[nonniey]

I think the timing of the franchise tag on Payne (a quick decision instead of further negotiations) is an indicator of the Redskins ability to sign free agents. I think it is becoming apparent that the franchise has a cash flow problem that won't be resolved until the team is sold. I think they were working under the premise that they couldn't afford the bonus that any long term deal with Payne would entail, so they just went ahead and immediately franchised him. If I'm right about this, one shouldn't expect the Skins to be players in free agency.