Brunell Back in 2007?

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

You're correct his heart and leadership are great, but can we afford to pay him that hefty contract and sit on the sidelines for another year. That's what the Skins have to put on the table in the offseason.

Well it's like Mark said, "Football is a great game, but it's a horrible business."

I guess it will come down to choosing the lesser of two evils. I truly believe it will be more beneficial to keep him another year for Jason's sake. I would rather see Brunell as our backup than bringing in someone else to learn the system and Collins is simply a non factor in my opinion.

[hesscl34]

Collins - non-factor. Totally agree.

I do think MB would be great to have for another year. He knows JC well, the team, the plays... oh, I already said that! haha...

[Schneed10]

As always, the salary cap will play the biggest role in deciding what we do with Brunell.

If we cut him from the roster, we'd save $2.3 million in 2007 salary cap space. Or we could renegotiate his contract. He is owed $5.2 million in base salary in 2007. We could still pay him that $5.2 million, just converted to signing bonus. This would free up about $3.5 - $4.0 million in 2007 salary cap space.

Knowing Gibbs and how much he loves vets, and specifically MB, I'm betting we keep him as a #2 and renegotiate his contract. No pay cuts, just renegotiation.

Two big factors at play:

1) Gibbs loves Brunell (and vet QBs in general).
2) The 'Skins love to renegotiate contracts so they can create tons of cap space.

My money says he stays as our #2. Unless he demands out, then Gibbs will accomodate him.

[MTK]

I don't see him going anywhere, he'll either retire or return as a backup here. If I had to bet on it I'd say he retires.

[Monkeydad]

He'd make a solid backup. I hope he stays for that. When he's healthy and fresh, he's great....and he's be both as a backup. Having a veteran as a backup is a big plus, especially one who has played extensively in the system, except for Todd Collins. You need talent along with the knowledge.

We could always get Tim Hasselbeck back if he doesn't take over for Eli.

[JoeRedskin]

I am betting that he stays as a back up. If for no other reason than that Gibbs really likes him. With him as the back- up, Gibbs will feel that he has two starting QB's on the roster. Another QB will be aquired to be next year's number 2 and be given a year to acclimate.

[BravesOnthePath]

Brunell's been a good QB over the past couple of years. now he's just gotten too old to do much. JC's doing an awesome job, and im very excited to see what he'll do for us next season. I just don't see brunell starting next year as a possibility. I would however love for him to stay to give JC some advice that he needs. the problem of his contract is what worries me. if Gibbs makes the decision to extend his contract to keep him as a backup, i hope Snyder stays out of it and allows brunell to stay on. of course i think even snyder knows not to push Gibbs around.

[MTK]

I do agree he would be a valuable backup, but a part of me would be nervous that Gibbs would go back to him.

It's a bit of a relief though that Campbell looks promising, I think as long as he keeps it up he will remain the unquestioned starter next year. Gibbs' comments about JC lately seem to indicate that he's gaining confidence in him and he's impressed with how well he's handling things.

[Cheerful1]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

I would like for Mark to stay. His leadership abilities are still an asset to this team and I think he's a good influence and mentor for Jason. I am glad to see the passion he's displayed during games since he lost his position and the support he's given to Jason. I think he still has a heart for this team, but if he were to leave, I believe he would choose retirement.

You're absolutely correct! He's remained positive even when the cards were not in his favor. His sportsmanship is to be admired. I could see him following the path of Ray Brown (in some media spotlight).

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by wilsowilso

He said he wants to be a starter again although I doubt more than one or two teams would even give him a shot to compete for the starting job. The man is a backup and quite honestly I hope he isn't here next year. He still thinks he should be a starter even though he has completely lost his mobility which was arguably his greatest weapon so now even though he is one dimensional and old and doesn't have a big arm he still believes he should be a starter and that means he is straight up delusional so I would like to see him leave.

If he is happy being a backup and taking a pay cut then he is more than welcome to stay.

You show me a person playing that does not think they should be a starter and will show you a total looser.

[MTK]

Yeah of course Brunell wants to start and believes he still can. There are plenty of guys that never come to the realization that they can't play anymore.

I don't think Brunell has reached that point where he can't play at all anymore, but his starting days are definitely behind him.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Yeah of course Brunell wants to start and believes he still can. There are plenty of guys that never come to the realization that they can't play anymore.

I don't think Brunell has reached that point where he can't play at all anymore, but his starting days are definitely behind him.

I agree but if I heard a player say that they could not be a starter I would worry about them as a player. Yes, there are guys who are back ups and know where they fit in but if asked they would say that they could be starters.

[skinsguy]

I don't believe Mark will retire this year, but I kind of see Gibbs convincing Brunell to stick it out at least one more year with the Redskins.

[#56fanatic]

Mark to his credit was having a decent year, statistically anyway. I agree his starting days as a #1 guy are behind him. With that said, he has been nothing but class since coming to this team, accepting what ever role he is asked to do. I wouldn't mind him as a backup. problem with that is, when or if Jason starts to struggle, is Coach Joe going to pull the string too quick to get his VET back on the field. Joe has no patience for young players that make mistakes.

[Longtimefan]

I'm wondering what affect Brunell's return next year would have on the continued maturation process of Jason Campbell. Many times for a young QB knowing the coaches' favorite is still lurking in the background can cause uneasyness, feeling the slightest decline in play, he may be replaced. I wouldn't have a problem with Brunell's return if it could be worked out. I could be wrong, but my gut feeling is, it could be a distraction. I just think it's time for the team to move on " COMPLETELY".