JLC's crystal ball
 

[B]The Crystal Ball[/B]

As I've said before, I'm not big on predications, but as we stand a week away from the start of the 2007 NFL calendar, and the goodness March 2 brings with it, I figured I'd weigh in on some fairly educated guesses about what's to come in Skinsland. I have done a fair amount of reporting the last few weeks , and while it is still too early to get a great read on certain situations, well, what the hell. It's a blog so I'll play a few hunches and we'll see how this shakes out.


I am sure some of you out there will be keeping score, and by all means, please do. By mid-March we can all sit back, review this post and I'll let you guys dole out my grades. Of course, much of this is still in flux, and at any time in the next week all it would take is one phone call and the entire tenor of certain negotiations could change. So with that caveat in mind, here goes:


GUYS WHO WILL BE CUT: I see them releasing Hall, Patten, Vincent, Fauria (this list does not include free agents who the team does not intend to pursue, like Wright, Holdman). Some within the organization are counting on Wynn and Daniels coming back, but I think Renaldo could be in jeopardy of being cut. He and Daniels have heard nothing from the organization and there have been no attempts to restructure yet.


FREE AGENTS WHO WILL BE BACK (and the Skins don't have many FA of any sort): I would be stunned at this point if Dockery is re-signed before March 2. Now, they could still end up getting him out on the open market, but unless the Skins really raise the figures they are exchanging, my peeps tell me what's being offered now is not in the range to get Dock to forgo free agency. He's looking to see what's out there at this point. I'd put the odds on him coming back around 50-50 right now, while stating, again, that there is ample time for this to change.


Other than that, Jimoh will be back for around the minimum. They have expressed an interest to re-sign Pucillo, who actually was quite valuable, and I believe they'll get that done. I would be surprised if Fox is not re-signed, and Posey is a possibility, too. They also want to keep Todd Wade, but know it is a long shot at best. From what I heard, Wade is intent on playing the free agent market and for good reason - the dude is huge, had a great game in his only start and is over his knee problems. Several Redskins were very impressed with him in practice all season, believing he could play RT in the league no problem, and I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get that chance.


GUYS THEY ARE TRYING TO RESTRUCTURE: As I've said all along, it looks like Springs is going to be getting paid someplace else next season. Barring a major reversal in the tone of that negotiation when the sides meet at the combine, I believe he will be gone by June at the latest. There is a lot of work to be done with Brunell as well, but I think he will ultimately agree to a stripped-down contract and be back at a much more manageable cap number. From everything I have heard, Lloyd and Arch Deluxe are safe and have been informed of nothing to the contrary. Coaches are banking on both being back.


FREE AGENTS THEY WILL PURSUE. London Fletcher will be priority No. 1 from everything I have heard (if he's not in the building the day free agency opens, I'd be floored). Lemar has been beaten up playing in the middle and there are concerns that at his size he will not hold up there. They believe that if used situationally (wasn't sure this was a word at first; then assured it was), they could max his skills. He will get a lot of work on the strong side with Marcus coming back from serious hip surgery this offseason, and the expectation is that Rocky takes hold of the weak side. Fletcher has been a warrior and is very durable. He does all the dirty work and knows this system inside out (remember, the original idea here all along was for a "super-smart" vet, Mike LB to lead this defense (Barrow, Mike), and Fletcher fits the bill.


They love Nate Clements too and will make a play for him, but are not positioned to compete with teams sitting on $25 million of cap space to sign him, and some within the organization concede they may not be able to get their man this time. Smoot has earned very favorable reviews during internal discussions, and if he is cut I would be stunned if he does not get an immediate call from the Skins. The Skins also have fairly good internal scouting reports on Dre' Bly, and while they don't necessarily love him, the duo of Smoot and Bly might be able to fill some of the void if Springs leaves as expected.


I would not rule them out making calls to Patrick Kearney and Chris Kelsay as well, but again, are probably not in position to land them. They will explore those options, but plan on addressing the D Line (and its overall lack of youth) in this draft in a big way. They will look at several tight ends as well - maybe Eric Johnson in San Fran. They need a competent pass catching compliment to Cooley, and while Kyle Brady doesn't fit the bill in that regard, he could at least fill Fauria's shoes cheaply.


THE DRAFT: There is a strong sentiment by some within the organization that they should trade down. Of course, it takes two to tango and the reality is that such a deal is highly unlikely to take place until the week before the draft at the earliest,. and even then probably when the team is actually on the clock. There is a hope Adrian Peterson or another offensive star will slip out of the top 5, and someone will be willing to step up to get him. The Skins would love get a pick in the 18-25 range, plus pick up a second rounder and maybe even something else. If they stay at 6, the emphasis will be on a pass rusher, with Adams and Anderson atop the best available. If you put a gun to my head today - and obviously we're a ways off from anything actually happening here - I say they trade down and still address the D Line with their early picks.


There is a consensus that overall this entire offseason is about the defense. The Skins have about as much money guaranteed to their QBs, RB's WR and O Line as any team in the NFL, and clearly need to improve the other side of the ball.


So there you have it. Again, none of this is written in stone, but it's my take on the scene as we stand right now. Oh yeah, and I'm thinking The Ugly Mug Sat. I'll post something Thurs. trying to get a head count of how many to expect. Hope to see as many of you guys there as possible (I'll be the dude who looks like the twerp in the picture in the left hand corner of your screen).



Link: [url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/02/the_cyrstal_ball.html#more]The Crystal Ball - Redskins Insider[/url]

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

i agree with most of what you said, but i think clements is #1 on our list.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

I'm guessing that his info on the draft is completely 100% speculative. It's hard for anyone to dig up any meaningful info on the draft espicially this early; JLC is no exception.

I don't know what he knows about Springs that we don't or who his sources are for that, but cutting Springs doesnt get us any cap room. I don't see how it could benefit this team.

Fletcher and Clements being our 1-2 makes a lot of sense. It's very possible we may not get Clements, but I think we will. I think Clements WANTS to be a Redskin, and if we offer something in the neighborhood of what hes asking for, he will sign very early in the FA process.

I like that the Skins appear to be interested in extra TEs, but I'm not sure Eric Johnson is the guy we are looking for. He's a better receiver than Fauria, but he's no better at blocking (which is pathetic).

All of the possible cuts make perfect sense. I think the potential cap hits will keep Arch and Lloyd here one more year, which is good because giving up on a young FA after one season is often a mistake. I don't see Lloyd getting any better as we have never seen anything from him to make us think he will, but Archuleta has been a high level player in the past, and I think one more year in the system will either show 2006 to be an abberation, or as the beginning of the end for the guy.

I agree that theres little chance Wynn and Daniels will both be back.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

I don't get his take on Springs either. Unless the staff is convinced his injuries have taken too much of a toll on him, I don't see why they wouldn't want him back.

I do agree about Fletcher, I think he'll be one of the first guys at Redskins Park once free agency opens. I also agree on Clements, his price might be too high. It's not like we're one player away on defense, we have too many holes to fill to spend a ton on Clements.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279432]I don't get his take on Springs either. Unless the staff is convinced his injuries have taken too much of a toll on him, I don't see why they wouldn't want him back.[/quote]Maybe JLC sources are telling him that Springs and his agent are refusing a restructure. It could be La Canfora's assumption that this means he's going to get cut (his comment about the date of his release being in June sounds like speculation). In reality, maybe is information is 100% right, and his assumption is wrong and Gibbs plans to keep Springs no matter what for one more season and cut him after the 2007 season ends (for cap relief). This at least seems plausible to me.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

THE DRAFT: There is a strong sentiment by some within the organization that they should trade down. Of course, it takes two to tango and the reality is that such a deal is highly unlikely to take place until the week before the draft at the earliest,. and even then probably when the team is actually on the clock. There is a hope Adrian Peterson or another offensive star will slip out of the top 5, and someone will be willing to step up to get him. The Skins would love get a pick in the 18-25 range, plus pick up a second rounder and maybe even something else. If they stay at 6, the emphasis will be on a pass rusher, with Adams and Anderson atop the best available.



Hmmm...Denver has the #21 pick.
They want Peterson.
Sooooo.....
They have two 3rd rounders, right? Including the one we gave up in the Duckett deal?
If they gave the Redskins their 1st, 2nd, and the 3rd rounder we gave up to them, it would be roughly equal to the #6 pick in draft value points.
What irony if this deal happened...


I like the sound of either possibility. although Im kinda leaning towards the extra picks. things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.....

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

I like Bly, but I can imagine the backlash if he's signed "First we went after rejects from the Niners, and now the Lions?

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=TAFKAS;279439]I like Bly, but I can imagine the backlash if he's signed "First we went after rejects from the Niners, and now the Lions?[/quote]

I think that Bly, Rogers and Smoot is definitely a formidable secondary but how is Bly an upgrade over Springs?

As soon as they decide that Springs won't be back, I predict that he gets pinned as the leak to Friend's article immediately.

Add the JLC blog to Maske's rumor on 980 a while back and it is looking like Springs is gone.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Article from the Post's Howard Bryant essentially repeating JLC's blog.

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/21/AR2007022102068.html]washingtonpost.com[/url]

Interesting that Branch wasn't mentioned.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=Grim21Reaper;279448]I think that Bly, Rogers and Smoot is definitely a formidable secondary but how is Bly an upgrade over Springs?

As soon as they decide that Springs won't be back, I predict that he gets pinned as the leak to Friend's article immediately.

Add the JLC blog to Maske's rumor on 980 a while back and it is looking like Springs is gone.[/QUOTE]

I suppose I could look for the link but I thought I remember reading or hearing that Friend explicitly said Springs wasn't the source.

And I don't think Bly's an upgrade over Springs, but a more cost efficient alternative to Clements perhaps

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=TAFKAS;279451]I suppose I could look for the link but I thought I remember reading or hearing that Friend explicitly said Springs wasn't the source.

And I don't think Bly's an upgrade over Springs, but a more cost efficient alternative to Clements perhaps[/quote]

I know that Springs denied it and maybe Friend did as well. However, how could he own up to it during the season? It was already enough of a circus around there.

Most people assumed it was Arch and he is staying while it sounds like Springs is going.

I guess my problem with taking Bly over Springs is the unknown. We know that Springs (when healthy) is a pro-bowl quality corner in our defense. While you can assume that Clements would fit in well, you don't know. The same with Bly.

Bottom line, if our corners are Bly, Smoot and Rogers, we will be fine.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Yeah I agree, that would be a good crew of corners. And this means I might be able to un-retire my Smooooooot jersey!!:headbange

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

I'll admit the thought of the return of "Smootsmack" makes me want to smack my smoot, if you know what I mean!....no? ok then

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

haha, thats funny. smack it, dont crack it!!

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

All this being said, I'd like to see what truth there is to the rumors of the whole draft pick swap/betts for Jonathan Vilma trade that has been mentioned.....

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

i would rather the skins get Vilma in the middle, instead of old man fletcher. and if springs is leaving, i sure hope the skins have plan be ready. because rogers is going to really have to step it up, big time this season. and i would think that smoot has little or no chance at coming back

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Anybody have an idea what Fletcher, Smoot and Bly will cost us? I'm of the opinion that I'd rather have a veteran CB or two that can play all 16 games than an outstanding cover CB that may or may not be able to play half a season. Springs definitely has a history of injuries.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

I hope we can trade down and get some more picks on the first day. if they dont, i look at Anderson to be the guy taken. Big, strong, can play the run and create a pass rush.

Springs..I love the guy as a player. He has played extremely well for us. However, if he does not restructure he may have to move on. This will be his 4th year and that contract is probably a little unfriendly for his age, plus injury concerns. However, they have to have a pretty stone cold plan of getting someone in return if he is let go. (Smoot, Bly...)

Fletcher... I have been skeptical, but after some thought, if we can get a year or two of solid play, then why not.

Hall has to go..he sucks. Suisham did remarkably well for us last season.

Dockery HAS TO...HAS TO BE RESIGNED. It would be a crime to let this guy go. It will be another black eye on the front office if he leaves. To me, he is one of the CORE guys this coaching staff speaks of. Our O line churned out the 4th best rushing attack in the NFL, with a #2 RB. He should be top priority before signing anyone to this team. Think about how he will feel if Fletcher or Clements is signed to a nice little contract before him. That will be a huge wrench in the negotiations if that happens.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=#56fanatic;279473]I hope we can trade down and get some more picks on the first day. if they dont, i look at Anderson to be the guy taken. Big, strong, can play the run and create a pass rush.

Springs..I love the guy as a player. He has played extremely well for us. However, if he does not restructure he may have to move on. This will be his 4th year and that contract is probably a little unfriendly for his age, plus injury concerns. However, they have to have a pretty stone cold plan of getting someone in return if he is let go. (Smoot, Bly...)

Fletcher... I have been skeptical, but after some thought, if we can get a year or two of solid play, then why not.

Hall has to go..he sucks. Suisham did remarkably well for us last season.

[B][I] Dockery HAS TO...HAS TO BE RESIGNED. It would be a crime to let this guy go. It will be another black eye on the front office if he leaves. To me, he is one of the CORE guys this coaching staff speaks of. Our O line churned out the 4th best rushing attack in the NFL, with a #2 RB. He should be top priority before signing anyone to this team. Think about how he will feel if Fletcher or Clements is signed to a nice little contract before him. That will be a huge wrench in the negotiations if that happens.[/I][/B][/quote]

My first reaction when I read he most likely won't get resigned was pure anger, but I sat back and really thought about the situation. So a lot of articles are stating that he's wanting a HUGE payday, I think TAF even mentioned that he's wanting top OFFENSIVE LINEMAN money, which is ridiculous. If this is the case, the Skins are wise to let him test the free agent waters and SEE FOR HIMSELF that he's not worth what he's asking for. While there's no one else I'd rather have at that position than him, we simply cannot afford to throw around ridiculous contracts.

It's a precedent that needs to get established NOW. When we want to resign Cooley and Taylor, how is it going to look if we give Dockery the biggest contract in the league for an offensive lineman? Taylor (while great, isn't the best in the league, same with Cooley) would all expect the same. It would be a damn shame to see him go, but if the Skins are prepared to offer him a competitive contract as to what other teams are offering him and he turns it down, we'll see some TRUE colors.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;279475]My first reaction when I read he most likely won't get resigned was pure anger, but I sat back and really thought about the situation. So a lot of articles are stating that he's wanting a HUGE payday, I think TAF even mentioned that he's wanting top OFFENSIVE LINEMAN money, which is ridiculous. If this is the case, the Skins are wise to let him test the free agent waters and SEE FOR HIMSELF that he's not worth what he's asking for. While there's no one else I'd rather have at that position than him, we simply cannot afford to throw around ridiculous contracts.

It's a precedent that needs to get established NOW. When we want to resign Cooley and Taylor, how is it going to look if we give Dockery the biggest contract in the league for an offensive lineman? Taylor (while great, isn't the best in the league, same with Cooley) would all expect the same. It would be a damn shame to see him go, but if the Skins are prepared to offer him a competitive contract as to what other teams are offering him and he turns it down, we'll see some TRUE colors.[/quote]


I agree. I dont think he deserves top dollar. But i do think the skins should sign him to a NICE contract. he is only a 4 year player, has evolved into a dominant run blocker, is big strong, and can move. They may want to look at his progressiveness over the past few years, which would indicate he could be one of the best guards in the league if he continues to grow as he has. he has great o line people around him that will make him better every day. I would think it would be stupid to let him test FA market. he will get a good deal out there, one that the skins will not be able to match or come close to.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Think about it. How many fans on this site have spent MANY hours "crafting" smoking posts as to the Skins spendthrift tendencies???? It makes no sense to kick their ass from the other side for trying to employ a little fiscal responsibility.
Let's see how it plays out and a few more $$$$ details surface

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=#56fanatic;279480]I agree. I dont think he deserves top dollar. But i do think the skins should sign him to a NICE contract. he is only a 4 year player, has evolved into a dominant run blocker, is big strong, and can move. They may want to look at his progressiveness over the past few years, which would indicate he could be one of the best guards in the league if he continues to grow as he has. he has great o line people around him that will make him better every day. I would think it would be stupid to let him test FA market. he will get a good deal out there, one that the skins will not be able to match or come close to.[/quote]

But see the problem with NOT letting him test the FA market is that he won't know that he's not worth the money he's asking for. What the Skins should do is, let other teams make offers, take that team's top offer and match it or up it a bit. If TAF's information and sources are correct (typically they are), then it would be a DANGEROUS contract to absorb.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Dockery has to be re-signed at a [I]fair price[/I], we can't bust the bank on the guy. He simply doesn't deserve to be the highest paid OL on this team.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;279488]Dockery has to be re-signed at a [I]fair price[/I], we can't bust the bank on the guy. He simply doesn't deserve to be the highest paid OL on this team.[/QUOTE]

I wholeheartedly agree. Trust me, I really, really want him to be re-signed. But if the guy is asking for a Randy Thomas type deal he's just crazy.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279425][B]The Crystal Ball[/B]

As I've said before, I'm not big on predications, but as we stand a week away from the start of the 2007 NFL calendar, and the goodness March 2 brings with it, I figured I'd weigh in on some fairly educated guesses about what's to come in Skinsland. I have done a fair amount of reporting the last few weeks , and while it is still too early to get a great read on certain situations, well, what the hell. It's a blog so I'll play a few hunches and we'll see how this shakes out.


I am sure some of you out there will be keeping score, and by all means, please do. By mid-March we can all sit back, review this post and I'll let you guys dole out my grades. Of course, much of this is still in flux, and at any time in the next week all it would take is one phone call and the entire tenor of certain negotiations could change. So with that caveat in mind, here goes:


GUYS WHO WILL BE CUT: I see them releasing Hall, Patten, Vincent, Fauria (this list does not include free agents who the team does not intend to pursue, like Wright, Holdman). Some within the organization are counting on Wynn and Daniels coming back, but I think Renaldo could be in jeopardy of being cut. He and Daniels have heard nothing from the organization and there have been no attempts to restructure yet.


FREE AGENTS WHO WILL BE BACK (and the Skins don't have many FA of any sort): I would be stunned at this point if Dockery is re-signed before March 2. Now, they could still end up getting him out on the open market, but unless the Skins really raise the figures they are exchanging, my peeps tell me what's being offered now is not in the range to get Dock to forgo free agency. He's looking to see what's out there at this point. I'd put the odds on him coming back around 50-50 right now, while stating, again, that there is ample time for this to change.


Other than that, Jimoh will be back for around the minimum. They have expressed an interest to re-sign Pucillo, who actually was quite valuable, and I believe they'll get that done. I would be surprised if Fox is not re-signed, and Posey is a possibility, too. They also want to keep Todd Wade, but know it is a long shot at best. From what I heard, Wade is intent on playing the free agent market and for good reason - the dude is huge, had a great game in his only start and is over his knee problems. Several Redskins were very impressed with him in practice all season, believing he could play RT in the league no problem, and I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get that chance.


GUYS THEY ARE TRYING TO RESTRUCTURE: As I've said all along, it looks like Springs is going to be getting paid someplace else next season. Barring a major reversal in the tone of that negotiation when the sides meet at the combine, I believe he will be gone by June at the latest. There is a lot of work to be done with Brunell as well, but I think he will ultimately agree to a stripped-down contract and be back at a much more manageable cap number. From everything I have heard, Lloyd and Arch Deluxe are safe and have been informed of nothing to the contrary. Coaches are banking on both being back.


FREE AGENTS THEY WILL PURSUE. London Fletcher will be priority No. 1 from everything I have heard (if he's not in the building the day free agency opens, I'd be floored). Lemar has been beaten up playing in the middle and there are concerns that at his size he will not hold up there. They believe that if used situationally (wasn't sure this was a word at first; then assured it was), they could max his skills. He will get a lot of work on the strong side with Marcus coming back from serious hip surgery this offseason, and the expectation is that Rocky takes hold of the weak side. Fletcher has been a warrior and is very durable. He does all the dirty work and knows this system inside out (remember, the original idea here all along was for a "super-smart" vet, Mike LB to lead this defense (Barrow, Mike), and Fletcher fits the bill.


They love Nate Clements too and will make a play for him, but are not positioned to compete with teams sitting on $25 million of cap space to sign him, and some within the organization concede they may not be able to get their man this time. Smoot has earned very favorable reviews during internal discussions, and if he is cut I would be stunned if he does not get an immediate call from the Skins. The Skins also have fairly good internal scouting reports on Dre' Bly, and while they don't necessarily love him, the duo of Smoot and Bly might be able to fill some of the void if Springs leaves as expected.


I would not rule them out making calls to Patrick Kearney and Chris Kelsay as well, but again, are probably not in position to land them. They will explore those options, but plan on addressing the D Line (and its overall lack of youth) in this draft in a big way. They will look at several tight ends as well - maybe Eric Johnson in San Fran. They need a competent pass catching compliment to Cooley, and while Kyle Brady doesn't fit the bill in that regard, he could at least fill Fauria's shoes cheaply.


THE DRAFT: There is a strong sentiment by some within the organization that they should trade down. Of course, it takes two to tango and the reality is that such a deal is highly unlikely to take place until the week before the draft at the earliest,. and even then probably when the team is actually on the clock. There is a hope Adrian Peterson or another offensive star will slip out of the top 5, and someone will be willing to step up to get him. The Skins would love get a pick in the 18-25 range, plus pick up a second rounder and maybe even something else. If they stay at 6, the emphasis will be on a pass rusher, with Adams and Anderson atop the best available. If you put a gun to my head today - and obviously we're a ways off from anything actually happening here - I say they trade down and still address the D Line with their early picks.


There is a consensus that overall this entire offseason is about the defense. The Skins have about as much money guaranteed to their QBs, RB's WR and O Line as any team in the NFL, and clearly need to improve the other side of the ball.


So there you have it. Again, none of this is written in stone, but it's my take on the scene as we stand right now. Oh yeah, and I'm thinking The Ugly Mug Sat. I'll post something Thurs. trying to get a head count of how many to expect. Hope to see as many of you guys there as possible (I'll be the dude who looks like the twerp in the picture in the left hand corner of your screen).



Link: [URL="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/02/the_cyrstal_ball.html#more"]The Crystal Ball - Redskins Insider[/URL][/quote]


99% agree with you but i think that clements is number one on the list and i think they will end up paying him what he wants

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

Good stuff from JLC. I agree about no t breaking the bank in Dock, and I prefer the trade down scenario, though as he says it may not be possible.

Fletcher, a decent CB, and some youth and fire on the DL will help things.

Wonder if they are seeing Springs as an injury liability at this point? And I agree about the Friend article angle. Still, the cap numbers don't seem to make sense at this point.

I am more worried about M Washington now. Hope that hip heals up good. Nice to hear Rocky is projected to take the WLB role, if that's true.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

am I the only one that sees a need for a safety?

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;279425][B]The Crystal Ball[/B]

GUYS WHO WILL BE CUT: I see them releasing Hall, Patten, Vincent, Fauria (this list does not include free agents who the team does not intend to pursue, like Wright, Holdman). Some within the organization are counting on Wynn and Daniels coming back, but I think Renaldo could be in jeopardy of being cut. He and Daniels have heard nothing from the organization and there have been no attempts to restructure yet.


[/QUOTE]

Well so far he was right about Vincent...
Vicent wavied
[url=http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=24902]Redskins Release Vincent[/url]

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;279432]I don't get his take on Springs either. Unless the staff is convinced his injuries have taken too much of a toll on him, I don't see why they wouldn't want him back.

I do agree about Fletcher, I think he'll be one of the first guys at Redskins Park once free agency opens. I also agree on Clements, his price might be too high. It's not like we're one player away on defense, we have too many holes to fill to spend a ton on Clements.[/QUOTE]

It might be Springs high cap number in combination with the high amount of games he has missd here and Seatle in the last 5 years.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;279475]My first reaction when I read he most likely won't get resigned was pure anger, but I sat back and really thought about the situation. So a lot of articles are stating that he's wanting a HUGE payday, I think TAF even mentioned that he's wanting top OFFENSIVE LINEMAN money, which is ridiculous. If this is the case, the Skins are wise to let him test the free agent waters and SEE FOR HIMSELF that he's not worth what he's asking for. While there's no one else I'd rather have at that position than him, we simply cannot afford to throw around ridiculous contracts.

It's a precedent that needs to get established NOW. When we want to resign Cooley and Taylor, how is it going to look if we give Dockery the biggest contract in the league for an offensive lineman? Taylor (while great, isn't the best in the league, same with Cooley) would all expect the same. It would be a damn shame to see him go, but if the Skins are prepared to offer him a competitive contract as to what other teams are offering him and he turns it down, we'll see some TRUE colors.[/quote]

Agree. The problem is the skins have no consistency or philosophy when it comes to FA, keeping current players, etc. I agree that we need to start a philosophy and STICK w/ it. It does no good if we let Dock go, if he's expecting top oline $ & turn around and "archuleta" the next FA that comes around.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;279507]am I the only one that sees a need for a safety?[/QUOTE]

I agree with you, we need another safety that will work well with Taylor. Archuleta sucks, he would be gone if it weren't for his contract killing our cap if he is cut. He will be the highest paid special teamer and situational Strong Safety in league history.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

re: Dockery Contract Situation
Dockery is a good OG - not great. Despite showing great improvement last year, being a good citizen and great guy, he is not the ideal person I want at that position. He is slow, mistake prone and despite his size he is not a consistent bulldozer like a young Tre Johnson. *So we should lock him up for big bucks like we did with Archuleta.
I do not think there will be any big money takers for Dockery. If so, they can have him. Guard is one of the easiest positions to fill.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

redskins just released troy vincent according to redskins.com dont know how to link the story sorry

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;279507]am I the only one that sees a need for a safety?[/QUOTE]

We need help everywhere on defense. But safety is down the priority list if you ask me.

You have to start at the line, and work your way back. A great secondary won't matter when the front seven is getting gashed. This front four has been neglected in the draft for years. Not since Kenard Lang in '97 has this organization spent a high draft choice on a d-lineman.

And that was a different front office.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[B]Redskins release safety Troy Vincent[/B]

[IMG]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nfl_redskins_vertlogo_44544.gif[/IMG]
Washington Redskins

Associated Press
2/22/2007 12:01:45 PM
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) - Veteran safety [URL="http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1561"][COLOR=#0000ff]Troy Vincent[/COLOR][/URL] was cut Thursday by the Washington Redskins, saving the team about US$1.3 million in salary cap space.
The Redskins signed Vincent six games into the 2006 season after free agent acquisition [URL="http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/player_bio.asp?player_id=1464"][COLOR=#0000ff]Adam Archuleta[/COLOR][/URL]'s early struggles, but the five-time Pro Bowl player failed to make much of an impact on the NFC's worst defence.
Vincent, 35, started three games, missed two with a hamstring injury, then returned as a reserve for the final two. His biggest play came on special teams, when he blocked a field goal in the final minute of a win over Dallas.
Vincent, who is the president of the NFL Players Association, began 2006 with Buffalo but was placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring in the season opener. The Bills later released him, and he signed a $3.9-million, three-year contract with the Redskins in October.
Vincent has 47 career interceptions. He is best known for his years as a standout cornerback with Philadelphia from 1996-2003.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279432]I don't get his take on Springs either. Unless the staff is convinced his injuries have taken too much of a toll on him, I don't see why they wouldn't want him back.

I do agree about Fletcher, I think he'll be one of the first guys at Redskins Park once free agency opens. I also agree on Clements, his price might be too high. It's not like we're one player away on defense, we have too many holes to fill to spend a ton on Clements.[/quote]

I don't agree with what he said about Springs either. He's a true Redskin. I don't see Gibbs letting him go. He'll finally be healthy this year....

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=Defensewins;279531]I agree with you, we need another safety that will work well with Taylor. Archuleta sucks, he would be gone if it weren't for his contract killing our cap if he is cut. He will be the highest paid special teamer and situational Strong Safety in league history.[/quote]

I don't agree. If we take care of the line, ST will take care of safety...

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[QUOTE=Beemnseven;279550]We need help everywhere on defense. But safety is down the priority list if you ask me.

You have to start at the line, and work your way back. A great secondary won't matter when the front seven is getting gashed. This front four has been neglected in the draft for years. Not since Kenard Lang in '97 has this organization spent a high draft choice on a d-lineman.

And that was a different front office.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you, we have neglected the entire defensive side of the ball since Snyder took over. Snyder loves his offensive skill position players, which is a joke because they are the easiest to get in FA. Every year teams unloads over paid QB's, WR's, RB's etc. This year is no different.

Look at this years Francise player tag designation for all teams this offseason, not a single offensive player.
All are defense:
1) Asante Samuels CB pats
2) Lance Briggs LB Bears
3) Freeny DE Colts
4) Justin Smith DE Bengals

I would like to see the Skins get stout Michigan DT Alan Branch and sign MLB London Fletcher. That would solidfy our run defense. Then go after a SS in FA.
hesscl34, Sean Taylor can not play two positons FS and SS at the same time. We gave up alot of long passes as well. Safety is the QB of defense. You have to have TWO dependable safeties in order to have a good defense.

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

does anyone know how much cap space releasing vincent frees up

Re: JLC's crystal ball
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;279600]does anyone know how much cap space releasing vincent frees up[/quote]

$1.3 Million