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Update on Rolle, Coles and Samuels... Deal CLOSE
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 1:30 am
by Jake
After Trade Fails, Coles's Return Appears More Likely
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 28, 2005; Page D01
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 27 -- The seemingly inevitable departure of wide receiver Laveranues Coles from the Washington Redskins has turned into a soap opera. And after the latest twist, NFL general managers here at the Scouting Combine believe Washington will be forced to release Coles or bring him back -- if the team can't persuade him to drop his demands for a contract extension from trade suitors.
On Saturday, Coles caused the collapse of a trade with the New York Jets for wide receiver Santana Moss by requesting an extension from his potential new team. Despite Coles's troubled toe, several teams -- including the Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- remain interested, sources said. But even if Washington finds another trade partner, that team will be reluctant to consummate a deal for a player who requests an extension, said several NFL team executives.
One NFL personnel official said Coles doesn't appear willing to budge from his stance because the wideout believes Washington reneged from an agreement to release him. Coach Joe Gibbs, who denied any such agreement, insisted Saturday that the Redskins will retain Coles for the 2005 season if the club doesn't receive equal value.
"You have to talk to the kid or his agent before you make the trade. You don't make the trade blind," said an NFC general manager who requested anonymity. "If you find out what Coles wants and you're not willing to pay it, you don't do a deal. You're trading for a guy who already has foot issues. Even if he's contractually bound, you don't want to bring him in with an attitude about his contract.
"[The Redskins] have to get the $5 million back before Wednesday. The clock is running out. If I'm the Redskins, I'd release him for the $5 million because he still has too much leverage."
But another AFC executive disagreed: "All it takes is one team willing to deal with any problems later. What's he going to do, not show up?"
Coles is due a $5 million bonus payment on April 1 and has appeared willing to forfeit the money if Washington releases him, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. But Coles must do so by Wednesday for Washington to benefit from cap relief this season. After Wednesday, the Redskins would only benefit in the 2006 season.
The issue became moot since Washington appeared to find a way to trade Coles, whose agent Roosevelt Barnes did not return several calls to his office, without his consent. In the Moss-Coles trade, Washington was willing to assume cap responsibility for Coles's $5 million bonus. The Redskins intended to create enough room under the cap to trade Coles by restructuring tackle Chris Samuels's contract via an extension. Talks between Samuels and the Redskins progressed over the weekend, sources said, and an agreement is near.
Meanwhile, sources said the Redskins have a strong interest in acquiring cornerback Samari Rolle, who was released last week by the Tennessee Titans in a salary cap purge. Vice President Vinny Cerrato last night denied the Redskins were in serious negotiations with Rolle. Rolle's agent, Peter Schaffer, declined to comment.
Acquiring the 6-foot, 175-pound Rolle would almost certainly end cornerback Fred Smoot's career in Washington. Late last season, talks for an extension reached an impasse after Smoot declined Washington's offer that included a $10 million bonus. Smoot's camp countered with a $14 million bonus. One NFL source said Rolle, who was coached by assistant head coach of defense Gregg Williams when both were in Tennessee, has requested a signing bonus of at least $12 million.
"He's not quite the cover guy that Smoot is, but he would be one of the top three cornerbacks available" in free agency, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Sunday at a hotel where his team officials, including Coach Bill Parcells, are staying. "He can still play."
Last season, Rolle appeared in 12 games, finishing with one interception and 28 tackles, before undergoing left knee surgery. The seven-year veteran's best season was in 2000; Rolle made the Pro Bowl after making seven interceptions for the Titans.
Saturday, Gibbs said the Redskins still hoped to re-sign Smoot and noted the cornerback was at Redskins Park last week for a meeting that included owner Daniel Snyder.
Although the Redskins have emphasized character players, Rolle is scheduled for an April 6 court hearing for allegedly hitting his wife on Valentine's Day. Rolle turned himself in to police the next day on one misdemeanor charge of assault. He faces probation or up to one year in jail.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ar ... Feb27.html
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 1:41 am
by oafusp
I am not too excited about Rolle. I think he is past his prime....but that is what many thought about Shawn Springs last year.
If Smoot does leave I will just remember all those "whiffs" on the QB's when he blitzed...he'd just lunge at them and fall on his face...I am sure it ticked Williams off!
Sounds like the Cowboys like Smoot....can Smoot play for a team he talked so much smack about? Or is Smoot just a talker?
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:10 am
by JPM36
I'll be honest, if Smoot went to Dallas it would break my heart.
I take anything Nunyo says with a grain of salt.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:22 am
by Brandon777
I read on a cowboy message board that Smoot said something during an autograph signing:
"It'll be interesting to see what it'll be like playing on the other side of the rivalry. Those in the NFC East know what I'm talkin' about."
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:35 am
by SirSmizzy
Brandon777 wrote:I read on a cowboy message board that Smoot said something during an autograph signing:
"It'll be interesting to see what it'll be like playing on the other side of the rivalry. Those in the NFC East know what I'm talkin' about."
I read this too ,to me he's just trying to drive that cost up.
Im sure he figures saying something like this might get Snyder to hand him a big contract instead of going to Dallas.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:17 am
by Champsturf
Screw it. Let Smoot go. Doesn't sound like the core player we all thought he was. I don't really like Rolle either though.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:29 am
by die cowboys die
oafusp wrote:I am not too excited about Rolle. I think he is past his prime....but that is what many thought about Shawn Springs last year.
i seem to recall springs being thought of as "injury-prone", not "past his prime". i may be wrong but that's how i remember it.
there is no way on earth rolle is worth a 12 million dollar signing bonus! the man must be completely deluded.
plus, i think there is a very low chance of gibbs signing a player that is charged with hitting his wife recently!
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:25 am
by Scottskins
die cowboys die wrote:oafusp wrote:I am not too excited about Rolle. I think he is past his prime....but that is what many thought about Shawn Springs last year.
i seem to recall springs being thought of as "injury-prone", not "past his prime". i may be wrong but that's how i remember it.
there is no way on earth rolle is worth a 12 million dollar signing bonus! the man must be completely deluded.
plus, i think there is a very low chance of gibbs signing a player that is charged with hitting his wife recently!
I live in Seahawks country and Springs was considered injury prone, and mebbe to a lesser extent, figured to have lost a step because of his injuries. More to the point though, Springs was considered by seahawk friends of mine, to have never lived up to his potential. They are pretty impressed with his play for us though
I completely agree about Rolle. I like the guy and would love to have him, but for far less than a 12 mil signing bonus. I'd say 8 max with vet minimums on the salary. But as you said, I highly doubt Gibbs would sign a wife beater, unless his record was otherwise spotless and he convinced Gibbs it was totally out of character and would never happen again.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:01 am
by ANT7088
Just because of the problems he's causing, I hate Smoot & I hope we get rid of him! He's not a #1 CB, he's hardly a #2! He's got heart, but his mouth is bigger then his play is! We didn't miss a beat when Chump left last year and we won't when Smoot goes. Get Smoot out, he went from being 1 of my favorite players to a player with a bad attitude that I hate!
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:26 am
by Jake
oafusp wrote:I am not too excited about Rolle.
Me neither. He's not a bad corner but I'd prefer Smoot re-sign (which seems unlikely) or Ken Lucas. I don't like the fact that he was in an altercation with his wife on "stupid men day" but there's probably more to it than we know.
I disliked Rolle the day he held out with the Titans. It was about 4 or 5 years ago and it still sticks out like a sore thumb. I hate when players hold out.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:43 pm
by truskinsfan18
over the last few years rolles tackles have decreased, hes past his prime and a waste of money fo rthat much
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:50 pm
by Skinsfan55
Here's Scouts Inc's scouting report for Samari Rolle:
"Rolle is undersized and gets pushed around too much by bigger receivers. He is not very physical in the passing game or the running game. He has adequate height, but lacks bulk and strength. Is a finesse DC that does not like to press receivers. He is a below average tackler who does not fill hard vs. the run. He also has had lots of trouble staying healthy for a complete season. However, when Rolle is healthy he is one of the more athletic cover corners in the NFL. Is versatile enough to play outside or inside against the slot receiver, but spends most of his time on the outside. He is quicker than fast, but rarely gets beat one-on-one down the sideline because he has excellent technique and recognition skills, and he has very smooth hips. He is at his best in the short-to-intermediate zone when he can take chances and jump underneath routes. Possesses rare recognition skills and he plays with great technique. Overall, Rolle is one of the better pure cover corners in the NFL."
He seems too delicate, but he is rated higher than Shawn Springs (76 to 80)
Also, if Gregg Williams vouches for him, then who am I to disagree. Williams thinks he's a great fit for the offense, then so be it, lets have him in Washington!
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 1:05 pm
by frankcal20
I think that it would be better for us to resign Smoot. If we're going to offer this guy all this money with his injury problems and his age, why cant we give it to a guy who always played hurt, when he talked, he backed it up and he knows our system. I think if we show him commitment via $$$ then he may play harder for us. I just really like him. These guys look at this fully as a buisness. They arn't lifelong fans like we are. (Springs is though) But what i'm trying to say is they are just trying to put themselves in the best situation for themselves. We do that in our daily job. If we work past our scheduled hours we want overtime. Are we willing to help someone do have the work and not get any of the credit. Lets be realistic. We would do the same thing if we were in their position and not be longtime fans. Hell, we would all go out there and play for free if we could but they just dont think like that. All their life most of them have been extremely gifted at some sport and they have had people telling them that they need to get all they can. Where would that leave you mentally. Gonna stop rambling.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 1:46 pm
by Justice Hog
Did Jerry Jones call Fred Smoot a "cover corner"? Is he smoking the same crack as his players? Since when has Fred "I'll play 15 yards off the WR" Smoot ever been a cover corner?
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:25 pm
by redskincity
I like Rolle, he is a Pro bowler and has better cover skills than Smoot.
Smoot is OK covering the #2 wideout, but Rolle has been to the Probowl covering and shutting down the other teams top man.
When you put two #1 calibre Corners out there, it frustrates QBs, no matter who they are.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:16 pm
by tx_skins_fan
I remember Rolle picking off Brad Johnson to seal a victory against us on a Monday night. Who was his defensive coordinator then? Oh, Greg Williams. He must know how to coach Rolle. I'm not worried.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:38 pm
by skins
the secondary will be solid with or without another corner to replace smoot.
Springs is a solid #1 corner
Bowen will be healthy
Walt Harris obviosly the weak link
Sean Taylor, in his soph season
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:43 pm
by tcwest10
I just want a guy who wants to be here. I couldn't care less about his pay right now.
Who wants to hear LC or Smoot whining and watch them skulk around if they wind up staying someplace they clearly don't want to be ?
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:46 pm
by redskincity
tcwest10 wrote:I just want a guy who wants to be here. I couldn't care less about his pay right now.
Who wants to hear LC or Smoot whining and watch them skulk around if they wind up staying someplace they clearly don't want to be ?
and they will surely drop poison on the floor for some else to walk in.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:50 pm
by tcwest10
Agreed, RSC. I'm getting a little tired of the mutiny. Rats jumping off a ship they assume is sinking.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:07 pm
by Pokes4Life
Justice Hog wrote:Did Jerry Jones call Fred Smoot a "cover corner"? Is he smoking the same crack as his players? Since when has Fred "I'll play 15 yards off the WR" Smoot ever been a cover corner?
Smoot playing 15 yards off the ball is more about Greg Williams defensive play calling than anything else. He is just doing what Williams is asking him to do. I sure hope Smoot leaves Washington. He'd look pretty damn good in a STAR. He has that swagger and cockiness to him. Gotta love it.
I think it would be a blessing if you guys signed Rolle. Sounds like you will be overpaying for him too. Really don't need y'all getting overly aggressive in the CB market. That would suck for the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL.
Don't knock Smoot on his play, he was a pretty big reason for you guys being the #1 defense statistically. Of course playing teams like the 49ers can help any team become #1 statistically. Example, look at the 2003 Cowboys. Anyway, my guess is the Cowboys either have Ken Lucas or Fred Smoot signed by the end of the week. Hope so anyway.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:12 pm
by tcwest10
We're not knocking Smoot on purpose. It's damage control, in case he leaves. Common defense mechanism triggered by a perceived betrayal.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 9:35 pm
by Scooter
With an upgrade at DE, or a healthy Daniels - that position becomes a little less critical. Again, Gregg Williams - the best coach in DC last year - likes Rolle... that's good enough for me. Williams is THE MAN. If he calls Rolle a shutdown corner - I ain't gonna say any different. Smoot should have taken the money - he won't get more on the open market - time will tell.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:02 pm
by tcwest10
Awww, you never know. There's always somebody with too much money laying around.
Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:03 pm
by terps and skins
id like us to get a pass rushing defensive end though...
