The Redskin Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

[redman]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

That thought had occurred to me. We'll never know whether it's true . . . unless we sign him. :X

 

[Hawkeyeskin]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

That thought had occurred to me. We'll never know whether it's true . . . unless we sign him. :X

So let me get this straight. You believe the Redskins are driving the price of T.O. up, so the Eagles (who last I checked were in the NFC East) will be better compensated instead of having to flat out release him and get nothing. Makes sense.

 

[fatness]

Yeah, I admit that doesn't seem real productive, unless they see Dallas as an upcoming team and Philly as one in decline, and want to shift wealth to the declining team. And that's kind of far-fetched. It would make more sense to drive up Owens's asking price after the Eagles release him, because then a team is just using its limited resources to pay Owens, not another team.

 

[fatness]

Redskins Deny Any Interest In Owens

DETROIT, Feb. 1 -- Washington Redskins vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato denied Internet and broadcast reports Wednesday linking the team to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens."Our head coach [Joe Gibbs] said it before," Cerrato said. "We think he's an outstanding player, but he just doesn't fit us."

Sanity prevails.

 

[pablito]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

This has been my take on it as well. It seems as if all of the speculation has originated with King's article earlier this week, and to my reading of it THAT was nothing but his speculation. He did not even use the "informed sources" technique, but simply conjectured that the Skins would be players. I simply can not imagine Coach Joe allowing this disruptive cancer into his locker room after he has spent so much energy trying to build team spirit into it. Conceivably it is as you suggest, that we are trying to make Dallas pay more, but frankly I'd think that we would just as soon not continue to face TO twice a year. To me it smacks of more agent antics, planting seeds where possible to drive up the market value.

 

[(HULK)]

Any time a free agent player or a player on the trade block is mentioned, it is required for the media to just assume that the Redskins are interested in acquiring said player, wether or not there is any merit to that assumption.

 

[Marvelous]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

This has been my take on it as well. It seems as if all of the speculation has originated with King's article earlier this week, and to my reading of it THAT was nothing but his speculation. He did not even use the "informed sources" technique, but simply conjectured that the Skins would be players. I simply can not imagine Coach Joe allowing this disruptive cancer into his locker room after he has spent so much energy trying to build team spirit into it. Conceivably it is as you suggest, that we are trying to make Dallas pay more, but frankly I'd think that we would just as soon not continue to face TO twice a year. To me it smacks of more agent antics, planting seeds where possible to drive up the market value.

And people claim PFT contains a lot of made up stuff. At least PFT clearly states when they are speculating vs. when they are reporting info.

 

[redman]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

That thought had occurred to me. We'll never know whether it's true . . . unless we sign him. :X

So let me get this straight. You believe the Redskins are driving the price of T.O. up, so the Eagles (who last I checked were in the NFC East) will be better compensated instead of having to flat out release him and get nothing. Makes sense.

As we now know, it was Rosey driving up the price and not the 'Skins. However, the 'Skins I think were also not interested in having Dallas sign him, and so that would rationally explain a "poisoning-the-well" approach to this deal within their own division.EDIT - pablito already said basically the same thing.

 

[Marvelous]

Does anyone besides me think that this sudden Owens-to-the-Redskins talk may just be to drive up the price of acquiring Owens for a team like, say, that team in Dallas? I have a hard time picturing Gibbs acquiring him ---- because there's a reasonable chance his behavior will leave his team without a starting WR at some point during the year. But I could easily see feigning interest in him to drive up the price a division foe would have to pay.

I just doubt he'll play for the Redskins, and that suits me just fine.

That thought had occurred to me. We'll never know whether it's true . . . unless we sign him. :X

So let me get this straight. You believe the Redskins are driving the price of T.O. up, so the Eagles (who last I checked were in the NFC East) will be better compensated instead of having to flat out release him and get nothing. Makes sense.

As we now know, it was Rosey driving up the price and not the 'Skins. However, the 'Skins I think were also not interested in having Dallas sign him, and so that would rationally explain a "poisoning-the-well" approach to this deal within their own division.EDIT - pablito already said basically the same thing.

I don't know if it is that calculated. Last year, after it came out Randy Moss was available, Gibbs pretty much used the same words to say they were not interested.

 

[thayman]

I don't think that there is going to be a whole lot of movement for us this offseason. The Skins are going to be pretty tight against the cap no matter what they do with Arrington, and they still are going to have some draft picks to sign. I'd love to see ARE, or a stud DL come in, but I dont see them doing too much this year.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

I've seen one mock draft where they have the Skins selecting Brodie Croyle in the 3rd. I think Maurice Stovall would be a nice draft day selection as well.

 

[Marvelous]

I don't expect many high profile signings.

I am expecting a mid level wr signing. I am not convinced that Randle El is a complete wr and may be too expensive. They may try to bolster depth at DL and CB.

Although draft picks will address areas of need, don't expect draft picks to step in right away and make a huge impact. Gibbs is really big on introducing rookies slowly and making them earn their playing time.

 

[fatness]

This won't have much effect on the Redskins offseason, but it should be good theater:

Carl Poston Just Realized He's In Trouble

The attorney for LaVar Arrington 's agent filed a response to the NFL Players Association denying the union's claims that Arrington's representatives were negligent in dealing with the linebacker's 2003 contract extension with the Washington Redskins and asking that the union's top attorney be removed from the case.

Carl Poston , who could face a suspension or even be barred from practicing as a player agent, represents Arrington and a host of high-profile NFL stars, including perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law and linebacker Julian Peterson . He is being accused by the players' union of failing to ensure that a $6.5 million bonus clause was part of the eight-year, $68 million contract extension Arrington signed with the Redskins in December 2003. It is one of five complaints the union had leveled at Poston, the other four being Poston's alleged failure to cooperate with the union's ensuing investigation, his failure to report a violation of the contract, concealing contract information from the player and fraud.

"Carl expects to prevail and be vindicated," said Poston's lawyer, Paul Aloe . Aloe said in his response to the union that he requested the complaint be dismissed and that Richard Berthelsen , the attorney for the NFLPA, withdraw from the case for various conflicts of interest. The response also argues that the NFLPA has prosecuted the case inappropriately, and requests an in-person hearing.

An eight-member committee that handles disciplinary actions against agents will hear the case against Poston on Feb. 22 and a ruling against Poston could be rendered within the month.

The bonus money had been a point of contention between Arrington and the Redskins. Berthelsen could not be reached for comment yesterday.

 

[Bri]

MEDICAL WATCH:

RT Jon Jansen had his right thumb repaired in January and will be ready for the start of workouts next month as will WR David Patten (knee, arthroscopic surgery in November), WR James Thrash (thumb repaired in January), WLB Chris Clemons (knee, arthroscopic surgery in December), LDT Cornelius Griffin (knee), RB Manuel White (fractured fibula in August). Less certain are C Casey Rabach, C Cory Raymer and MLB Lemar Marshall, all of whom were to have shoulders scoped. LT Chris Samuels was due to have his right knee scoped in late February and will probably get a late start. RG Randy Thomas (fractured fibula in December) and LDE Renaldo Wynn (broken right forearm in January) will likely not be ready either. DT Brandon Noble's career is all but over after he suffered staph infections in the wake of both of his knee scopes in 2005.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...dskins/home.htm

Why is Samuels waiting so long?

 

[Bri]

I came across this book searching for some news.

http://www.redskinsgames.com/aboutbook.html

In this book, there's something about every redskin game from 1937 til 2001. I thought that was pretty awesome and some of the real diehard Skins fans would be interested.

disclaimer-I have nothing to do with this guy, not an advertising link. never heard of such a book, wish there was one for "my" pats

 

[fatness]

The author is an editor on a Redskin message board.

I am currently the Editor-in-Chief for WarpathInsiders.com, the

Web's leading site for independent Redskins news and analysis.

link

 

[fatness]

There's been absolutely no news at all coming from Redskin Park that I've heard. Things are eerily quiet.

Until I read this at PFT:

We caught wind of a rumor recently that the Cowboys and Ravens could be working out a trade that would send disgruntled linebacker Ray Lewis to Dallas for a second-round or a third-round pick.

A league source tells us that the rumor is off the mark. However, we're told that the Redskins previously have made a significant offer for Lewis -- and that the Ravens declined.

Although the Ravens aren't inclined to give Lewis the salary increase that he so desperately wants, they're holding out for a big package of picks and/or players for a guy whom many still regard as one of the best defensive players in the game -- and they're apparently willing to keep him under the terms of his current deal, even if he's not happy with it. Lewis is entering the fifth year of a seven-year deal. He is scheduled to earn $5.5 million in 2006, $6.5 million in 2007, and $6.5 million in 2008.

 

[surferskin]

i heard today on the kornheiser radio show that jets and skins might be working on abraham/ramsey trade.

 

[fatness]

Either agents are getting active and spreading stories to boost their clients' values, or some words are beginning to leak from Redskin Park.

If anyone visits the extremeskins.com site, watch for any post by "andyman". He's been dead-on with his news of what the Skins are doing, and it seems like he works for them or is very good friends with someone who does, and who talks.

 

[Texasmouth]

Unfortunately, I think I might end up drafting a Redskin for the first time in my history of fantasy football. I have avoided it at all costs because I hate the Redskins so bad that I didn't want to have to cheer for one of them.....this season I really can't get passed the fact that I think Clinton Portis is going to be a monster. People have said he was a failure since he got to Washington but I think that is based solely on comparing his numbers to the numbers he had in Denver. I think with Saunders calling the plays this guy could be a lock for some monster numbers. Saunders will find a way to play to this guys strengths and let's be honest, if he has been "struggling" the past two seasons with 1,300+ yards, imagine what he will do in a "good" season. As much as saying that pains me since I am a Cowboys fan, I still try not to let my homerism cloud my judgement.

As for the TO thing, no way in hell he ever sets foot in Washington, not with Gibbs running that show. I would be really surprised if TO went anywhere but Denver.

 

[fatness]

Gotten from a Redskin message board:

John Clayton said the Washington Redskins were looking at Reggie Wayne heavily intill he got signed. So in free agency they could look at David Givens or Antonio Bryant.

Then Mel Kiper came in and basically said " Maurice Stovall and Chad Jackson are possibilities here".

Actually, John Clayton said we were after Terrell Owens and Nate Burleson. I believe that the choice of Owens is just plain wrong as we have gone on the record to deny it, and I don't even know where he got Nate's name from.

He said there are about 3 teams interested in P. Ramsey but the CBA is the long pole in the tent.

The can't do anything w/o a CBA. If the CBA is not extended than they will have to rely on the draft more than free agency.

He really likes Maryland's TE. His name escapes me right now but he believes he's better than Kelly Winslow (more athletic).

mentioned that we are looking for the best available player in the 2nd round

if there is a CBA, they hope to address most of the team's needs through free agency

said we need another WR, OL depth, some pass rush, and "you can never have too many corners"

if there's no CBA, team will have to do all its moves in the draft

Possible salary cap cuts per John Clayton

Player Cap number 2006 savings

LB LaVar Arrington $12,045,980 $120,308 (charge)

S Matt Bowen $2,400,000 $2,000,000

K John Hall $1,965,000 $1,035,000

CB Walt Harris $2,750,000 $2,000,000

DT Brandon Noble $2,630,000 $1,700,000

QB Patrick Ramsey $2,881,500 $1,688,000

OL Cory Raymer $1,118,333 $984,999

 

[Bears_Man2]

He really likes Maryland's TE. His name escapes me right now but he believes he's better than Kelly Winslow (more athletic).

Vernon Davis is a beast. Wouldn't be shocked if he was a Pro Bowler in year 1.

 

[Assani Fisher]

There's been absolutely no news at all coming from Redskin Park that I've heard. Things are eerily quiet.

Until I read this at PFT:

We caught wind of a rumor recently that the Cowboys and Ravens could be working out a trade that would send disgruntled linebacker Ray Lewis to Dallas for a second-round or a third-round pick. 

A league source tells us that the rumor is off the mark.  However, we're told that the Redskins previously have made a significant offer for Lewis -- and that the Ravens declined.

Although the Ravens aren't inclined to give Lewis the salary increase that he so desperately wants, they're holding out for a big package of picks and/or players for a guy whom many still regard as one of the best defensive players in the game -- and they're apparently willing to keep him under the terms of his current deal, even if he's not happy with it. Lewis is entering the fifth year of a seven-year deal.  He is scheduled to earn $5.5 million in 2006, $6.5 million in 2007, and $6.5 million in 2008.

 

[fatness]

If the collective bargaining agreement is not extended, the Redskins will apparently be in a bind.

Washington Post article

The Washington Redskins have less than a week to trim about $20 million from the payroll to come in under the 2006 salary cap, a task made more difficult by the uncertainty over the future of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players' union. Without an extension to the agreement, the Redskins face several complicated contract renegotiations to comply with the salary cap by next Friday, the official start of the free agency signing period.

The Redskins have about $114 million dedicated to the 2006 salary cap, which is projected to be set at about $95 million per team. They have made little progress in trimming contracts to get under the limit, according to league sources and agents involved in such talks with the team.

The Redskins are trying to trade backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins expressing interest in him. But the team has had no recent discussions with linebacker LaVar Arrington, who will cost the team $12 million against the cap in 2006, sources said. It also has made no headway toward reworking the contracts of tackle Jon Jansen, quarterback Mark Brunell and guard Randy Thomas, all of whom have base salaries of $3.5 million or more. Talks with the agents for many of those players are expected to occur this weekend at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

League and players' union officials have been meeting this week in Indianapolis in an effort to reach agreement on an extension of the collective bargaining agreement. Some in the league believe the deadline for compliance with the salary cap could be extended beyond next Friday for a week or two if the sides are close to a deal.

In the past, the Redskins have converted bonuses and restructured salaries to come in under the cap. But the lack of a collective bargaining extension triggers new provisions that could force Washington to restructure salaries wholesale and possibly to cut players it would prefer to keep. The unresolved talks between the league and union have created other uncertainties that limit the Redskins' ability to sign their own free agents -- namely safety Ryan Clark, defensive end Demetric Evans and tight end Robert Royal -- and could affect its ability to sign outside free agents. "Everything is on hold right now," said agent Rick Smith, who represents Jansen and Royal. "The Redskins are waiting for the league to give them some direction on if there's going to be an extension to the CBA or not, and that presents two very different scenarios. They're in a really tough, tough position right now." A telephone message for Redskins vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato seeking comment for this story was not returned.

Smith noted that every NFL team is facing the same issues as the Redskins because of the league's labor uncertainty. Washington's problems are magnified, however, because of how much it is over the salary cap and the way it has structured contracts in recent years. "Right now, the [lack of a] CBA [extension] is whipping their backside," said one agent who has held several discussions with Redskins director of football administration Eric Schaffer.

The Redskins are expected to release defensive backs Matt Bowen and Walt Harris, tackle Brandon Noble and center Cory Raymer, which would create about $7 million in cap space. They also are expected to trade Ramsey (for draft picks) and cut place kicker John Hall, which would free up $3.2 million more. Defensive end Renaldo Wynn, and wide receivers James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs could be sacrificed as well. Even those moves would leave the team about $10 million over the cap, and that is where the restructurings come in. With a collective bargaining extension, the team could convert base salary to bonuses for Jansen and Brunell, and save another $5 million by spreading those bonuses over several years. The lack of an extension would make this much more difficult.

Some in the NFL believe Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is particularly torn by the collective bargaining impasse. Snyder needs a new labor deal to ease the team's cap issues in 2006. But he also has spent heavily on free agents in the past and, if an extension is not completed, there would be no salary cap in 2007. That would allow him to spend as lavishly as he likes on new players. Snyder is also at the vanguard of a movement by some owners to protect more of their locally generated revenue from the league's revenue-sharing program -- an issue that has divided NFL owners. But his need for an extension of the collective bargaining agreement in the short term could temper his aggressiveness in pushing that platform.

Redskins Notes: A hearing took place Wednesday in the NFL Players Association's investigation into Carl Poston, Arrington's agent, during which Arrington spoke on Poston's behalf, league sources said. A ruling in the matter, which could result in a fine or suspension for the agent, has not been made, and an appeal could follow . . . The mother of Redskins running back Clinton Portis is being sued for an altercation with a fan at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field last season. Lisa Walker is suing the star's mother, Rhonnel Y. Hearn, in federal court in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Hearn was moved to the Redskins' sideline after striking someone she claimed had doused her with beer, and after the game Portis said his mother had bloodied the nose of an unruly fan. Walker's lawyer says she was not responsible for the thrown beer.

 

[fatness]

I caught the the beginning of "The Return of Frank James" (1940, starring Henry Fonda) this morning. The opening theme song is "Hail to the Redskins" (instrumental only)



Also, Joe Gibbs will be on Fox News tomorrow morning. local airtimes

 

[fatness]

Washington Times

Ramsey allowed to seek trade

INDIANAPOLIS -- Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey and his agent have been given permission to explore trade opportunities and that the team is also discussing potential deals with other NFL teams. Ramsey, the Redskins' first-round pick in 2002, has started only eight games the past two seasons and remains the odd man out with Mark Brunell returning as the starter and second-year player Jason Campbell pegged as the quarterback of the future.

"We're moving ahead, trying to see what opportunities are out there for him and also evaluating what's best for us," Gibbs said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I'm not sure if anything will get done, but we're looking and letting him and [agent] Jimmy Sexton look and talk." Gibbs said Ramsey has not formally asked to be dealt but added, "I think I know what his feeling is, and he knows what ours is. He's frustrated with the situation over the last couple years."

The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are potential suitors for Ramsey, who has one year left on his rookie contract and carries a reasonable $1.688 million cap number this season. The Jets have yet to make a decision on Chad Pennington, and the Dolphins could be interested in San Diego's Drew Brees, set to become a free agent March?3. Ramsey, 27, is 10-14 as a starter and has 34 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in 33 games. Ramsey's camp has not brought back a proposal to the Redskins. "We'll see if there's a fit -- it has to make sense for both sides," said Gibbs, who added that Ramsey would be welcomed back if a trade can't be made. "He's a valuable guy, and you would have a hole if he's gone."

Aside from Ramsey and draft preparation, foremost on the Redskins' docket this week is getting under the projected salary cap of $95 million. The Redskins have $115 million committed to 2006 salaries and have to be at or under the cap by Thursday. The Redskins hope a new collective bargaining agreement can be settled early this week and the start of the free agent period can be delayed. If no extension of the CBA is in place by Friday, there will be no June?1 rule, which has allowed teams to cut players after June?1 and take the majority of the cap hit in the following year (2007). The Redskins' habit has been to jettison high-priced veterans or rework the high-priced contracts by giving more bonus money.

"Teams that are really aggressive [in free agency] are concerned, and certainly we're one of those teams," Gibbs said. "We have a worst-case scenario that we have been working on for several weeks, we have a best case and everything in between. I'm hoping that we can get something resolved. I would sure hate to see us go into free agency without it done. "It's going to be tougher for some teams, and we'll be one of the teams that it will be tough on."

Not having a collective bargaining agreement, Gibbs said, "doesn't make sense for the players or the league." If a CBA isn't hammered out, Gibbs could envision a scenario of players being released with nowhere to go. "There's going to be some scurrying," he said. "We're holding our breath. For the stability of the league, everybody is hoping. But it's tough stuff, and you can't be blind. You have to have Plan A, Plan B and Plan C and be ready to roll."

Gibbs also addressed several other issues:

• Safety Sean Taylor's trial on three counts of aggravated assault and one misdemeanor battery charge begins March?20 in Miami. He faces a maximum of 46 years in prison.

"We're hoping that everything works out," Gibbs said. "With [agent] Drew [Rosenhaus] and everybody down there handling everything, he'll be well represented."

Gibbs said he didn't know whether a Redskins representative would be present for the trial. Once the trial ends and if Taylor doesn't have to serve jail time, Gibbs expects Taylor to be present for the Redskins' offseason workouts, which start March?27.

"We've had talks about that, and I don't think there will be any problem with that," he said. "Sean wants to be [at Redskin Park] for that and he felt that last year not coming was a mistake."

• Gibbs is confident the team -- once under the cap -- will be able to re-sign safety Ryan Clark and tight end Robert Royal. Both will be unrestricted free agents.

"What we're hoping is that we're the best place for them. It's a tough situation because what happens with your free agents, you think they fit in at a certain salary level, and they have other ideas. Sometimes you get forced into letting them look. Hopefully in our case, they want to be with us."

• On the subject of linebacker LaVar Arrington, Gibbs said: "He's had a tough couple years because of the injuries, but the Redskins have made a huge investment there. I know he's frustrated with the last couple years, and hopefully better days will be ahead for him. It's a matter of him being totally healthy and having a good offseason."

 

[Lowen1]

Heard John Clayton on Mike & Mike this morning. Segement about quaterbacks. Claytons thoughts are:

Ramsey will be starting for the Jets next year. Clayton thinks the Redskins will let him go for a 6th round pick - because they need to get under the salary cap, and a 6th round pick is better than no pick. My comments - I disagree. If all the Redskins can get is a 6th round pick, I say they hold on to Ramsey. His salary of $1.7mm is not that high for a back up qb with live game experience.

Clayton also said that he thinks the Redskins will give Jason Campbell every chance to win the starting qb job during the offseason. If he isn' ready, then Brunell will start and the 'Skins will look to insert Campbell mid-season when he is ready. My comments - if Campbell isn't ready to start the season, he isn't getting in unless Brunell really struggles. Gibbs is very loyal to his starting qb (except for Ramsey) and very loyal to Brunell. So, I just don't see a mid-season replacement unless Brunell earns the demotion.

A few other non-Redskins comments from Clayton:

Rivers to start in San Diego- almost guaranteed that Brees won't be there.

Brees to start in Miami. Most logical fit per Clayton.

There was more, but unfortunately I got to work and had to get out of the car.

 

[fatness]

Mark Brunell has restructured his contract to save the Redskins approximately 4 million against the cap this year.

Redskin.com Link, and also reported on SportsTalk 980.

Clinton Portis's deal has been restructured to save the Redskins money against the cap this year. It was a roster bonus converted into longterm money, which was specifically allowed by his contract. This report is only on profootball.com right now, so stay tuned and see if it's accurate.

SportsTalk 980 also was talking about other veterans stepping up to renegotiate their contracts voluntarily. No names mentioned.

"number of redskins have stepped to the plate to restructure, showing their 'true colors'"

 

[redman]

I don't know where this is all going to lead on Gibbs' comeback run, but I couldn't be happier with the way he has in two short years completely transformed a selfish, fractured team into one made up of players who are dying to stay on the team and work to make a winner. The difference is obvious to anyone even casually watching the team.

 

[Swing 51]

Washington Post has it saving the 'Skins 1.8mil

Brunell was to make 4 this year. Either way it helps the number go down.

 

[fatness]

I'm not sure which, if either, is right. The Post is usually reliable but they were running a story all day today about Brunell refusing to renegotiate, when in fact he had already done so. The amount I heard ----- $4 million ----- was from SportsTalk 980.

 

[ChampBailey24]

I'm not a Redskins fan but thats really interesting stuff you guys wrote.

 

[fatness]

More good news.

ESPN Link

Brunell, others agree to restructure deals pending labor agreement

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington quarterback Mark Brunell has agreed in principle to restructure his contract, pending the NFL's negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.



"Mark and other team members have worked cooperatively with us in renegotiations, approaching the matter like the veterans and team leaders that they are," Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said Wednesday.

Like all NFL teams, the Redskins are in flux with their free agency plans because of the last-minute collective bargaining talks. If no agreement is reached, Washington will have to make some $20 million in cuts Thursday to get below the 2006 salary cap.

If an agreement is reached, the Redskins will have to make fewer cuts because the cap will be substantially higher. Brunell and the other veterans -- whom Gibbs did not name -- will not sign their new deals until there is definitive word on the labor situation.

Free agency begins Friday. The Redskins have been one of the most active teams on the opening day of free agency under owner Dan Snyder, but the team will have limited options if it is forced to make wholesale cuts Thursday.

This team rocks.

 

[fatness]

I don't have a link, but this is what I've pieced together from what I've read and heard this afternoon and tonight:

John Clayton apparently announced that the Redskins were $17 million over the cap limit. Then the actual cap number of $94.5 million was announced. Clayton had been doing his figuring with a cap amount of $92 million. That leaves the Redskins $14.5 million over. Clayton predicted they would have to release 6-7 players. None of that figures in the restructured contracts some of the vets are going to sign to reduce the cap hit.

It sounds less bad than $20 million over and playing with 20 rookies, doesn't it?

I guess we will see.

 

[thayman]

I don't have a link, but this is what I've pieced together from what I've read and heard this afternoon and tonight:

John Clayton apparently announced that the Redskins were $17 million over the cap limit. Then the actual cap number of $94.5 million was announced. Clayton had been doing his figuring with a cap amount of $92 million. That leaves the Redskins $14.5 million over. Clayton predicted they would have to release 6-7 players. None of that figures in the restructured contracts some of the vets are going to sign to reduce the cap hit.

It sounds less bad than $20 million over and playing with 20 rookies, doesn't it?

I guess we will see.

Yeah that is a bit better, But if the CBA gets done we go from having to cut players, to being able to compete for some FA and build on last year's team.If there is no cap in 2007 though, you can just call that year "Dan Snyder's Revenge"

 

[fatness]

Deadline for free agency is pushed back 3 days, as is the deadline for getting under the salary cap.

More details about Portis's contract restucturing if there's no new CBA, from profootballtalk.com:

a league source tells us that the Redskins and Portis have reached a tentative agreement on a sweeping restructuring that: (1) pushes money from future years forward; (2) contains more than $1.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2007; (3) pays him $300,000 more through 2008 that his prior contract would have; and (4) expires three seasons earlier, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2009 at the age of 27. The agreement is contingent upon an extension to the CBA not being reached.

Under the new deal, Portis gets a $1.99 million roster bonus in 2006 and a salary of $545,000. He receives an option bonus of $8.2515 million in 2007, which includes a non-exercise penalty. He also receives $1.517 million in guaranteed salary and $545,000 in non-guaranteed salary. The guarantee includes a provision exempting him from the standard offset principle, which reduces any money he earns from another team if he is released prior to 2007. If the 'Skins cut him before the 2007 season, he pockets the full $1.517 million regardless of what he earns elsewhere. In 2008, he receives an option bonus in the amount of $1.517 million, with a non-exercise provision requiring the team to pay him that same amount. He also gets a base salary of $545,000. Due to the 30 percent rule, the new deal expires after the 2008 season, allowing Portis to hit the open market in 2009.

We're not sure how much cap room this new deal creates, but it's undoubtedly a short-term benefit for the Redskins, since to get it done they're giving Portis more money and tying him up for three less years.

 

[jbz]

this cap hell thing sure does suck! someone order me another mai tai, it's gettin hot in here.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Deadline for free agency is pushed back 3 days, as is the deadline for getting under the salary cap.

More details about Portis's contract restucturing if there's no new CBA, from profootballtalk.com:

a league source tells us that the Redskins and Portis have reached a tentative agreement on a sweeping restructuring that: (1) pushes money from future years forward; (2) contains more than $1.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2007; (3) pays him $300,000 more through 2008 that his prior contract would have; and (4) expires three seasons earlier, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2009 at the age of 27. The agreement is contingent upon an extension to the CBA not being reached.

Under the new deal, Portis gets a $1.99 million roster bonus in 2006 and a salary of $545,000. He receives an option bonus of $8.2515 million in 2007, which includes a non-exercise penalty. He also receives $1.517 million in guaranteed salary and $545,000 in non-guaranteed salary. The guarantee includes a provision exempting him from the standard offset principle, which reduces any money he earns from another team if he is released prior to 2007. If the 'Skins cut him before the 2007 season, he pockets the full $1.517 million regardless of what he earns elsewhere. In 2008, he receives an option bonus in the amount of $1.517 million, with a non-exercise provision requiring the team to pay him that same amount. He also gets a base salary of $545,000. Due to the 30 percent rule, the new deal expires after the 2008 season, allowing Portis to hit the open market in 2009.

We're not sure how much cap room this new deal creates, but it's undoubtedly a short-term benefit for the Redskins, since to get it done they're giving Portis more money and tying him up for three less years.

Not sure if I am excited about Portis becoming an UFA 3 years earlier. 27 is still young for a RB.

 

[fatness]

More good stuff. Associated Press Article

By JOSEPH WHITE / Associated Press

The Washington Redskins worked to slash some $20 million from their payroll Thursday, then learned that austerity measures might not be necessary after all.

Those on the Redskins' cut list got a reprieve late in the day when the NFL announced that the start of free agency had been postponed for three days. Instead of a 10 p.m. Thursday deadline to get under the salary cap, teams now have until 6 p.m. Sunday.

The extra time gives the league and the players' union time to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement that would substantially raise the 2006 salary cap, thereby averting the major talent purge many teams were fearing.

Although the Redskins were well above the $94.5 million cap at the start of the day, the team's biggest names were not in danger of being released. An official within the league, speaking on condition of anonymity because the cuts were not announced, said the cuts would not have been as severe as expected because the team had considered the possibility of a breakdown in the agreement when negotiating player contracts over the last two years.

As the day progressed, the Redskins were able to make savings by renegotiating existing deals with cornerback Shawn Springs, running back Clinton Portis and others, the official said, leaving valuable veterans such as offensive linemen Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas and defensive linemen Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels safe from the chopping block.

"As a player, you're about the team," Springs said. "You do the best you can do to help out the team."

Those on the prospective cut list included quarterback Patrick Ramsey, safety Matt Bowen, center Cory Raymer, defensive tackle Brandon Noble and cornerback Walt Harris, but most of those players were expected to be released regardless of the outcome of the collective bargaining agreement talks.

"The Redskins have done an excellent job of restructuring a number of contracts in anticipation of a deal (on the agreement) not being consummated," said agent Leigh Steinberg, who reworked quarterback Mark Brunell's deal earlier in the week.

The Redskins are hoping for a new agreement that would set a cap in the $105 million to $110 million range so they can again be aggressive in pursuing free agents. Coach Joe Gibbs is hoping to build off the franchise's first playoff appearance in six years by adding a receiver, a cornerback and a pass-rushing defensive lineman. Also, the team has several free agents it would like to keep: safety Ryan Clark and tight end Robert Royal are unrestricted, and guard Derrick Dockery is restricted.

 

[fatness]

Washington Post Article

Make sure to read the quotes.

Several players have agreed to restructure their contracts to help the Washington Redskins get under the NFL's salary cap, maneuvers that would be voided if the league and players' union were to reach agreement on a new labor deal by Sunday.

Players known to have agreed to reworked contracts include quarterback Mark Brunell, running back Clinton Portis, cornerback Shawn Springs, guard Randy Thomas and defensive end Renaldo Wynn. The Redskins have negotiated with other players as well, including tackle Jon Jansen and linebacker LaVar Arrington, but the final status of those talks could not be confirmed.

Team officials were working yesterday to finalize deals, with director of football administration Eric Schaffer leading talks with agents, and were prepared to wait until 10 p.m. to make cuts.

A new CBA would allow the team to make fewer drastic restructurings, easily clear cap space and address needs at wide receiver and defensive end, for instance, in free agency. Several players who agreed to contract changes said they did so at least in part to put the team in position to retain its depth and continue progressing after reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

"The good thing is as a player, you're about the team and you try to do the best to help the team," Springs said. "And in a situation like this, it's a win-win for a lot of us. You're not getting cut, you're getting restructured and there's probably a good chance it'll be a win-win for you. We'll see next year what happens to the Redskins."

Thomas said: "I helped out as much as I could. Anything to get us where we want to be going. I restructured my deal this year to save us some cap room, and I know other guys did, too."

In the case of several contracts, the Redskins in essence agreed to guarantee multiple years of a contract, then prorate that money for cap purposes as a signing bonus. Later years of a contract were then voided, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, which would allow someone like Portis, for instance, to become a free agent after the 2008 season, while receiving significant additional payments in 2007 and 2008. Even then, the Redskins could re-sign such players, and all of this would be moot with a new CBA. Brunell's move alone would save about $1.8 million in cap space, sources said.

A new CBA would also allow the Redskins to prorate about $20 million in 2006 roster bonuses, saving the team $15 million in cap space; they would limit any cuts and leave ample room to re-sign key free agents like starting safety Ryan Clark, starting tight end Robert Royal, defensive lineman Demetric Evans and special teams player Rock Cartwright, as well as acquire talent from elsewhere.

Some players, like backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, defensive tackle Brandon Noble, punter Tom Tupa, cornerback Walt Harris, center Cory Raymer and safety Matt Bowen, were expected to be cut regardless of the labor situation, but those moves could be delayed with a new CBA (trade talks involving Ramsey can now continue).

"You definitely think about that," linebacker Marcus Washington said, "and that's one of the things you kind of hate about the NFL, just because there's only so much money you get to give players and sometimes you can't keep everybody you want or everyone you need and guys go other places and get better deals. It was the same way with me and the Colts. Hopefully, we can keep everybody. We've been pretty good with keeping our nucleus together, guys who really make a difference with this team."

While players yesterday were concerned with the overall labor situation, they were more occupied with whether it would break the team's momentum after a strong season.

 

[fatness]

Vinnie Cerrato was quoted as saying on radio (I did not hear it, did anyone else?) that the Redskins had be structuring contracts for the last 2 years with an eye to the CBA expiring and being in this situation.

There's also a report from someone who was watching the NFL Network that Jon Jansen renegotiated his contract. I did not see it.

There is no way in hell all those players would have been willing to renegotiate their contracts like that under Norv turner, Marty Schottenheimer, or Steve Spurrier.

 

[jbz]

Deadline for free agency is pushed back 3 days, as is the deadline for getting under the salary cap.

More details about Portis's contract restucturing if there's no new CBA, from profootballtalk.com:

a league source tells us that the Redskins and Portis have reached a tentative agreement on a sweeping restructuring that: (1) pushes money from future years forward; (2) contains more than $1.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2007; (3) pays him $300,000 more through 2008 that his prior contract would have; and (4) expires three seasons earlier, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2009 at the age of 27. The agreement is contingent upon an extension to the CBA not being reached.

Under the new deal, Portis gets a $1.99 million roster bonus in 2006 and a salary of $545,000. He receives an option bonus of $8.2515 million in 2007, which includes a non-exercise penalty. He also receives $1.517 million in guaranteed salary and $545,000 in non-guaranteed salary. The guarantee includes a provision exempting him from the standard offset principle, which reduces any money he earns from another team if he is released prior to 2007. If the 'Skins cut him before the 2007 season, he pockets the full $1.517 million regardless of what he earns elsewhere. In 2008, he receives an option bonus in the amount of $1.517 million, with a non-exercise provision requiring the team to pay him that same amount. He also gets a base salary of $545,000. Due to the 30 percent rule, the new deal expires after the 2008 season, allowing Portis to hit the open market in 2009.

We're not sure how much cap room this new deal creates, but it's undoubtedly a short-term benefit for the Redskins, since to get it done they're giving Portis more money and tying him up for three less years.

Not sure if I am excited about Portis becoming an UFA 3 years earlier. 27 is still young for a RB.

It still is, but at the same time, Portis would have had 7 years of being a full time starting RB. I'm sure the Skins will decide to give him a new deal or extend him if his body is holding up. Plus keep in mind this deal only goes into effect if no CBA is reached. I honestly think it will. If it doesn't, that means there's likely no cap and the Skins can easily keep Portis off the market if they want to with a nice deal.

 

[jbz]

Vinnie Cerrato was quoted as saying on radio (I did not hear it, did anyone else?) that the Redskins had be structuring contracts for the last 2 years with an eye to the CBA expiring and being in this situation.

There's also a report from someone who was watching the NFL Network that Jon Jansen renegotiated his contract. I did not see it.

There is no way in hell all those players would have been willing to renegotiate their contracts like that under Norv turner, Marty Schottenheimer, or Steve Spurrier.

yeah, it's cool to see the team truly buying into the "team" concept of the Skins. Only Joe Gibbs could have pulled this off and that's one of the things that makes him the great coach/leader he is. People believe in him.

 

[thayman]

You know you hear an awfull lot about how Dan Snyder is running this team into the ground. But how many other owners have the foresight to have planned for this outcome? Contracts have been worked so that if this happend they could resttructure easily.....this Cap Hell thing is never as bad as they say it is come March.

 

[Marvelous]

I find it really interesting that teams like SF and Dallas go into cap hell. The Redskins spend and spend and never do.

A couple of years ago I changed my mind on this. I think Snyder can keep borrowing cap dollars from the future to pay players now and never go into cap hell.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I find it really interesting that teams like SF and Dallas go into cap hell. The Redskins spend and spend and never do.

A couple of years ago I changed my mind on this. I think Snyder can keep borrowing cap dollars from the future to pay players now and never go into cap hell.

It would appear that the is a method to the madness. Everyone used keep saying that the 'Skins would be in BIG cap trouble, but they never seem to be there. Does Danny and his front office staff have the golden key to making the cap work for them, maybe not 100% fool proof...but it does seem that they know what they are doing opposed to being reckless.

 

[thayman]

I find it really interesting that teams like SF and Dallas go into cap hell.  The Redskins spend and spend and never do. 

A couple of years ago I changed my mind on this.  I think Snyder can keep borrowing cap dollars from the future to pay players now and never go into cap hell.

It would appear that the is a method to the madness. Everyone used keep saying that the 'Skins would be in BIG cap trouble, but they never seem to be there. Does Danny and his front office staff have the golden key to making the cap work for them, maybe not 100% fool proof...but it does seem that they know what they are doing opposed to being reckless.

It seems to me that teams get themselves in trouble when they have those big radicall coaching changes. We have had our fair share of coaching changes, but no coach ever purged the roster right away to get "his guys" in. Snyder's involvement and business mind is a huge asset to our team

 

[redman]

I find it really interesting that teams like SF and Dallas go into cap hell.  The Redskins spend and spend and never do. 

A couple of years ago I changed my mind on this.  I think Snyder can keep borrowing cap dollars from the future to pay players now and never go into cap hell.

It would appear that the is a method to the madness. Everyone used keep saying that the 'Skins would be in BIG cap trouble, but they never seem to be there. Does Danny and his front office staff have the golden key to making the cap work for them, maybe not 100% fool proof...but it does seem that they know what they are doing opposed to being reckless.

It seems to me that teams get themselves in trouble when they have those big radicall coaching changes. We have had our fair share of coaching changes, but no coach ever purged the roster right away to get "his guys" in. Snyder's involvement and business mind is a huge asset to our team

Exactly, and I think the need for stability was a lesson that Snyder needed to learn. Had he to do it all over again, I think he'd have stuck with Schottenheimer for longer, and perhaps let Norv coach out the 2000 season before firing him. The unfortunate effect has been that the team has been one of the biggest underachievers in the NFL given the level of talent on its rosters during that time. But there's no denying that the team under him has been masterful at manipulating the cap rules to maximize that talent.

 

[thayman]

I find it really interesting that teams like SF and Dallas go into cap hell.  The Redskins spend and spend and never do. 

A couple of years ago I changed my mind on this.  I think Snyder can keep borrowing cap dollars from the future to pay players now and never go into cap hell.

It would appear that the is a method to the madness. Everyone used keep saying that the 'Skins would be in BIG cap trouble, but they never seem to be there. Does Danny and his front office staff have the golden key to making the cap work for them, maybe not 100% fool proof...but it does seem that they know what they are doing opposed to being reckless.

It seems to me that teams get themselves in trouble when they have those big radicall coaching changes. We have had our fair share of coaching changes, but no coach ever purged the roster right away to get "his guys" in. Snyder's involvement and business mind is a huge asset to our team

Exactly, and I think the need for stability was a lesson that Snyder needed to learn. Had he to do it all over again, I think he'd have stuck with Schottenheimer for longer, and perhaps let Norv coach out the 2000 season before firing him. The unfortunate effect has been that the team has been one of the biggest underachievers in the NFL given the level of talent on its rosters during that time. But there's no denying that the team under him has been masterful at manipulating the cap rules to maximize that talent.

I completely agree. But now I'm glad we went through all that because Snyder seems to have learned his lesson. I'd bet that Gibbs will coach this year, maybe one or two more, then We'll have some combo of Gregg Williams and Al Saunders as HC

 

[fatness]

Interesting stuff from a Redskin message board from a guy who's been studying the Redskin cap situation. Before the restructured contract information started coming out he believed firmly that they could not get under the cap. Apparently the way they restructured Portis's contract (details above) have changed the figuring somewhat.

I've just done a quick cap calculation......... using the type of methodology as Portis' restructure (or a slight variant of it in some cases) for the 14 players listed below:

Portis, Brunell, Arrington, Moss, Patten, Samuels, Thomas, Jansen, Wynn, Daniels, Griffen, Washington, Arrington and Springs.

I get us to be saving around $17m for these 14 guys using this method in 2006.

Would easily get us under the cap accompanied by the cuts to Harris, Bowen, Noble and the trade of Ramsey - at least.

So if this is whats happening across the board, we'll be right if there's no new CBA.

Link (you probably have to register to read the rest).