Commanders Post at The Warpath - Lavar has been misused...

I'm betting that Lavar is a Redskin next season. He's willing to restructure and the implications of a release/trade are spelled out below:

[size=4]Washington Redskins[/size]
[size=1]What happened last year?[/size]

Washington made an improbable run into the divisional round of the playoffs after starting the season 5-6. The run was improbable to most but not to loyal readers of the FOXSports.com power rankings, which had them ranked 10th in the NFL before they began their run to the playoffs.

On offense, Washington was No. 12 in DVOA (up from No. 28 in 2004), No. 10 in passing offense and No. 9 in the league when running the ball. The Redskins' defense was stellar once again, ranking only behind Chicago in our overall defensive rankings, finishing seventh in the league against the pass and fourth against the run. Washington's special teams were 14th in the league, despite an exceptional year from punter Derrick Frost and his coverage team — the second best unit in the NFL according to our rankings.

Who's leaving?

When it comes to salary cap management, the Redskins are the polar opposite of their division rivals in Philadelphia. While the Eagles enter each off-season with more salary cap space than they know what to do with, Washington stumbles in millions over the cap, having to cut veterans or restructure their contracts to make up for the millions of dead money that inevitably finds its way into Washington's cap figure. Washington is reportedly $20 million over the cap, with two players — linebacker Lavar Arrington and tackle Chris Samuels — with cap values of more than $10 million each.

Although the team does not have many potential unrestricted free agents (safety Ryan Clark being the only starter), the team could lose some familiar faces as it tries to cut at least $20 million off of its cap. The Washington Post has a nice article on Washington's salary cap situation, detailing the myriad of ways the Redskins can get under the salary cap. Some players will need to be cut (center Cory Raymer, safety Matt Bowen, kicker John Hall), while others will need to restructure bonuses due to them in 2006 (quarterback Mark Brunell, running back Clinton Portis, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin); and Patrick Ramsey will likely be traded, just to give Washington enough room under the cap to make some minor free-agent moves.

If Washington wants to make a major free agent acquisition, it's likely that Arrington will need to restructure his contract. [color=red]Cutting or trading Arrington is not a realistic option for Washington, as either will cost the Redskins $12 million in dead money. The team did spend over $9 million in cap space last year, so that Laveranues Coles could play for the Jets — meaning that option shouldn't be ruled out.[/color]

Who Should They Sign?

Washington's biggest need on offense is a wide receiver to take some attention away from Santana Moss. While Moss gained 1483 yards in 2005, the rest of the wide receivers on Washington's roster combined for only 529 yards. Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne is the biggest potential free agent on the market, but Washington will need to get extra creative with its restructuring to get far enough under the cap to afford him. The aforementioned Jurevicius and Randle El are more likely targets.

Another receiver name to keep in mind is New England Patriots receiver David Givens. Last year, the Redskins tried to bring some New England magic to Virginia by signing David Patten to serve as their second receiver. Patten was a huge disappointment, gaining only 217 yards in the air on a paltry 9.9 yards per catch. Givens, however, is a better bet than Patten was last year. Givens is six years younger than Patten and has much better hands. Since 1998, Patten has caught only 48 percent of the balls thrown in his direction. Givens has managed to haul in 58 percent of passes thrown to him in his four-year career.

The Redskins will also need to acquire some depth on their offensive line. With Raymer a likely cap casualty, and guard Ray Brown's retirement after a 20-year career, Washington will be left with no backup with any NFL experience for guards Randy Thomas and Derrick Dockery and center Casey Rabach. Veteran lineman Bob Hallen, who has started 47 games in his eight-year career with the Falcons and Chargers at both center and guard, could be a good fit in Washington. The former second-round pick was unable to hold onto a starting job in either Atlanta or San Diego, but his versatility — and likely cheap price tag — is exactly what Washington needs to beef up its offensive line.