Redskins hit ground running, adding Lloyd, courting others
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:21 am
The Washington Redskins took their usual quick dive into free agency Saturday, trading for receiver Brandon Lloyd and spending $10,000 for seats to court four players at an NBA game.
The Redskins sent a third-round pick in this year's draft and a fourth-round selection in 2007 to the San Francisco 49ers for Lloyd, who was a restricted free agent. Washington will now attempt to sign Lloyd to a long-term deal.
Owner Dan Snyder also treated receiver Antwaan Randle El, linebacker Andre Carter, safety Adam Archuleta and quarterback Todd Collins to Saturday night's Washington Wizards game against the Detroit Pistons.
Snyder spent $10,000 on four "dream seats" next to the Pistons bench, and Archuleta and Randle El sat there with Redskins players Chrisey and Jason Campbell in the second half. The other players watched from a luxury suite with Redskins coaches and front office officials.
An official within the league told The Associated Press that the team was in varying states of negotiations with the four players, some of whom were accompanied by their agents. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were continuing.
The 49ers could have demanded a first-round pick for Lloyd, but the Redskins don't have one in this year's draft. Lloyd led San Francisco in receiving last year with 48 catches for 733 yards and will fill the team's need for a No. 2 receiver to complement Pro Bowl wideout Santana Moss.
Lloyd, a fourth-round draft pick by San Francisco from Illinois in 2003, was expected to arrive in Washington on Sunday and be introduced at a news conference Monday.
Lloyd was anxious to leave San Francisco. He alienated teammates and clashed with Mike Nolan's new coaching staff, and Nolan repeatedly spoke with Lloyd about the receiver's attitude during the season.
Lloyd made countless eye-popping catches during his three years with San Francisco, but he also had a series of memorable drops and mistakes while feuding with the media at times. Lloyd also drew criticism from hard-nosed teammates such as Fred Beasley and Kevan Barlow for his flashy jewelry and his aspirations to become a rapper in his spare time.
Meanwhile, the Redskins lost tight end Robert Royal, who signed with the Buffalo Bills. Royal was mostly used as a blocker in coach Joe Gibbs' scheme, but his departure leaves another hole to be filled in the offseason.
As usual, Gibbs worked the phones as soon as the free agent market opened at 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday. The five targeted players represent the team's top priorities: receiver, linebacker, defensive back and backup quarterback.
Randle El is a versatile talent who last month won a championship ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Randle El caught 35 passes for 558 yards last season and threw a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
Carter would be a natural replacement for departed linebacker LaVar Arrington. The Redskins want to generate more of a pass rush, and Carter has 32 sacks over his five-year career with San Francisco. He had 12.50 in 2002 but only 6.50 over his last two years.
Archuleta, who has played five seasons with the St. Louis Rams, would supplement a thin secondary and provide insurance in case the Redskins lose either of their safeties: Free safety Sean Taylor is scheduled to stand trail next month on aggravated assault charges in Florida, and strong safety Ryan Clark became a free agent Saturday when the team was unable to sign him to a new deal.
Collins is a candidate to serve as the third-string quarterback behind Mark Brunell and Jason Campbell. He played in Kansas City last year under offensive coordinator Al Saunders, who has joined the Redskins as an associate head coach.
Royal, a fifth-round draft pick from LSU in 2002, had 18 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown last year. He and Clark are the only regular Redskins starters from last season to become free agents.
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