Redskins Ready, Eager to Address Needs

[1niksder]

Redskins Ready, Eager to Address Needs

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 9, 2006; Page E01

With the NFL's new labor agreement in place, the Washington Redskins are prepared to make a significant foray into free agency when the period to sign players is expected to open at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

The extension between the league and its players created room under the cap for the Redskins, opened up avenues for further contract restructuring and should aid the club's ability to re-sign several of its players.

Had the labor talks failed, the Redskins faced the prospect of a $94.5 million salary cap and little chance of acquiring significant free agents. But now the cap is expected to be set at roughly $102 million, allowing Coach Joe Gibbs to seek help at wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker, along the offensive line and, perhaps, at kicker and punter. Washington also stands to add an additional $1.7 million in cap space with the trade of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey -- who visited the New York Jets yesterday and has visits planned with Detroit and Miami, according to a source -- and will likely release a handful of players today.

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[Chris Luva Luva]

I want to be the 1st to say.

Lets get out of mindset of the year 2000-2003.

1. We do not need big names at EVERY position.
2. We dont need someone to be a leader anywhere on our squad, we have leaders in place.
3. We need to spend our money wisely.
4. WE DO NOT NEED TO REPEAT our history of poor contract making. (worded funny)
5. We need to take this as a new starting point. We have a great bunch of guys here and gone who helped us out. Lets use this as a platform to catapult is into being a deeper/richer team.

We are on the cusp of being a dominant team for a consecutive year, lets make sure we pave the way to a secure finicial future.

[1niksder]

We have Joe Gibbs, he doesn't do business that way.
If he did Lavar would still be here.

Re-signing Clark, Evans, and the others (even RR) should be 1st on the list.

We should be about $7M under the cap and have 5 years of bonus prorations to work with. The Skins don't need a lot and Gibbs only wants a certain type of guy so we should be OK

It's just time to get Free Agency started and see what shakes out

[Skinsfan55]

Exactly CLL, we need to get some solid role players to take us over the top.

Maybe a "name" reciever (Bruce is a good leader, a leader isn't needed but it certainly wouldn't be a drawback to have him around, especially if we draft a WR)

A good pashrusher, a solid outside backer, a tight end... none of these guys have to be huge names...

We could very well win the Superbowl in the next 3 years...

[Chris Luva Luva]

Exactly CLL, we need to get some solid role players to take us over the top.

Maybe a "name" reciever (Bruce is a good leader, a leader isn't needed but it certainly wouldn't be a drawback to have him around, especially if we draft a WR)

A good pashrusher, a solid outside backer, a tight end... none of these guys have to be huge names...

We could very well win the Superbowl in the next 3 years...

When I said leader I was reffering to a player who would want to come and take over. A player like Ray Lewis would be an example. He ran the Ravens lockerrom and we dont need him to come in here and jockey for position. We have enough leaders that get our guys ready each game.

Issac Bruce would be a decent WR but he's up in age imo.

On offense we need:
Line depth
3rd QB
TE
WR

Defense we need:
DE
CB depth/potential starter in 2 years
Safety depth depending on what happens to Sean

We need to resign Clark who is complemented by Sean. Will Clark be effective without Sean? Im not too sure.

TE imo is NOT a need but more of a want. ey could be our answer since we have 2 guys training for his position. I believe Nemo and White are training to be Hbacks, or maybe its just White. If White can grasp the position solidly, that'll allow ey to hold us down on the TE end of things more often. Hopefully White is more of a blocker than and can be a good switch up.

I think that'll be effective since you'll have 2 guys who you'll never quite know what they're doing.

[jazzyjimmy]

I agree with you CLL but it's gonna be a LONG season if we dont get another WR, DE, and another OL. Those have got to be our #1, #2, and #3 priorities this offseason. Signing Clark would also be nice. I think he'll still be a solid player even if Taylor isn't there. Guys like Taylor make everyone around them better.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I agree with you CLL but it's gonna be a LONG season if we dont get another WR, DE, and another OL. Those have got to be our #1, #2, and #3 priorities this offseason. Signing Clark would also be nice. I think he'll still be a solid player even if Taylor isn't there. Guys like Taylor make everyone around them better.

I didn't prioritize my list, I just jotted them down as they came to me. WR is the most important acquisition. The defense has proven it can succeed with out a dedicated pass rusher. DE fall into second place so we can bump our defense into another gear. Everything else is depth.

[Skeletor]

we may want to fill that big gaping hole at outside linebacker too...

[skinz74]

I didn't prioritize my list, I just jotted them down as they came to me. WR is the most important acquisition. The defense has proven it can succeed with out a dedicated pass rusher. DE fall into second place so we can bump our defense into another gear. Everything else is depth.

I agree. As much as a stud DE would add to the equation...I would have to think hard about OL depth...considering what happened at the end of the season...Ray Brown saved our butts...but we drew from the well one too many times putting poor Corey in there. Gotta keep the QB off his backside and the lanes open for Portis. WR, OL/DE tie, take care of Clark and CO who have helped us out, then see about PK/Punter...

$.02

[Chris Luva Luva]

we may want to fill that big gaping hole at outside linebacker too...

Its definately not a gaping hole. Its not a gaping hole that can't be filled with some homegrown talent. We need not splurge on a position that was proved in 2004 could be handled by a "nobody".

Yea, Holdman wasn't too good but he wasn't our biggest problem on defense. Pass rush was still our biggest issue. We can survive with Holdman if need be, note I said survive not prosper. I think someone will cheap will be brouht in. I dont see a 2nd day rookie claming that spot over holdman, clemons or McCune. They know the system, Greg doesn't put people on the field who aren't ready.

[UK Skins Fan]

we may want to fill that big gaping hole at outside linebacker too...

Gaping hole? It certainly wasn't a gaping hole all the time Lavar was injured. It will take a lot to replace Lavar's reputation, but a lot less to replace his productivity.

[UK Skins Fan]

Now then, let's think this through:

1. We do not need big names at EVERY position.

Yes, I agree with this.

2. We dont need someone to be a leader anywhere on our squad, we have leaders in place.

I agree with this too.

3. We need to spend our money wisely.

Hmmm. You know, I do believe I agree with this too.

4. WE DO NOT NEED TO REPEAT our history of poor contract making. (worded funny)

Crikey, is somebody reading my tiny mind?

5. We need to take this as a new starting point. We have a great bunch of guys here and gone who helped us out. Lets use this as a platform to catapult is into being a deeper/richer team.

Ding ding ding! Five out of five.

And, just for good measure, Chris Luva Luva said:

We are on the cusp of being a dominant team for a consecutive year, lets make sure we pave the way to a secure finicial future.

I woke up with a headache this morning. Now I know why - Chris was in my mind, stealing my thoughts.

I don't doubt that the Redskins will make some sort of splash in free agency, but I think the success of the offseason will be defined as much by who they don't sign, as by who they do sign.

Plenty of people want to throw money at Randle El. I don't see why - he's a luxury player who I don't think will thrive outside Pittsburgh.

Abraham gets plenty of mentions too. Far too expensive, I don't think he's a good fit for the system. We'd be much better off with a cheap situational pass rusher than a mega bucks celebrity end like Abraham. Same goes for Darren Howard.

I think the Redskins will improve considerably without having to splash big bucks. Let's concentrate on keeping the people that made us a playoff team last year, and then add some well chosen gems. No need to buy the whole damned jewellers.

[jazzyjimmy]

Who DO you like as far as free agents go?

[Chris Luva Luva]

I feel that we dont need real big names because we have our big names in place already. What we need are players who alleviate pressure on both offense and defense. We need a DE to take hte pressure off our secondary, a WR to take pressure off of Moss who both will take pressure off of ey and the running game.

To do these things we need someone who is good at what they do but not someone is completely dominant in the NFL. Just someone who can play their role well. We dont need a sack king, maybe a prince.

[crazyhorse1]

Exactly CLL, we need to get some solid role players to take us over the top.

Maybe a "name" reciever (Bruce is a good leader, a leader isn't needed but it certainly wouldn't be a drawback to have him around, especially if we draft a WR)

A good pashrusher, a solid outside backer, a tight end... none of these guys have to be huge names...

We could very well win the Superbowl in the next 3 years...

When I said leader I was reffering to a player who would want to come and take over. A player like Ray Lewis would be an example. He ran the Ravens lockerrom and we dont need him to come in here and jockey for position. We have enough leaders that get our guys ready each game.

Issac Bruce would be a decent WR but he's up in age imo.

On offense we need:
Line depth
3rd QB
TE
WR

Defense we need:
DE
CB depth/potential starter in 2 years
Safety depth depending on what happens to Sean

We need to resign Clark who is complemented by Sean. Will Clark be effective without Sean? Im not too sure.

TE imo is NOT a need but more of a want. ey could be our answer since we have 2 guys training for his position. I believe Nemo and White are training to be Hbacks, or maybe its just White. If White can grasp the position solidly, that'll allow ey to hold us down on the TE end of things more often. Hopefully White is more of a blocker than and can be a good switch up.

I think that'll be effective since you'll have 2 guys who you'll never quite know what they're doing.

Why in the world would you expect anything of White. What do you know the rest of us don't? How would putting Nemo and'or White at Hback give us an extra receiver we could get by acquiring a pass receiving TE?

[Chris Luva Luva]

Why in the world would you expect anything of White. What do you know the rest of us don't? How would putting Nemo and'or White at Hback give us an extra receiver we could get by acquiring a pass receiving TE?

Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't I expect anything from our players? These guys were drafted for a reason and I hope they'll produce. Unlike most of you I dont believe we need to build this team soley through overpriced superstars.

To answer your question which if you would have read my post you'd already know the answer to, White is being groomed as a Hback. IF the kid can blossom into that role then that will free up ey to become more diverse in his role. I said that this could be an ALTERNATE plan incase we can't get a receiving TE this year. We are short on draft picks.

[crazyhorse1]

Why in the world would you expect anything of White. What do you know the rest of us don't? How would putting Nemo and'or White at Hback give us an extra receiver we could get by acquiring a pass receiving TE?

Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn't I expect anything from our players? These guys were drafted for a reason and I hope they'll produce. Unlike most of you I dont believe we need to build this team soley through overpriced superstars.

To answer your question which if you would have read my post you'd already know the answer to, White is being groomed as a Hback. IF the kid can blossom into that role then that will free up ey to become more diverse in his role. I said that this could be an ALTERNATE plan incase we can't get a receiving TE this year. We are short on draft picks.

No disrespect intended, but Nemo didn't look much like a pass receiver last year; and didn't I read that White's injury saved him from being cut?

[fredp45]

I've said too many times on this board and apparently no one agrees with me -- I don't believe we need to spend major dollars on another WR.

I don't think Brunnel will take the time to look for 3 guys...he throws the ball out of bounds after two looks -- Of course, Moss is #1 & ey is #2. After that you could have Marvin Harrison and Brunnel won't look for him. I think we need to ensure that our OL is solid, so Brunnel has the time to find Moss, ey, or #3 (which could be guys we already have Patton, Portis, Royal, Thrash, or Sellers) before throwing the ball over Al Saunder's head onto the Gatorade table.

Here are a dozen things I like to see:

1) resign Clark, Royal and Evans
2) trade Ramsey for a pick (hopefully 3rd, more likely 4th). I don't want to get rid of him, but it's going to happen...
3) everyone praying that Sean doesn't go to jail -- this is really important!
4) spend (maybe overspend) to get a good DE in FA.
5) overspend to get a solid Kicker and Punter in FA (both players need to help us win the battle of field position).
6) ensure that Nemo can be our big back for short yardage or sign N. Davenport from GB or some huge FB, White is not the guy! He was going to get cut before his "injury."
7) sign a servicable, but cap friendly DT to take Noble's spot.
8 ) sign a veteran (or 2) OL as backups
9 sign a tall, cap friendly WR that would help in the red zone.
10) sign a 3rd string veteran QB like Todd Collins from KC - who knows the offensive system Saunders runs.
11) draft 2 offensive lineman, a CB, a S and a LB.

and finally...12) watch us go to the Super Bowl!!!!

[1niksder]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Redskins are back to Plan A.

With a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and players' union, coach and team president Joe Gibbs can revert to the game plan he originally envisioned for free agency: Cut a few expendable players to get under the salary cap, then start working the phones in pursuit of a receiver, a defensive back and maybe a defensive lineman at the very minute the market opens.

The cuts will be made Friday. The departures of safety Matt Bowen, cornerback Walt Harris, defensive tackle Brandon Noble and center Cory Raymer will save about $6.7 million under the cap. The Redskins also have $4.4 million in savings from the deal that made linebacker LaVar Arrington a free agent.

Add in a few standard restructured contracts with returning veterans and the team will get below the new $102 million cap with room to spare, allowing Gibbs and owner Dan Snyder to take their usual aggressive approach when free agency starts at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

"You're hoping for a new CBA because it frees up a lot of money for all of us," Gibbs said before Wednesday night's labor breakthrough.

The Redskins also resumed negotiations to retain their own players. They've agreed to terms with backup running back Rock Cartwright, an official with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. They were also talking to the only two starters eligible for free agency, safety Ryan Clark and tight end Robert Royal. The team has also tendered guard Derrick Dockery, defensive back Ade Jimoh and linebacker Chris Clemons, making them restricted free agents.

The Redskins hope to have Clark re-signed by Friday night.

"I don't see why something shouldn't be able to be done," Joel Turner, Clark's agent, said Thursday. "Ryan wants to be there, and that's a big part of it."

Meanwhile, the Redskins are again hopeful they can work out a trade for quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who lost the starting job to Mark Brunell last year. The New York Jets, Miami and Detroit are the top contenders.

Without a new CBA, the Redskins would have been forced to slash some $20 million of cap money through roster cuts and about a dozen restructured contracts, leaving the team very limited in free agency.

Now they can work competitively to improve last year's team, which ended a six-year playoff drought before losing to Seattle in the second round of the playoffs. The top priority is a receiver to complement Santana Moss, who went to the Pro Bowl despite marginal contributions from David Patten, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs.

A nickel back will be needed to replace Harris, whose injuries kept him from fulfilling his promise in Washington. He was due to make $2.75 million in 2006, too pricey for a third cornerback.

A pass-rushing defensive lineman was considered a major priority until Phillip Daniels had a late-season surge to finish with eight sacks. Still, the Redskins would like to have someone else on the line who can pressure the quarterback.

Further down the list is the need for a versatile, backup offensive lineman to replace Ray Brown, who is retiring at age 43.

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