Did We Shoot Ourselves In The Foot??

First, we had to pay Coles the $5 million in bonus because we were contractually obligated to do so. That $5 million wasn't a roster bonus, it was guaranteed to him for signing with the 'Skins. They just deferred the payment until now. When you cut or trade a guy, that releases you from all liability regarding the annual base salaries. But there is no getting around the guaranteed portion, and we guaranteed him we'd pay $5 million this spring.

I agree that Moss is a step down from Coles in terms of talent, and it sure does suck that our cap room is gone. But Coles forced our hand on this one. We would have made a bigger mess if we kept him against his will, and used the extra cap room to sign more free agents. This year, we would have stuffed more talent under our salary cap for sure. But next year, in 2006, we'd have a disaster of Tennessee Titan proportions and we DEFINITELY would have had to blow the whole thing up. Now that we traded Coles, restructured some contracts, and refrained from signing any big-name free agents, we have a fighting chance to keep the team together in 2006 and beyond.

Those complaining about the NFL and how it's so hard to keep your players for the long-haul should be rejoicing on this one. The downside to this deal is our team suffers talent-wise this year. The plus side is we have a much better chance at building something that will last and gradually improve.

I think the front office made the best of a bad situation. I'm glad to see the team making a philosophical switch to doing things the right way.

Because we were contractually obliged to. Why didn't we fight it? Because it isn't a big free agency selling point to race like mad to avoid paying players already on the roster.

Put it another way. We can get another $5 million. We can't get back our reputation if we screw someone out of $5 million.He was the one who signed the seven year deal and now wants out. How would we be screwing him out of money if we made the deal contingent on him waving the 5mil

He was the one who signed the seven year deal and now wants out. How would we be screwing him out of money if we made the deal contingent on him waving the 5mil

Because it's guaranteed money....

I think we shot ourselves in the foot here. I know its a matter of getting somthing for Coles; but in all seriousness, I would have rather released Coles and not taken that hit. You cant trade a guy for lesser value and take that hit, in my opinion. I think we should have either kept Coles on the bench, or just flat out released him, which yeah woudl have sucked. However taking this cap hit for this crap is rediculous.

I agree -- this was bungled and badly. Does anyone else think Cerrato is struglling with the concept of walking upright? He must have a picture of The Danny with a goat or something, because he's ruining the team. Without more $$, Smoot is gone, which is a shame given that the guy plays with real heart (recall him playing with a busted sternum -- that's as tough as it gets).

Separately, does anyone know what the story is with Mike Barrow? If he's back and healthy (two big ifs), that will make the loss of Pierce a bit easier.

You are SO RIGHT ABOUT Cerrato. He did SF in :Flush: and when he is through here the same will be said. If anyone needs to go it is VINNY!!!! Trade him to the jets please Danny!!!! As for Coles I think he will not be right for the rest of his NFL days. Yes he plays hurt but he is not the player he thinks he is. Is Moss better only time will tell. One thing that looks to be true is Moss was a better Jet in the locker room and a real Jet then Coles ever was or would be after what he said! I Can't wait to see Taylor taking him out someday!!!! But Unless Vinny and Danny gets Smoot back as a Redskin I think we are no better off then we were a week ago!

Do the Skins play the Jets this year?

Do the Skins play the Jets this year?

Only in the Super Bowl.... but the Jets wont get there ;)

You are SO RIGHT ABOUT Cerrato. He did SF in :Flush: and when he is through here the same will be said. If anyone needs to go it is VINNY!!!! Trade him to the jets please Danny!!!! As for Coles I think he will not be right for the rest of his NFL days. Yes he plays hurt but he is not the player he thinks he is. Is Moss better only time will tell. One thing that looks to be true is Moss was a better Jet in the locker room and a real Jet then Coles ever was or would be after what he said! I Can't wait to see Taylor taking him out someday!!!! But Unless Vinny and Danny gets Smoot back as a Redskin I think we are no better off then we were a week ago!

I'm not sure it's Vinny's fault. I'm sure this had to be run by Prez Gibbs and Owner Snyder for approval, so they share in the responsibility.

I really don't know why you think we were better off keeping a guy who doesn't want to be here.

Why? Dollars and common sense!

Whether or not we actually spend the cap money is academic now. If we had the cap space, options would be there. And that's the point: We greatly reduced, if not eliminated, many of our options.

I'd let him sit and pout all he wants. Sooner or later he'd have a change of heart, particularly if we're winning and get our act together offensively.

You also have to think about what kind of message that sends though? You can sit on your ass and bitch and when we win we'll put you back in like nothing happened?