Vinny Sheds Some Light On FA

[CooleyAsIce]

http://coveringtheredskins.blogspot.com/

As far as free agency goes, the Redskins don't sound as if they plan on being major players. Vinny said, "There are not a lot of free agents out there. We probably won't be a big player."
As far as needs, Cerrato stressed finding a "big" WR, a swing o-lineman who could play center or guard or one who could be guard or tackle.. Back-up ecnter Mike Pucillo likely won't be back with the team and the age of the guards and tackles are at issue.. Also, the team wants a another FB because the offense may call for more out of that position then before.. Mike Sellers is certainly safe as the starter..
On D-- Cerrato will likely be after a CB based partially on the health of Carlos Rogers who may not be ready to go by camp after suffering a major knee injury.. The team wants depth at safety and wants to find a defensive tackle who can help with pass rush..
Cerrato denies the team is in need of a edge pass rusher.. he cited the 10.5 sacks of Andre Carter and the 10+ sacks combined from the other edge as signs that the glaring deficiency comes from the lack of a rush on the interior line.. Expect the Skins to make a play for a Justin Tuck style player whether it be in the draft or via Free agency..
DT Cornelious Griffin has a large cap number, but is safe on the roster..
The Skins will likely use a late draft pick on a young quarterback..
LB Rocky McIntosh is "looking good" as he rehabs a surgically repaired knee, the hope is he'll be back for training camp..
Cerrato says the team and Zorn have both talked to free agent QB Todd Collins, the Redskins are hoping to re-sign him to be the back-up at the very least..
FB/KR Rock Cartwright likely will be allowed to enter free agency to see what his market value is.. The Skins would like to retain him however if a back-up or starting RB spot comes to him, the Skins likely will not match whatever offer comes his way..

[yupchagee]

http://coveringtheredskins.blogspot.com/

Cerrato denies the team is in need of a edge pass rusher.. he cited the 10.5 sacks of Andre Carter and the 10+ sacks combined from the other edge as signs that the glaring deficiency comes from the lack of a rush on the interior line

Where does he get 10+ sacks from LDE?
Daniels 2.5
Wilson 4
Evans 1
total from LDE 7.5

& I'm not sure that evans &/or Daniels didn't get some of theirs playing DT on passing downs.

[lowtharofthehill]

He is prolly including Marcus Washington when he plays DE

[CanesSkins26]

The team wants depth at safety and wants to find a defensive tackle who can help with pass rush..
Cerrato denies the team is in need of a edge pass rusher.. he cited the 10.5 sacks of Andre Carter and the 10+ sacks combined from the other edge as signs that the glaring deficiency comes from the lack of a rush on the interior line.. Expect the Skins to make a play for a Justin Tuck style player whether it be in the draft or via Free agency..

I agree with Vinny about needing a defensive tackle. I've been saying for a while that we need to add a starter alongside Montgomery. But if he doesn't think that we need a defensive end then he is even more of a moron than I thought. Carter had a nice season and while his 10.5 sacks were great, we don't have a single player on the line that generates consistent pressure during a game. Carter improved dramatically from 06 to 07, but he has a tendency to disappear during games.

[PulpExposure]

Seriously, color me surprised if we see restraint from the Redskins in free agency.

Maybe they did learn something from Gibbs. Eschew the big name signing for the one that will actually help you...

[SKINFAN]

Seriously, color me surprised if we see restraint from the Redskins in free agency.

Maybe they did learn something from Gibbs. Eschew the big name signing for the one that will actually help you...

two years in a row I think, last year Fletch was the only big splash we did

[CanesSkins26]

Seriously, color me surprised if we see restraint from the Redskins in free agency.

Maybe they did learn something from Gibbs. Eschew the big name signing for the one that will actually help you...

Perhaps they did. But Vinny said, "There are not a lot of free agents out there. We probably won't be a big player." So who knows if they actually learned or if they just aren't that interested in many of the free agents since it is a pretty weak group across the board.

[riggofan]

Man its amazing to realize Fletcher was the only big FA last year. There was so much TALK all offseason. (Was that about Briggs??) I hardly noticed we didn't sign a bunch of guys like usual.

[welch]

...and remember that what an organization says it will do does not guarantee what it will do. As Vito Corleone told Sonny, "Don't ever let them know what you are thinking."

[PulpExposure]

Seriously, color me surprised if we see restraint from the Redskins in free agency.

Maybe they did learn something from Gibbs. Eschew the big name signing for the one that will actually help you...

two years in a row I think, last year Fletch was the only big splash we did

Yeah, but was that Gibbs or was it newly-learned restraint from the Redskins?

If I remember right, Smoot got a similar contract as Fletcher, didn't he?

Perhaps they did. But Vinny said, "There are not a lot of free agents out there. We probably won't be a big player." So who knows if they actually learned or if they just aren't that interested in many of the free agents since it is a pretty weak group across the board.

Trades?

[SkinsJock]

as some of us have been saying - "all is not the same" - we just love it when so many here say "oh! they (Snyder & Cerrato) used to do this!" and "they always spend so much money on players, who never amount to anything!" GET WITH IT PEOPLE! - these guys have an opportunity here to show us that things may have changed - THIS IS NOT BASEBALL! where statistics are the rule of the game.
this is the NFL where teamwork is a lot more important that skill - EVERYBODY at this level is a talented player - in the NFL your value is not how good you are but how good you make others around you

We are in transition for sure but I have a feeling that Snyder and Cerrato are going to try and let this group do their thing



It's not going to be a lot of fun here but these guys are going to make this team better ......... eventually!

[SkinsFreak]

With regard to Vin's comments about the DE position, I'll first say I've been in favor of drafting one for a few years. I'll also add that there's only so many picks and you're not going to fill every need in the draft.

That said, I can kinda see where Vin's coming from with that statement. Based on Williams' desires, we've been stuck with Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels for the past few years. Carter is fine and I think he'll get better.

The number of sacks for a DE is not the only benchmark for that position. Daniels did in fact make some plays last year, although he is getting up there is age. I was very enthused by the emergence of Chris Wilson last year and his speed off the corner. I'd also like to see what Alex Buzbee can do, as he created quite a "buzz" last year in camp. And Evans isn't great, but he isn't terrible either. Blache may in fact have more faith or liking in some of these guys.

So I agree a stud pass rushing DT is more of a need right now. As far as Vin's other positions mentioned, he is right on with those. We definitely need o-line depth (and don't forget about Lorenzo Alexander, as they said before he may be used more frequently on that side of the ball) cornerback (Rogers may not be ready and we need depth) safety (Prioleau may be leaving) and needing a big possession WR.

1st round pick prediction? Limas Sweed

[SkinsFreak]

And just to finish my thought here...

I have no idea what our cap restraints will be this year. Having said that, I'd go after an up-and-comer like Limas Sweed and pass on Chad Johnson. I'd upgrade that position in the draft rather than in free agency. I would target one guy in free agency to fill a need, Asante Samuel. I know he'll want big bucks, but he's worth it and we have a void at that position. Blache also said in a recent interview that in his opinion, CB is one of the most important positions on defense.

That would leave us to target positions in the draft such as WR, DT, o-line, SS and as Vin mentioned, possibly a young QB from the late rounds for depth. Maybe someone like... uh... Colt Brennan? I think he is projected as a late rounder.

[Countertrey]

I would target one guy in free agency to fill a need, Asante Samuel. I know he'll want big bucks, but he's worth it and we have a void at that position.

I'd be all over this one. Samuel can man up with the best of them... and he can lay the wood, when called for. With the quality of our Safety's, he would be a true terror in our defensive backfield.

[The Hogster]

I understand his so-called "logic", but I can't understand why the team is unwilling to admit the obvious. Having an athletic DE who can pass rush can only help our defense.

Daniels is in his mid thirties, at some point you have to face reality.

[SkinsFreak]

I would target one guy in free agency to fill a need, Asante Samuel. I know he'll want big bucks, but he's worth it and we have a void at that position.

I'd be all over this one. Samuel can man up with the best of them... and he can lay the wood, when called for. With the quality of our Safety's, he would be a true terror in our defensive backfield.

Yeah, I agree. Doughty did show some development last year however I still think he's somewhat of a liability in pass coverage due to a lack of speed. The addition of Samuel would compensate for that and give us good depth at the position. Samuel, Springs, Smoot and Rogers would be nice.

Torrence and Eubanks are reasonable for depth, but I'm not sold on them as starters, even though Torrence had a few bright moments last year. For whatever reason, David Macklin didn't work out and I wonder if he'll be retained. I am still curious to see if Byron Westbrook will emerge or if he'll be given a legitimate chance. But the addition of Samuel would significantly strengthen our secondary so we could focus on the d-line in the draft.

[spenser]

I would target one guy in free agency to fill a need, Asante Samuel. I know he'll want big bucks, but he's worth it and we have a void at that position.

I'd be all over this one. Samuel can man up with the best of them... and he can lay the wood, when called for. With the quality of our Safety's, he would be a true terror in our defensive backfield.

Yea he would be nice... To bad he is going to want 80 million dollars or more.

[chiefhog44]

I would target one guy in free agency to fill a need, Asante Samuel. I know he'll want big bucks, but he's worth it and we have a void at that position.

I'd be all over this one. Samuel can man up with the best of them... and he can lay the wood, when called for. With the quality of our Safety's, he would be a true terror in our defensive backfield.

Asante Samuel would cost a fortune. I'd rather stick with Smoot to start alongside Springs and pick up someone in the draft. Let's get away from looking at high priced free agents to fix a need that is not really broken. Yes they may not be the best in the league, but they're pretty good. Smoot and Springs did great last year together.

Derick Harvey (DE) may be available in the first round and Cromartie may be available when we pick in the second round. That would be an awesome lineup. Monk in the third?

When Rodgers comes back, you've got great depth. Then next year you could move Springs to safety if Rogers steps up and starts playing like a franchise CB.

[CanesSkins26]

Monk in the third?

Monk isn't all that good to begin with, and he is coming off of a season in which he underwent two knee surgeries on his right knee. No need to take a risk on a receiver who's health is a question mark. I'd much rather use the first rounder on Sweed.

[CanesSkins26]

When Rodgers comes back, you've got great depth. Then next year you could move Springs to safety if Rogers steps up and starts playing like a franchise CB.

The problem is that nobody knows how effective Rogers is going to be when he gets back. The smart thing for the Skins to do would be to prepare for the season as if Rogers wont be back at all, then anything that he gives us will be a bonus. Expecting him to be 100% in 2008 might not be totally realistic.

[andyjens89]

Collins staying put?
Todd Collins | Redskins | Interested: Vikings? Rams? Falcons? Jaguars?
New Redskins coach Jim Zorn phoned Collins recently to relay the team's interest in retaining the potential free agent quarterback as a backup, according to The Washington Post.

Collins, 36, has told friends he would like to land a starting job, but has not ruled out remaining in Washington as Jason Campbell's backup.

Jacksonville, Atlanta, St. Louis and Minnesota could have interest in Campbell, according to the paper. Collins played in the final four games of the 2007 regular season and after Campbell was injured and led the Redskins to a wild-card berth.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/features/rumors

[chiefhog44]

When Rodgers comes back, you've got great depth. Then next year you could move Springs to safety if Rogers steps up and starts playing like a franchise CB.

The problem is that nobody knows how effective Rogers is going to be when he gets back. The smart thing for the Skins to do would be to prepare for the season as if Rogers wont be back at all, then anything that he gives us will be a bonus. Expecting him to be 100% in 2008 might not be totally realistic.

I would agree with you but I don't think you need to go out and shoot your wad on Asante Samuel when you have two good starters to begin with in Smoot and Springs. I think we have to pick a CB in the second. There are five or six solid CB prospects in this draft and one will drop to us in the second.

[langleyparkjoe]

Springs coming back? Are we sure about that? Reaaally sure about that?

[yupchagee]

When Rodgers comes back, you've got great depth. Then next year you could move Springs to safety if Rogers steps up and starts playing like a franchise CB.

The problem is that nobody knows how effective Rogers is going to be when he gets back. The smart thing for the Skins to do would be to prepare for the season as if Rogers wont be back at all, then anything that he gives us will be a bonus. Expecting him to be 100% in 2008 might not be totally realistic.

I would agree with you but I don't think you need to go out and shoot your wad on Asante Samuel when you have two good starters to begin with in Smoot and Springs. I think we have to pick a CB in the second. There are five or six solid CB prospects in this draft and one will drop to us in the second.

I'm comfortable with Springs & Smoot as starters & Torrence as nickel back. I think we have bigger needs than CB in this draft, OG for example.

[SkinsFreak]

When Rodgers comes back, you've got great depth. Then next year you could move Springs to safety if Rogers steps up and starts playing like a franchise CB.

The problem is that nobody knows how effective Rogers is going to be when he gets back. The smart thing for the Skins to do would be to prepare for the season as if Rogers wont be back at all, then anything that he gives us will be a bonus. Expecting him to be 100% in 2008 might not be totally realistic.

I agree with you on this one, Canes. There is certainly a chance Rogers comes back early in the season and plays. But it will take some time to develop complete confidence in that knee and get back to a 100%. I'm still a big fan of Rogers and I think he's much better than some are willing to give him credit for, but I honestly don't see him 100% for a while.

Springs and Smoot are nice but there's no depth, whatsoever, behind them. And the chances of them staying completely healthy over a 16 game season is unlikely. Lack of depth was a huge factor in 2006 when are pass defense fell off the chart and Smoot and Springs missed games in 2007. When Springs, Rogers and Smoot miss games due to injury, our secondary is really exposed.

Greg Blache recently made a point to stress his opinion regarding the paramount importance of CB's in his system. That kinda tells me he intends to strengthen or improve our roster at that position. We've used several 1st rounds picks in the recent past on our secondary. You can't keep going there with your 1st day picks. That's why I think they will upgrade that position in free agency with a proven talent and use our high picks on other positions of need such as a WR, DT OL, SS or a DE.

As far as the price tag on Asante Samuel, our capologist Eric Shaffer has never had much difficulty in finding a ways to make it work, despite the media's annual "cap hell" predictions. There's is no reason to think he can't find a way to acquire Samuel and still meet the cap requirements. That said, I'm not a cap expert and I as a previously mentioned, I have no idea what wiggle room we will have this year. But it there is wiggle room, then I would support the acquisition of Samuel.