The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

frankcal20 wrote:Yes. He was going to check out Carolina and Atlanta. Nothing new but that. He really wants to play for a SB contender but what player doesn't.

By Jason Reid
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, March 15, 2008; Page E03

The Washington Redskins are waiting for free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett to decide on their contract offer before pursuing other options at the position, a league source said yesterday, and the team still is in contact with the agent for wide receiver Reche Caldwell.

The Redskins offered Hackett a contract during his two-day visit this week, hoping the four-year veteran would immediately sign with them, but Hackett instead continued his free agent tour. After leaving Redskins Park on Thursday, Hackett was scheduled to meet with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers.

Although the terms of Washington's offer to Hackett have not been revealed, the Redskins have said they plan to spend wisely in free agency. Washington is not interested in adding big contracts to its salary base, team officials said, and it seems determined to stick to the plan financially.

"We like Hackett, and that's why we brought him in," said Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations. "We want to have as many talented guys on the team as we can have, we want to raise the level of competition, but we have to do it the right way.

"We'd like to get something worked out, but for the right price. We're just waiting to see what happens and if there's something that can work. I don't know if there is, but we'll see. We feel like we're in a good position [with the roster], but you always want to improve."

The Redskins are interested in re-signing Caldwell, who initially signed with the team on Sept. 11. Inactive for most of the first half of last season, Caldwell made timely catches down the stretch while contributing to the Redskins' late-season run to a playoff berth.

"We're talking," said Caldwell's agent, Tony Fleming. "There's not a lot going on right now, but we'll see what happens."

Cerrato would like to acquire a dependable, big veteran receiver. Hackett (6 feet 2 and 208 pounds) could fill that role for quarterback Jason Campbell.

Hackett, who has been with the Seattle Seahawks since entering the league, was expected to have a breakthrough performance last season, but he was limited to only six games because of a high-ankle sprain. He had 32 receptions for 384 yards (a 12.0-yard average) and three touchdowns in the regular season.

Hackett played a key role in the Seahawks' 35-14 victory over the Redskins in the first round of the NFC playoffs, catching six passes for 101 yards (a 16.8-yard average) and one touchdown. He had his best season in 2006, setting personal marks with 45 catches for 610 yards (a 13.6-yard average) and four touchdowns. In his career, Hackett has 105 receptions for 1,394 yards (a 13.3-yard average) and nine touchdowns.

"Jim likes our receivers," Cerrato said, referring to new coach Jim Zorn. "We're comfortable with the guys we have, but you can never have enough talent."

Panthers agreed to terms with WR D.J. Hackett on a two-year, $3.5 million contract, according to Scout.com's Adam Caplan.

While Hackett has dealt with injuries, he's been highly productive when healthy and is only 26. In Carolina, he becomes the top candidate to start opposite Steve Smith with Muhsin Muhammad likely working from the slot. Dwayne Jarrett will compete with Ryne Robinson to be the fourth receiver. Hackett has vertical and red-zone ability and should draw some attention away from Smith. His addition is good news for all Panthers skill players besides Jarrett. Expect solid WR3/4 numbers if Hackett starts.

GSPODS wrote: From the Rumor Mill:
After meeting with the Redskins, Bucs, and Panthers last week, free agent D.J. Hackett has returned to Seattle to consider his options.
There's speculation among league insiders that Hackett wants to return to Seattle and used his three visits as leverage in contract talks. The 26-year-old wideout may be willing to take a one-year deal from Seattle in the $2-3 million range.

Chris Luva Luva wrote:Awesome! I'm pleased with the other teams acquiring all of this mediocre talent for us. Hopefully this will get Rece resigned for a decent price and get A. Mix some time to shine. If Mix doesn't take advantage of this, then we'll get someone next year.

Good news.

andyjens89 wrote:2 years 3.5 mil isn't bad... I mean we gave 3 years 9 mil (3 mil guaranteed) to a 36 year old backup who was good for 4 games

PulpExposure wrote:

andyjens89 wrote:2 years 3.5 mil isn't bad... I mean we gave 3 years 9 mil (3 mil guaranteed) to a 36 year old backup who was good for 4 games

That's a very worthwhile comparison, because quarterbacks and wide receivers are valued the same, right?

sch1977 wrote:TC led us to the playoffs last season while Hackett umm.... umm.... see what had happened was....

andyjens89 wrote:

sch1977 wrote:TC led us to the playoffs last season while Hackett umm.... umm.... see what had happened was....

Well.... he removed us from the playoffs

VetSkinsFan wrote:I still think Hackett would have been a nice assistant to Zorn for the offense he's implementing, provided it's the exact same offense they were under in Seattle. If it's a different flavor, then it's no loss. So far, I'm please with free-agency and I hope it continues on the right path.