shoulder injury in early November. The team opted to place Portis on injured reserve, ending his season.

Last year, Portis set a Redskins single-season rushing mark when he ran for 1,516 yards.

Gibbs said that both Portis and Betts could co-exist in the same backfield.

"They have been [co-existing] the last two years," Gibbs said. "I think Clinton has felt good about the situation, and so has Ladell. The other thing is, Ladell does a lot of other things for you on your football team. He's been our up-back on special teams and he's run back kicks for us. He's a multi-talented guy and certainly it's been proven this year that you need more than one running back. They're a great complement to each other. I think Ladell likes being here. So hopefully we'll get [a new contract] done."

Gibbs added: "I will say this: It's important that we get it done."

Since taking over as the Redskins' primary backup, Betts has said he is excited to get an opportunity to showcase his skills. But he has avoided talk of his pending free agency status.

"All of that will take care of itself," Betts said on Monday at Redskins Park. "I'm not focused on that."

 

[chris1969]

Hearing a dollar amount for that extension would certainly answer a whole lot of questions.

 

[jeter23]

RB Ladell Betts is close to agreeing to a contract extension with the Redskins, according to numerous NFL sources, and the Redskins are working hard to prevent the veteran from hitting the free agent market. Betts, a second-round pick in 2002, is having a career season filling in for injured tailback Clinton Portis and has an expanded role in Al Saunders's offense. The Redskins began negotiations with Betts in the preseason, when he changed agents, and there have been a few times this season when a deal seemed imminent, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, but the sides have yet to sign anything. The pace of talks has picked up in recent weeks, however, and some sources have estimated that Betts could earn in the region of $6 million to $7 million guaranteed on a multiyear deal.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...6120601970.html

 

[salmonstud]

Good move for the Redskins. Bad move for us Portis/Betts dynasty owners that would love to have two starting RB's vs. one.

 

[digdug]

no one is mentioning the portis shoulder injury, is that not even an issue? a should injury is very difficult on RBs.

 

[dgreen]

no one is mentioning the portis shoulder injury, is that not even an issue? a should injury is very difficult on RBs.

He had successful surgery yesterday. He is expected to miss minicamp.

 

[Trap Play]

Last I heard, it was six months of rehab for Portis' shoulder. I don't know, but I can't help shaking the feeling there is something very fishy about all this. I'm sure the Redskins will pay Betts handsomely, but who would be content only to be a backup. The Redskins most be very oncerned about Portis's and/or intend to spell him a lot for Betts to make this move without testing free agency.

 

[zamboni]

no one is mentioning the portis shoulder injury, is that not even an issue? a should injury is very difficult on RBs.

True, but it's not a debilitating or ligament injury, which can have more lasting effects. Probably just needs extensive rest.

 

[nygiants56]

Last I heard, it was six months of rehab for Portis' shoulder. I don't know, but I can't help shaking the feeling there is something very fishy about all this. I'm sure the Redskins will pay Betts handsomely, but who would be content only to be a backup. The Redskins most be very oncerned about Portis's and/or intend to spell him a lot for Betts to make this move without testing free agency.

I can't see ANY sports agent recommending that his client sign a deal within weeks of becoming an unrestricted free agent.this coul d bring about a MEGA-payday for Betts.Unless he's in love with the D.C. area, I can't see any reason why or any way how he could even consider signing the deal without first listening to offers from other teams , most of which will include the fact that he'll be a teams starting RB..as a pro athlete he has to be thinking about making big bucks as a STARTER, right?IMO, his agent is using these negotiations and the money offered by the Redskins, as a framework for deals he's seeking once his client becomes a free agent in a couple of weeks..find out what Washington is willing to pay, and you have an idea of what to ask other teams in the future, once free agency starts...

 

[mozzy84]

Last I heard, it was six months of rehab for Portis' shoulder. I don't know, but I can't help shaking the feeling there is something very fishy about all this. I'm sure the Redskins will pay Betts handsomely, but who would be content only to be a backup. The Redskins most be very oncerned about Portis's and/or intend to spell him a lot for Betts to make this move without testing free agency.

I can't see ANY sports agent recommending that his client sign a deal within weeks of becoming an unrestricted free agent.this coul d bring about a MEGA-payday for Betts.Unless he's in love with the D.C. area, I can't see any reason why or any way how he could even consider signing the deal without first listening to offers from other teams , most of which will include the fact that he'll be a teams starting RB..as a pro athlete he has to be thinking about making big bucks as a STARTER, right?IMO, his agent is using these negotiations and the money offered by the Redskins, as a framework for deals he's seeking once his client becomes a free agent in a couple of weeks..find out what Washington is willing to pay, and you have an idea of what to ask other teams in the future, once free agency starts...

maybe they looked around the league and feels this might be better than any offer he is going to get. Say he goes into free agency and no one gives him close to this deal, which could very well happen, then its not such a bad gig. I don't see Betts getting a MEGA-payday from any team, 6-7 mill guaranteed sounds good for him imo.

 

[dgreen]

Betts has apparently re-signed with Washington. Signing bonus to be around $3.5 million.

 

[mozzy84]

Betts has apparently re-signed with Washington. Signing bonus to be around $3.5 million.

http://www.fflivewire.com/Article.asp?ID=1282006gey3421ez

 

[Bri]

Last I heard, it was six months of rehab for Portis' shoulder. I don't know, but I can't help shaking the feeling there is something very fishy about all this. I'm sure the Redskins will pay Betts handsomely, but who would be content only to be a backup. The Redskins most be very oncerned about Portis's and/or intend to spell him a lot for Betts to make this move without testing free agency.

I can't see ANY sports agent recommending that his client sign a deal within weeks of becoming an unrestricted free agent.

in theory but sometimes the team he's leaving offers king ransom for him to stay

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Anyone find a credible link on this.....I don't see it on the Wash. Post or Wash. Times yet.

 

[dgreen]

Anyone find a credible link on this.....I don't see it on the Wash. Post or Wash. Times yet.

My source is a very, very, very reliable poster on the Redskins message board. It is someone who most likely works for the Redskins, but his exact identity is not known. He said last night that it is a done deal and the bonus is about $3.5M. Apparently, it was announced today on a radio station owned by Daniel Snyder that they have reached a dea.

 

[redman]

Anyone find a credible link on this.....I don't see it on the Wash. Post or Wash. Times yet.

That fflivewire link above purports to quote a Jason LaCanfora blog piece. If so, LaCanfora is as much of an insider as you'll find among 'Skins beat writers and is certainly reliable.

 

[champ24]

Anyone find a credible link on this.....I don't see it on the Wash. Post or Wash. Times yet.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=26912605 years/11 million w/3.5 sb

 

[dgreen]

WaPo article

Betts Signs Contract Extension

By Jason La Canfora

Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, December 8, 2006; 1:40 PM

Tailback Ladell Betts signed a multi-year contract extension with the Redskins today, according to team sources, keeping him here after his breakthrough 2006 season. Betts, who was a second-round pick in 2002, has thrived with star runner Clinton Portis injured much of this season and declined to explore his options as a free agent, choosing instead to remain in Washington.

Some believed Betts would have an opportunity to land a starting job elsewhere, but he is gaining an expanded role in this offense, particularly catching balls out of the backfield. Betts has an outside shot at reaching 1,000 rushing yards this season. Portis said he was glad that Betts has re-signed here, and looks forward to forming a tandem with him for years to come.

"It's a great compliment for Ladell to go out and get what he deserves," said Portis, who is recovering from shoulder and hand surgery. "With the success he's been having and his capabilities, the sky is the limit."

Terms of the contract were not immediately available. Betts was practicing and unavailable for comment.

 

[redman]

Anyone find a credible link on this.....I don't see it on the Wash. Post or Wash. Times yet.

My source is a very, very, very reliable poster on the Redskins message board. It is someone who most likely works for the Redskins, but his exact identity is not known. He said last night that it is a done deal and the bonus is about $3.5M. Apparently, it was announced today on a radio station owned by Daniel Snyder that they have reached a dea.

Just saw it. Andyman over at Extremeskins is a confirmed 'Skins employee who will leak info before it breaks. He doesn't do it all the time, but when he does it's never wrong.

 

[kensat30]

Seems like Betts has proven more in Washington than Chestor Taylor did in Baltimore. If I'm Ladell Betts, I would have to be made the highest paid backup RB in the league to stay in Washington.

 

[Trap Play]

<----- Betts owner with visions of Chester Taylor.

 

[redman]

In terms of explaining the "why", I'm sure that he's getting signed for a good amount of money (though probably not as lucrative as he could have gotten from another team) and Betts is a consummate team player who I think understands that the team values him greatly.

 

[BringItOn]

So how badly does this torpedo the dynasty value of Portis?

Many had him currently ranked in the top 5. Does this drop him to 5-10, 10-15?

My thought is that it will drop him, but not as much as some might fear. My guess right now would be somehwere around 7-13 range.

The appear to like Betts' ability to catch out of the backfield, so those hoping for Homes/LJ type numbers out of Portis in this offense may be disappointed now since I think Betts is the one who will be most often used catching the ball out of the backfield more often than Portis, so he won't be utilized as much in the dual threat role.

 

[beef]

Very surprised Betts wouldn't at least try the FA market. Whatever Washington is offering now, they will offer in the offseason. Betts does have a chance to get more money to play a more integral role than backup/33% part of an RBBC.If this does happen, Betts dynasty value takes a big hit, and Portis's takes a small hit.

why would you give Portis a small hit?

 

[DCThunder]

so those hoping for Homes/LJ type numbers out of Portis in this offense may be disappointed now

Anyone thinking that Portis would get "holmes/LJ numbers" because of Al Saunders is crazy, since Saunders will not be a Redskin coach after Janaury 1, 2007, IMHO. Gibbs takes back the offense for next season or brings in someone to run it his way.

 

[beef]

So how badly does this torpedo the dynasty value of Portis?Many had him currently ranked in the top 5. Does this drop him to 5-10, 10-15?My thought is that it will drop him, but not as much as some might fear. My guess right now would be somehwere around 7-13 range. The appear to like Betts' ability to catch out of the backfield, so those hoping for Homes/LJ type numbers out of Portis in this offense may be disappointed now since I think Betts is the one who will be most often used catching the ball out of the backfield more often than Portis, so he won't be utilized as much in the dual threat role.

many people considered portis a top 5 dynasty back the past couple of years with betts already in town. i don't see how this should change anything for him. its not like portis was getting 100% of the workload before.

 

[Traders2001]

If true, looks like brown and Duckett will get nice deals....also remember Travis Henry could be a UFA if TENN does not restructure due to the incentives he reached.

IF Duckett gets a good deal. It will be from a BAD team and WORSE organization. He is NOT good, I'm not sure how many times he will have to prove it before it sinks in...as a power back, he maybe deserves a few more bucks. but nothing special.Betts is nuts if this is true, he is looking really good in the LJ, Priest,Marshall Faulk position. The Jets, Packers, Browns and Texans may all be in the mix for an RB and a sleeper shopper is Denver.The only reason for this could be his personal fear of an injury like Drew Brees. Otherwise I would let the pennies fall from heaven, and have a BIG bucket to catch them.

The Steelers have shown interest in TJ on multiple occasions. I could see them making a push for him in the offseason.

They already have a fat RB who cant run and has no talent ( Davenport ) why would they need another one .