JLC's 2 cents on Rice:
Simeon Rice - Redskins Insider
When you cover the Redskins you expect to get a flood of emails whenever a big-name player is cut. And if he happens to be a D Lineman, or, in particular, a pass-rushing D end, well, forget about it.
So with Simeon Rice suddenly on the street, I was prepared for the influx of questions, and you guys didn't let me down. Okay, here's what I know. The Skins didn't rush into anything as soon as he was cut and there were no organization-wide discussions about Rice last night.
If they went solely on the reports scouts and coaches have on Rice, there would be significant concerns. His age, fitness, shoulder status (failed a physical with the Bucs), attitude in the locker room, and motivation on the field (seen as a guy who wants to get sacks and isn't worried about the team concept; a one-trick pony who doesn't do much against the run) would be major issues.
However, with this ownership/management team, you can never say never when a guy like Rice is on the street. And this case a little unique as many in the organization who have self-scouted the roster would admit the lack of an impact pass rusher is troubling. Now, is Rice still an elite force or is he someone who will be hit or miss chasing the QB and can only get on the field in certain third down situations?
Many in NFL circles would say he's closer to the hit or miss part, but, considering all he has accomplished in this game, it's hard to see Rice not wanting to be compensated like a star.
From Rice's perspective, some people close to him have the Redskins on the short list of teams they think might express interest. But, as I've said in the past, that's nothing new because there isn't an agent in the NFL who does not want the Skins in on any negotiation as the price tends to skyrocket. Also, some people close to Rice would tell you that the Bucs letting him go had much more to do with his $7 million base salary than his shoulder problem and that he is raring to go and could be a major boost to any roster he lands on.
So, what to make of all of this? Glad you asked.
My sense now, and, admittedly, we are crazy early in the whole process, is that the Skins will keep an eye on him, try to get a feel for his health and see where the money goes. I don't see them rushing in, setting the market or making a big push - I think Detroit and some other clubs will show the deepest interest - and I think there are a lot of people in the building here who would have reservations about brining in this guy now, so far along in the offseason. Would he be okay with being a situational guy? Would he fit in?
At the right price, who knows. And I know Simeon is a well spoken dude who could probably allay some fears in conversations with the team. It's an interesting scenario and one I will stay on top of to the best of my ability. I don't rate it a high likelihood as of this moment, but, again, these things have a way of swaying all over the place. Will post more as I gather it.
As for Landry, they were pretty far along last night, talking about escalators and bonuses. If the deal isn't completed by late this afternoon for any reason, I would be pretty surprised if it lasted more than another day. There was continued optimism on both sides as of very late last night.