The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

It's the eve of Free Agency, so I thought we should preview the FA season with a list of what you'd do with as the Redskins GM. Key is, you are on a limited budget (because you are the Redskins GM), and you have to offer players a fair market value contract to come play here. Here's my Washington Redskins shopping list:

[B]1. D.J. Hackett, WR
Contract Offered: 7 years, 5 mil SB in 2008, 5 mil SB in 2009, total value of 29 million. 2008 Cap Number: 1.5 million (0.78 base + .7 SB allocation)[/B]
Hackett is the number one guy on my list, so he gets the longest deal of any of my free agent targets. Hackett is two years younger than Randle El and Moss, so the hope is that he's the team's No. 1 receiver if not by the middle of the season, then no later than 2010.

[B]2. Jeff Faine, C
Contract Offered: 6 years, 4 mil SB in 2008, 4 mil SB in 2009, total value of 21 million. 2008 Cap Number: 1.45 million (0.78 base + 0.667 SB allocation)
[/B]Faine is a 27 year old center (NFL starter since his rookie year) who could start for us right away if he could beat out Rabach in camp. Either way, he would be the interior staple of the OL of the future which would include a 2008 draft pick at guard, and Heyer at RT to compliment Samuels and Thomas.

[B]3. Kris Wilson, TE
Contract Offered: 5 years, 6 million SB, total value of 17 million. 2008 Cap Number: 2.0 million (.78 base + 1.2 mil SB allocation)
[/B]Wilson would come right in as the 2nd TE for us, and would see a lot of playing time in the WCO. He would be a staple on special teams, and would force a camp battle between Todd Yoder and Tyler Ecker to make the team as the 3rd TE. Wilson is a good blocker who also is a threat to catch the ball (what a concept!).

[B]4. Brian Kelly, CB/S
Contract Offered: 3 years, 4 million SB, total value of 11 million.
2008 Cap Number: 2.1 million (.78 base + 1.33 SB allocation)
[/B]Kelly would fill not only the role of the ever important nickel position while Rogers misses time, but also play as the third safety once Rogers returns. Kelly would likely only play one year here before we release him, but the 3 year deal gives contract flexibility.

[B]5. Mark Brunell, QB
Contract Offered: $950,000 total value, no signing bonus.
2008 Cap Number: $950,000
[/B]Brunell would come in as the 2nd QB, but would have to compete for the job. If he gets cut, he gets no money.

These moves would allow the team to add depth for this season, with players who would progress into bigger roles in the future when their contract value skyrockets (another great concept!). The total value of those contracts would only be 6.4 ish million once the rule of 51 is accounted for. To achieve this, the Redskins simply have to restructure Betts and Portis, and then they will still have enough money for the rookie pool to fill all other holes on the team.

Post your shopping spree if you wish.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Is this your opinion or an article? Either way its well done. Also if we can't get Hacket I would like to see the team make a run at Jabar Gaffney. However if thats the case then the chance of taking a WR goes up and personally that scares me.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

wow, thats all i can say.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;427370]Is this your opinion or an article? Either way its well done. Also if we can't get Hacket I would like to see the team make a run at Jabar Gaffney. However if thats the case then the chance of taking a WR goes up and personally that scares me.[/quote]This is just me.

Hackett has the potential to [I]grow[/I] into our No. 1 receiver, but if we can't land him at this price (i.e. the exact same contract we gave to Brandon Lloyd...but this market is way more expensive), then I would not be opposed to bringing back Caldwell as the 3rd WR.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

1-4 seem like very strong choices.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

I was actually listening to an update that said what teams are interested in who, and I didn't near our name come up for Hackett at all..

I did finally see Ernest Wilford get some hype today, finally. If we dont get hackett we should grab this dude up quick.
Actually, even if we do get hackett we should still get Wilford.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;427378]This is just me.

Hackett has the potential to [I]grow[/I] into our No. 1 receiver, but if we can't land him at this price (i.e. the exact same contract we gave to Brandon Lloyd...but this market is way more expensive), then I would not be opposed to bringing back Caldwell as the 3rd WR.[/QUOTE]


The team has already reached out to Caldwell, and I see him as a very strong canidate to come back and be our number 4 guy.. That would be a decent WR core..

He just has to accept our offer

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Well Faine (#1 Center) has already been signed along with Justin Smiley (#4 Guard).

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

What's all this talk about needing a WR? We have plenty. You can have the four best WRs in the league, but if you QB doesn't have the time to get them the ball then it doesn't matter.

We need to bolster in the Offensive line. It seems like every off season the OL is always overlooked, and every season it sucks.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=Bozzy;427411]What's all this talk about needing a WR? We have plenty. You can have the four best WRs in the league, but if you QB doesn't have the time to get them the ball then it doesn't matter.

We need to bolster in the Offensive line. It seems like every off season the OL is always overlooked, and every season it sucks.[/QUOTE]

When your Tight End leads the team in catches and TDs it typically means you need to add to your WR corps. I mean I like Cooley and all, but we could use a good WR. True, the O-Line needs help (read the other threads) and so does the D-Line...but the WRs as well.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Bozzy;427411]What's all this talk about needing a WR? We have plenty. You can have the four best WRs in the league, but if you QB doesn't have the time to get them the ball then it doesn't matter.

We need to bolster in the Offensive line. It seems like every off season the OL is always overlooked, and every season it sucks.[/quote]

Thank You! Gracias! Merci! Irigoto?!

I think people don't realize that the reasons the Chiefs Offense was so good was not because of Al Saunders, but rather an excellent Offensive Line. Right now we have a good offensive line but we can make it great by adding a guy like Brandon Albert, Carl Nicks, or Chilo from USC.

Also how did we win 3 Super Bowls? Why the Hogs of course!

Think about it we won 3 Super Bowls with 3 different QB's and 3 different RB's. Our best WR had to practically beg to be in the Hall of Fame (no disprespect intended to the Great Art Monk). Great Offensive Lines can make good RB's great, as well as good WR's since their QB will have more time to throw.

Screw signing a premadonna to make one or two big plays a game. Build me a foundation where I can end up getting those plays from the guy in the third row who won the halftime promotion. I'm SO over WR's. Build the OL, one way or another. Lets scare the crap out of people with 5 big guys up front, not some guy thats going to be doing the river dance in the end zone.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

um, faine is the highest paid center in the league now. mike flynn is good and available, but he's 33 now (former raven, they ditched rabach and kept flynn a few years back).

Ben Troupe is a better much TE, and he's only 25. wilson really isn't an upgrade or a threat to catch anything.

hackett's numbers sound right.

i know you love brian kelly, but i really rather have dyson, who's cheaper, at CB and draft a safety in the 3rd... dyson has more years left too. i mean, 5mill for 1 year from a db seems excessive.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Ben Troupe hasn't done a whole lot in his career, and is a worse blocker. Obviously, Faine's not on the market anymore, but we can still do the rest.

If we have signed Collins, Brunell won't be back, even at league min.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Well if I am the GM then I have to say absolutely no to all free agent moves, especially any one that Brings Brunell back! I would have more than enough confidence that I can start filling needs through the draft, which we need to start doing, which is one reason we have very little cap space to begin with.

I would start by drafting Cromartie at CB, I believe CB is our biggest need right now, I would then turn my attention to offensive line. This should be the focal point of our draft, we will not fill all our needs at once there has been to much neglect in the personnel department. The goal this year is to bring in young talent and lower our cap number for next season where a good draft could put us over the top. CB's and O linemen this draft!

All of a sudden Hackett is the next big time WR????????? I do believe we can survive without a big time contract for Hackett!

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=GTripp0012;427440]Ben Troupe hasn't done a whole lot in his career, and is a worse blocker. Obviously, Faine's not on the market anymore, but we can still do the rest.

If we have signed Collins, Brunell won't be back, even at league min.[/quote]

comparing him to wilson, who's older and done less, doesn't really prove your point.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

easy on Wilson, up here from my neck of the woods. and graduated from the same high school. really good guy. not sure about wanting him on the redskins, though

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

I want one FA... Justin Smith. Fill the other holes w/ draft or some after June 1 cuts.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Not sure why we would look to replace Rabach, but I do agree on Hackett.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

I'd poop my pants at work if we got Hackett.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Mattyk72;427463]Not sure why we would look to replace Rabach, but I do agree on Hackett.[/quote]

I couldn't figure that one out either. Seems some misplaced blame for some of the OL woes last year. We need a backup C/G type, but don't need to drop $8 million (apparently Faine got more than $12 million ... whoa) for a center to oust Rabach, who I think has played very well since he's been here.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

The Bucs are interested in Hackett. I hope the Redskins schedule a visit soon. The Bucs desperately need another WR, and I'd hate for a deal to get done with them.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Problem is the Bucs have a ton of cap room and can afford to overspend on Hackett.

Seems like the Skins aren't interested in overspending... wow did I just say that?

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Mattyk72;427495]Problem is the Bucs have a ton of cap room and can afford to overspend on Hackett.

[B]Seems like the Skins aren't interested in overspending... wow did I just say that?[/[/B]quote]


Yeep you did - and that is sweet music to my ears! Due to the lack of quality free agents someone will overpay for Hackett so the SKins should go to plan B.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Dirtyskin21;427385]I was actually listening to an update that said what teams are interested in who, and I didn't near our name come up for Hackett at all..

I did finally see Ernest Wilford get some hype today, finally. If we dont get hackett we should grab this dude up quick.
Actually, even if we do get hackett we should still get Wilford.[/quote]

You're right, no one is connecting Hackett to the Skins, but there's still a chance. There hasn't been much buzz about the Skins at all, but the thing is we don't need to go fishing for any of these guys this year. In other words, teams have ways of making it clear that they are interested in a particular free agent before he even becomes one, and that's what sets up the hype. Skins haven't been doing that this year, but any agent worth his salt would know to contact Snyder, if for no other reason than to say he has spoken to Snyder and thereby driving up the price. By virtue of our past spending, we become major players in the choices of free agents without even making a move. So I would consider Hackett a possibility, especially since he worked with Zorn.

Personally, I like him. WR is a critical position for us. At any point, we are a Santana Moss injury away from having Randle El as our #1 receiver, and considering how often Santana gets boo-boos, this is a big, big problem. Hackett's no superstar, but he fits perfectly with the new cautious approach that the Skins have adopted.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

As as a general rule, no move is always a favorable alternative to the wrong moves.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=GTripp0012;427367]It's the eve of Free Agency, so I thought we should preview the FA season with a list of what you'd do with as the Redskins GM. Key is, you are on a limited budget (because you are the Redskins GM), and you have to offer players a fair market value contract to come play here. Here's my Washington Redskins shopping list:

[B]1. D.J. Hackett, WR[/B]
[B]Contract Offered: 7 years, 5 mil SB in 2008, 5 mil SB in 2009, total value of 29 million. 2008 Cap Number: 1.5 million (0.78 base + .7 SB allocation)[/B]
Hackett is the number one guy on my list, so he gets the longest deal of any of my free agent targets. Hackett is two years younger than Randle El and Moss, so the hope is that he's the team's No. 1 receiver if not by the middle of the season, then no later than 2010.

[B]2. Jeff Faine, C[/B]
[B]Contract Offered: 6 years, 4 mil SB in 2008, 4 mil SB in 2009, total value of 21 million. 2008 Cap Number: 1.45 million (0.78 base + 0.667 SB allocation)[/B]
Faine is a 27 year old center (NFL starter since his rookie year) who could start for us right away if he could beat out Rabach in camp. Either way, he would be the interior staple of the OL of the future which would include a 2008 draft pick at guard, and Heyer at RT to compliment Samuels and Thomas.

[B]3. Kris Wilson, TE[/B]
[B]Contract Offered: 5 years, 6 million SB, total value of 17 million. 2008 Cap Number: 2.0 million (.78 base + 1.2 mil SB allocation)[/B]
Wilson would come right in as the 2nd TE for us, and would see a lot of playing time in the WCO. He would be a staple on special teams, and would force a camp battle between Todd Yoder and Tyler Ecker to make the team as the 3rd TE. Wilson is a good blocker who also is a threat to catch the ball (what a concept!).

[B]4. Brian Kelly, CB/S[/B]
[B]Contract Offered: 3 years, 4 million SB, total value of 11 million.[/B]
[B]2008 Cap Number: 2.1 million (.78 base + 1.33 SB allocation)[/B]
Kelly would fill not only the role of the ever important nickel position while Rogers misses time, but also play as the third safety once Rogers returns. Kelly would likely only play one year here before we release him, but the 3 year deal gives contract flexibility.

[B]5. Mark Brunell, QB[/B]
[B]Contract Offered: $950,000 total value, no signing bonus.[/B]
[B]2008 Cap Number: $950,000[/B]
Brunell would come in as the 2nd QB, but would have to compete for the job. If he gets cut, he gets no money.

These moves would allow the team to add depth for this season, with players who would progress into bigger roles in the future when their contract value skyrockets (another great concept!). The total value of those contracts would only be 6.4 ish million once the rule of 51 is accounted for. To achieve this, the Redskins simply have to restructure Betts and Portis, and then they will still have enough money for the rookie pool to fill all other holes on the team.

Post your shopping spree if you wish.[/quote]

Nice post Tripp but I don't really think we need any of these guys except Hackett. Hackett would make a lot of sense. Rabach has been a solid center for us. I don't think there is a need to replace him right now. Do you? I'd rather us focus on replacing Kendall. I think Yoder had been a good back-up to Cooley. Kellly has played in the Tampa 2 defense his whole career. I'm not sure he's a good fit here. And there is no need for Brunell since Collins resigned. Collins earned the right to be JC's back-up. We really need to draft a young guy to bring along in the system as 3rd string and then 2nd when Collins retires.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=GTripp0012;427506]As as a general rule, no move is always a favorable alternative to the wrong moves.[/quote]

That sounds nice, but it's kind of a platitude. After all, a GM and an owner don't sit around saying, "Hmm, should we make no move, or a bad one?" The fact is, risks have to be taken. As far as the Skins go though, it might be good advice for no other reason than it recommends caution, the lack of which has been known to plague us.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=Coff;427518]That sounds nice, but it's kind of a platitude. After all, a GM and an owner don't sit around saying, "Hmm, should we make no move, or a bad one?" The fact is, risks have to be taken. As far as the Skins go though, it might be good advice for no other reason than it recommends caution, the lack of which has been known to plague us.[/quote]

Yeah kinda sounds like the old hindsight is 20/20 deal. Nobody sets out to make a bad deal. Some moves are perhaps smarter than others, but sometimes no matter how smart you try to be shit just doesn't work out for whatever reason.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=Ruhskins;427412]When your Tight End leads the team in catches and TDs it typically means you need to add to your WR corps. I mean I like Cooley and all, but we could use a good WR. True, the O-Line needs help (read the other threads) and so does the D-Line...but the WRs as well.[/QUOTE]

No, Cooley lead the team because it doesnt take as long for a TE to run his routes. It takes longer for a WR to go up the field.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=Bozzy;427535]No, Cooley lead the team because it doesnt take as long for a TE to run his routes. It takes longer for a WR to go up the field.[/QUOTE]

That's one of the more original explanations I've ever seen

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=skinsfan69;427517]Nice post Tripp but I don't really think we need any of these guys except Hackett. Hackett would make a lot of sense. Rabach has been a solid center for us. I don't think there is a need to replace him right now. Do you? I'd rather us focus on replacing Kendall. I think Yoder had been a good back-up to Cooley. Kellly has played in the Tampa 2 defense his whole career. I'm not sure he's a good fit here. And there is no need for Brunell since Collins resigned. Collins earned the right to be JC's back-up. We really need to draft a young guy to bring along in the system as 3rd string and then 2nd when Collins retires.[/quote]I feel that we won't be able to run up the middle until we replace both Rabach and Kendall. My logic here is that it's easier to hit on a Guard in the draft than a center.

That said, it's now irrelevant now that Faine has been signed by Tampa.

I'd be cool with Yoder if Zorn was, but last year they used a lot of Lorenzo Alexander in situations were Yoder would have played. Fine for the goal line, but teams know where the ball is going if he's in the game, and he doesn't block well enough to make up for it.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Cooley is just a damn good TE. Regardless of who our WRs are, he's good for at least 65+ catches per season.

And how can you compete with this?

[IMG]http://www.aolcdn.com/aolpolltool/chris-cooley-short-shorts[/IMG]

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=That Guy;427447]comparing him to wilson, who's older and done less, doesn't really prove your point.[/quote]Yeah, but you're talking about a guy who had the starters job handed to him on a silver platter, and got beaten out by Bo Scaife, and I'm talking about a guy who has waited behind Tony Gonzalez for 4 years.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;427550]Cooley is just a damn good TE. Regardless of who our WRs are, he's good for at least 65+ catches per season.

And how can you compete with this?

[IMG]http://www.aolcdn.com/aolpolltool/chris-cooley-short-shorts[/IMG][/QUOTE]

Somehow Matty, it just doesn't sound right to say Cooley is a good tight end and to post that picture...lol! j/k ;)

I agree with what you're saying, Cooley is going to get his catches even if we had Jerry Rice, Art Monk, and Lynn Swann all on our team and in their prime playing shape.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Ugh, now Tampa Bay is interested in Drayton Florence as well. What's with the Bucs going after the Skins targets?

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[QUOTE=theJBexperience;427577]Ugh, now Tampa Bay is interested in Drayton Florence as well. What's with the Bucs going after the Skins targets?[/QUOTE]

Well they know we don't have the $$ to go after free agents like in the past.

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=theJBexperience;427577]Ugh, now Tampa Bay is interested in Drayton Florence as well. What's with the Bucs going after the Skins targets?[/quote]Because they have 30 times the cap room?

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=GTripp0012;427582]Because they have 30 times the cap room?[/quote]

I know, but why not go after Bernard Berrian or Jacques Reeves or Randall Gay?

I am glad though that the Skins aren't going to give Hackett or Florence inflated salaries. I'm really interested to see what we wind up doing in free agency now. What will we get from the leftovers?

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

Is it just me or does it look like our free agent targets like Hackett will likely be gone.
The Skins have ZERO free agent meeting set up....ZERO.

I would like them to at least try to get him...
Maybe they think his price will come down later...but it looks more and more that the Skins will not be pursuing early free agent...just depth much later

Re: The 6 Million Dollar Shopping Spree
 

[quote=theJBexperience;427632]I know, but why not go after Bernard Berrian or Jacques Reeves or Randall Gay?

I am glad though that the Skins aren't going to give Hackett or Florence inflated salaries. I'm really interested to see what we wind up doing in free agency now. What will we get from the leftovers?[/quote]

Take a look at the type of money these guys are getting. Vinny Cerrato is right the coin these guys are getting is ridiculous. Thats why we don't go after Berrian, whos considered the best FA WR besides Moss.