Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

The Washington Post's Jason LaCanfora wrote and interesting story on the Redskins Insider. He implies, in passing, that Jansen's future in D.C. could be in doubt. I would hate to lose Jansen if he is not willing to restructure AND Dockery if negotiations do not progress with his re-signing.

Although the Washington Post has been known to make a few "reporting errors," Jason LaCanfora has a good reputation. I pray his report is more speculative than fact-based, hence it's posting on the web in lieu of printing in the paper.

[I]The Redskins have begun contacting agents for several key players hoping to create additional space under the 2007 salary cap, and re-worked receiver James Thrash's deal last week, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Thrash, 32, who has been a special-teams stalwart and solid receiver in limited duty, was set to make $1.3 million in base salary in 2007, but converted some of that money into a bonus, trimming about $380,000 of Washington's cap. He also received a two-year extension as part of the deal, the sources said.

The Redskins need to compel several more players to lower their cap figures in order to make space to sign free agents as they seek to improve a 5-11 team. They have approached several key veterans already, sources said, and will likely speak with agents for quarterback Mark Brunell, cornerback Shawn Springs, tackle Jon Jansen, and defensive linemen Renaldo Wynn and Phillip Daniels, among others.

Teams must be under the cap, estimated at $109 million, in early March, which is when clubs are eligible to begin signing free agents from other teams.

[B]Folks, keep an eye on the Springs and Brunell and Jansen situations. All three could get plenty interesting, and, by interesting I mean sticky.[/B][/I]

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

I think they would cut Brunell before they let Jansen go. I'm not too worried about them letting, what, the longest tenured Skin go.

He'll be around, count on that.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

For some reason I feel like we're going to be into "sky is falling" mode from a few key losses this offseason and come into the season and surprise everyone. Just like last year we were considering ourselves Super Bowl contenders, the opposite happens this year.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;273301]I think they would cut Brunell before they let Jansen go. I'm not too worried about them letting, what, the longest tenured Skin go.

He'll be around, count on that.[/QUOTE]

Not if they think he hasnt recovered from his achilles injury, He clearly hasnt been the same since.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=12thMan;273301]I think they would cut Brunell before they let Jansen go. I'm not too worried about them letting, what, the longest tenured Skin go.

He'll be around, count on that.[/quote]


No doubt they would get rid of Brunell before Jansen. Schneed - what type of cap savings would we get from cutting Brunell?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

With Brunell, the answer is simple. If he doesn't take a paycut, then cut his ass. I don't see what's so sticky about that one. He's simply not worth keeping. Collins could do just as good as Brunell in a backup role at this point.

On Jansen, I'm not understanding what could get sticky there, either. Unless the Skins are trying to extend him in the process of restructuring; in that case maybe he'd ask for more money? I dunno.

And with Springs, I'm thoroughly confused as well.

From what I know about the cap, I wouldn't anticipate any snafus with a basic restructure. Makes me wonder what La Canfora knows about the 'Skins intentions. If the Skins are hesitant to go with a basic restructure, that would show that they're beginning to think about the long term. Or maybe La Canfora is just misinformed.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=jamf;273305]Not if they think he hasnt recovered from his achilles injury, He clearly hasnt been the same since.[/quote]

I tell what, they would much rather keep a 31 yr. old, durable tackle coming off an injury almost two years ago, than a 37 year QB coming off major shoulder surgery, who will undoubtedly ride the pine this year.

Dontcha think?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

I'm all for line continuity, but Jansen's play last season was below average. he needs to pick it up if the skins are to be successful

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Bill B;273307]No doubt they would get rid of Brunell before Jansen. Schneed - what type of cap savings would we get from cutting Brunell?[/quote]

Cut him as a prior-to-June 1st, save $2.1 million in 2007, with no dead-cap carrying over to 2008.

Cut him as a post-June 1st, save $5.1 million in 2007, with a dead-cap hit of $3.1 million in 2008.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Imagine you're Jon Jansen for a second though. You've been in the league a long time, you're body has been beat down and broken in places you didn't even know you had. You've got a blossoming career post-football in television.

So now the Redskins approach you for a restructure. You could accept. Or you could also think "Wait, do I really need to be playing football anyway? And if I do, as much as I may love this team. At some point it's gotta be about me. And I want a ring, and how long do I have to wait here to get one?

Bottom line, it takes two to tango...and agree to restructured contracts

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

I would be surprised, but not shocked, if we let Jansen go. Anyone have his numbers?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Cutting Jansen as a prior-to-June 1st, save $2.65 million in 2007, with no dead-cap carrying over to 2008.

Cutting Jansen as a post-June 1st, save $4.2 million in 2007, with a $1.6 million dead-cap hit in 2008.

If they're asking him to simply restructure, he's not going to object because he'd still get what his contract says is coming to him. If they're asking him to extend the contract beyond 2008 (because that's the last year as it stands now), then maybe they're haggling.

Or, he'd certainly object if they're asking him to take a paycut. The question for him would be where can I make more money, on the open market or here in Washington with my salary reduced? He's scheduled to make $4.25 million in base salary in 2007. That could be what's going on here: the Skins might be trying to leverage him into taking a pay cut. The Skins might be saying dude, you won't get a better deal than what your current contract says. In fact, accept a $1 million pay cut, because you still won't get a better deal than that. Then he'd have a decision to make.

[B]ALL SPECULATION[/B]. It very well could be that La Canfora has it all wrong, and that Jansen is going to just do a simple restructure, and there'll be no problem. Who knows. But he's definitely got me intrigued. Everyone keep their radar up on this issue, if you hear anything please post it, because I'd love to try to interpret what's going on.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Schneed10;273315]Cut him as a prior-to-June 1st, save $2.1 million in 2007, with no dead-cap carrying over to 2008.

Cut him as a post-June 1st, save $5.1 million in 2007, with a dead-cap hit of $3.1 million in 2008.[/quote]

Thanks Schneed.

I actually though Jansen played pretty good and thought we were set on the offensive line. I think both sides need eachother. If the Redskins were to get rid of Jansen that would be a pretty big hit over 2007/2008, than we would have to dish out a big chunk of change to get a replacement -so to the Skins that would be a bad thing. Plus the Skins would have to get a new guy to learn all the schemes/plays - so from the Redskins perspective I think they would want to keep him.

From Jansens perspective I think he sees himself as worth more to the Skins than another team because the Skins want to keep continuity on the line and go into next season not having to wait a half a season(guess here) or more for the line to get used to eachother. Also, as many have pointed out other teams are probably a little scared to dish out big bucks on a player with an previous achilles injury and if Jansens agent is any good he would probably tell Jansen the same thing - that it would be in his best interest to work out a new contract.

Finally wouldn't staying in the same system with the same lineman be to Jansens benefit? If he went to a new team wouldn't he have to relearn that teams scheme and his fellow linemens tendencies? Plus would Jansen want to displace his family when he probably is on his last contract and has 3-5 years left?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;273326]I would be surprised, but not shocked, if we let Jansen go. Anyone have his numbers?[/QUOTE]

Home: 703-555-5150
Cell: 703-555-0420

oh wait....

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

I have a theroy that basically says that an offensive line can replace one guy a year with little to no dropoff. I'm not too worried about either Dockery or Jansen right now, but the front office has to make sure that we don't lose both of them. Thats basically like starting from scratch.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;273310]I tell what, they would much rather keep a 31 yr. old, durable tackle coming off an injury almost two years ago, than a 37 year QB coming off major shoulder surgery, who will undoubtedly ride the pine this year.

Dontcha think?[/QUOTE]
I personally would keep jansen.
But, You can't have an OT with a limp. If he isnt fully recovered, The team is probably going to let him go.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;273333]I have a theroy that basically says that an offensive line can replace one guy a year with little to no dropoff. I'm not too worried about either Dockery or Jansen right now, but the front office has to make sure that we don't lose both of them. Thats basically like starting from scratch.[/QUOTE]

I agree with your theory. I'd like to see Dockery resigned, but I'd really like to see Jansen stay here. There are a lot of FA guards and decent guards can be drafted in later rounds (e.g., Dockery was a 3rd rounder), but there aren't many quality tackles in FA and good ones are hard to find past the 2nd round.

Although I was harsh about Jansen's performance last season, I am optimistic that he can recover. 31 years old is getting up there, but he's probably got 3-4 good seasons left in the tank, assuming he becomes and stays relatively healthy.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Wade was pretty solid from what we saw last year, we would have to re-sign him if Jansen is let go. There's gotta be more to Jansen's situation to bring this on. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;273338]Wade was pretty solid from what we saw last year, we would have to re-sign him if Jansen is let go. There's gotta be more to Jansen's situation to bring this on. Definitely something to keep an eye on.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, Wade was pretty decent. I think he heard that he would like to start, so if Jansen goes he could be our man.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote]Yeah, Wade was pretty decent. I think he heard that he would like to start, so if Jansen goes he could be our man.[/quote]

This is the Redskins. What RTs can we find that we can pay a ton for?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;273338]Wade was pretty solid from what we saw last year, we would have to re-sign him if Jansen is let go. There's gotta be more to Jansen's situation to bring this on. Definitely something to keep an eye on.[/QUOTE]

Yep. Anyone looking for insight into Jansen's future should just focus on how the skins deal with Wade.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Here is when you start to worry about Jansen leaving or Dockery going elsewhere:

Stories start to appear in the Post and the Times and on Triple XXX Radio about how Jansen and/or Dockery is stubborn and/or not amenable to coaching and/or annoying to his teammates and/or has bad body odor.

That's what the Skins do when they are about to cut ties with players that have been around for a while; they trash them in the press to "soften the blow" for the fans. None of that has happened yet.

If it does, then you can look for the named player to be moving on...

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=sportscurmudgeon;273403]Here is when you start to worry about Jansen leaving or Dockery going elsewhere:

Stories start to appear in the Post and the Times and on Triple XXX Radio about how Jansen and/or Dockery is stubborn and/or not amenable to coaching and/or annoying to his teammates and/or has bad body odor.

That's what the Skins do when they are about to cut ties with players that have been around for a while; they trash them in the press to "soften the blow" for the fans. None of that has happened yet.

If it does, then you can look for the named player to be moving on...[/quote]

That is funny, sad, and unfortunately true.

Buges would never trash his guys, but I can see an "unnamed source" starting to drop nuggets to the press about how certain guys aren't "character" guys, or how they aren't getting along with coaches. Nothing like some rumors about a guy being a bad "locker room presence" to soften their FA value.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Jansen needs to restructure. His play has really declined the last couple of years. I think the skins may look to upgrade at RT.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Yeah, Jansen is such a cool guy and interesting radio/tv personality that you can't help but root for him, but his play has suffered.

Still, the o-line was killing people the second half of the season. Bad year for the team, but they were dominant.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Maybe I missed somthing, but I saw nothing in that article other than they were going to approach Jansen for a restructure, did I miss somthing?

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

I'm with you Gmanc

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=12thMan;273301]I think they would cut Brunell before they let Jansen go. I'm not too worried about them letting, what, the longest tenured Skin go.

He'll be around, count on that.[/quote]

Tenure means nothing around here. I would like to see Jansen stay but how many guys coming off of bad seasons will get to stick around with huge cap numbers? Also, isn't it three years in a row that he has been injured? Even though he was able to play through it, that can't be a good sign. I don't think that it is unreasonable at all to ask him to restructure. He is able to help the team and the team helps him.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Looking at the Redskins Cap, this may sound silly but they are in great shape. They are currently 2.9 over (not counting Thrash's savings). If they didn't restructure one contract (which they will) they could cut Wynn and John Hall and be about 1.4 under. Not to mention, if you look at Canuck's sheet, there are 63 players on there. So the rumor that they will be scrambling to field a team just isn't true. Now, the depth isn't anything to write home about but at least they have some flexibility.

I forget which article it was but the one that said (paraphrasing) "the only reason a big name would go is if they choose to let them go" is spot on. The cap won't be driving that decision.

I love seeing a low dead cap number. It prevents your hands from being tied. I almost hope that if they release Brunell, they do it before March 1st then that 3.1 won't be hanging over them next year (which looks to be a much more challenging year from a cap perspective. I see Portis gone after '07).

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

Even though Jansen is not "the player he was a few years ago" * , I think they should hold on to him as a utility backup lineman as they did with Jacoby in the late eighties and early nineties. There is no reason that Jansen couldn't back up at both Tackle and Guard.

*Former Dallas Coach Bill Parcells to the New York Times which is his favorite newspaper which is how we know he's gay.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Grim21Reaper;273485]Looking at the Redskins Cap, this may sound silly but they are in great shape. They are currently 2.9 over (not counting Thrash's savings). If they didn't restructure one contract (which they will) they could cut Wynn and John Hall and be about 1.4 under. Not to mention, if you look at Canuck's sheet, there are 63 players on there. So the rumor that they will be scrambling to field a team just isn't true. Now, the depth isn't anything to write home about but at least they have some flexibility.

I forget which article it was but the one that said (paraphrasing) "the only reason a big name would go is if they choose to let them go" is spot on. The cap won't be driving that decision.

I love seeing a low dead cap number. It prevents your hands from being tied. I almost hope that if they release Brunell, they do it before March 1st then that 3.1 won't be hanging over them next year (which looks to be a much more challenging year from a cap perspective. I see Portis gone after '07).[/quote]

First paragraph I agree with, they're in fine shape with the cap. But Canuck's cap sheet only includes the highest 51 salaries (rule of 51). It doesn't include all 63 players in the bottom line number.

I would like to see the team restructure several of the big contracts and axe Brunell this year, for cap purposes, as well.

I disagree on 2008 being a tough cap year. They'll be in the same boat they are this year. There will be plenty of deals that can be restructured to clear up cap space just as they're doing this year.

The only reason things wouldn't work out with Jansen and Springs is if the team sends the message that they're not valued as highly as they used to be. Otherwise, I don't see why it wouldn't work out.

Let's everyone not jump the gun here, I personally have the strong suspicion that La Canfora doesn't know what he's talking about on the Jansen and Springs situation.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Gmanc711;273480]Maybe I missed somthing, but I saw nothing in that article other than they were going to approach Jansen for a restructure, did I miss somthing?[/quote]
I think people are jumping over a litle side note that the guy added to his story abd right now there's nothing to worry about. I'm not sure what Jansen is set to be paid this year but I think its more than his worth as a free agent.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=firstdown;273548]I think people are jumping over a litle side note that the guy added to his story abd right now there's nothing to worry about. I'm not sure what Jansen is set to be paid this year but I think its more than his worth as a free agent.[/quote]

yeah it's funny how people are already making their post-Jansen plans, writing him off, etc.

I think we just need to calm down a second and wait this out.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;273553]yeah it's funny how people are already making their post-Jansen plans, writing him off, etc.

I think we just need to calm down a second and wait this out.[/QUOTE]

I agree. But, given the dearth of any news coming out of Redskins Park, we're latching on to anything at this point.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Gmanc711;273480]Maybe I missed somthing, but I saw nothing in that article other than they were going to approach Jansen for a restructure, did I miss somthing?[/QUOTE]


My feelings exactly. My guess is that Jansen has been amenable to simple restructures in the past, and he has a big enough contract to make a difference to the cap numbers.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;273340]Yeah, Wade was pretty decent. I think he heard that he would like to start, so if Jansen goes he could be our man.[/quote]

He played one game. Let's not get carried away here. Remember he was let go by the Texans.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;273654]He played one game. Let's not get carried away here. Remember he was let go by the Texans.[/QUOTE]

If Jansen goes (which is highly doubtful) Wade could end up being his replacement. We simply do not have the cap room to sign the 6th overall pick, Clements/Samuels, AND a great free agent RT. Besides, I do not know of any quality RTs on the market.

I didn't say the guy was great, I just said he could end up replacing Jansen were Jansen to be forced out.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;273665]If Jansen goes (which is highly doubtful) Wade could end up being his replacement. We simply do not have the cap room to sign the 6th overall pick, Clements/Samuels, AND a great free agent RT. Besides, I do not know of any quality RTs on the market.

I didn't say the guy was great, I just said he could end up replacing Jansen were Jansen to be forced out.[/quote]

We will have enough cap room to do all of that (if we want to), as long as we continue to restructure deals. Which definitely shouldn't be a problem.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[QUOTE=Schneed10;273676]We will have enough cap room to do all of that (if we want to), as long as we continue to restructure deals. Which definitely shouldn't be a problem.[/QUOTE]

You are assuming all the players want to restructure their contracts, which is what WP's LaCanfora might be hinting to: Some players may want to become FA's if the redskins restructure deal is not sweet enough.
Plus players like Jansen and Springs are getting older. Jansen level of play has suffered since his achillies, he is not the Pro-Bowl player of a few years ago.
Plus add Wade into the picture, he played well in his start and he is cheap. WP's LaCanfora is just speculating on these facts.
When you have a younger, cheaper decent player playing behind an expensive vet that is coming off a sub par season, anything can happen.
All speculation!
I am not saying Jansen will get cut. Some day Jansen will be off the team. Nothing is long term in this sport.

Re: Jansen's Future in Doubt?
 

[quote=Defensewins;274029]You are assuming all the players want to restructure their contracts, which is what WP's LaCanfora might be hinting to: Some players may want to become FA's if the redskins restructure deal is not sweet enough.
Plus players like Jansen and Springs are getting older. Jansen level of play has suffered since his achillies, he is not the Pro-Bowl player of a few years ago.
Plus add Wade into the picture, he played well in his start and he is cheap. WP's LaCanfora is just speculating on these facts.
When you have a younger, cheaper decent player playing behind an expensive vet that is coming off a sub par season, anything can happen.
All speculation!
I am not saying Jansen will get cut. Some day Jansen will be off the team. Nothing is long term in this sport.[/quote]

But restructuring deals do not involve any sweetening of the pot. The player still gets the exact amount of money his contract says he gets. Take Jansen for example. He's supposed to make $4.5 million or whatever in base salary this season. A restructure means they give him $4.0 million as a signing bonus right now, in a lumpsum payment, and pay him the other $500,000 in game checks starting in the fall. This is a lot better than waiting until the fall to collect the $4.5 million in game checks. But it's still the same amount of money.

Possible reasons things would go south with Jansen:
- He doesn't want to be a Redskin anymore, so he won't help the team out with a simple restructure.
- He's demanding a pay raise, and is threatening to hold out.
- The team thinks he's garbage and is asking him to take a paycut.

I don't see any reason to believe any of those scenarios are the case. They're certainly plausible, but until I hear something more substantial than La Canfora's speculation in his little blog, I'm going under the assumption that things are just fine with Jansen.

The Philly media built a mountain out of a molehill with Donovan McNabb's apparent unhappiness with the team. Same thing is happening here, though to a lesser extent. Media sensationalization at its best.