Shanahan: Portis will be allowed to test the market (updated: Portis officially released)

[GusFrerotte]

It is a shame it has come to this. The guy was one of the best Skins of the post Gibbs I/ title era, but he is a used up commodity in DC with a questionable line still. His departure also puts another wrinkle with our first round pick. Do we actually go RB in the first round? I know Portis had to go, but now we are in need of two key components in our offensive backfield, a QB and RB. I like Torain and Williams as a tandem, but not sure they can carry the load as a feature back if the other one gets hurt.

[Dread-Skin]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

It is a shame it has come to this. The guy was one of the best Skins of the post Gibbs I/ title era, but he is a used up commodity in DC with a questionable line still. His departure also puts another wrinkle with our first round pick. Do we actually go RB in the first round? I know Portis had to go, but now we are in need of two key components in our offensive backfield, a QB and RB. I like Torain and Williams as a tandem, but not sure they can carry the load as a feature back if the other one gets hurt.

Im not a fan of this years RB draft selection. I am also not a fan of KW. I dont value him if it is based on his pass catching ability like Coach used him for in situations. Torrain would be a nice spell back if we can find a primary back -hes better at that than KW.
It be great if CP would stick around 1 more year at least- granted he would have to take a humungous pay cut and sign something low like $1 mill a year. I'd hate if he thought he could go to NE and get a taste of winning. But CP and torrain could be functionable but having said that, both are injury prone. Riggins record could be broken but we know diesel will always be our GOAT.
The main thing about having so much vacancy for talent I think is we could lure some good talent to try out and practice squad b/c opportunity is here.

[wilsowilso]

Great football player when he was young and healthy.

He deserves to go to a really good team that needs a solid veteran backup due to the fact that he still has a talent that many NFL running backs just don't have.

The man can block. It's a unique quality for a RB nowadays.

[firstdown]

I remember his first run as a skin against TB but other then that I cannot really remember any of his runs that you just say "WOW". I can remember some great blocks and some nice runs but nothing with the wow factor. I do remember him stumbling over his own two feet when he had a wide open hole. I love CP but its not like he was lighting up the field.

[Bigreds77]

gmanc711 Riggo was before your time? Larry Brown was not even before my time.Lucky you.

[freddyg12]

From CP's comments, he sounds as if he's sure he's done here. That may be because he thinks he'll get signed elsewhere. If he can't get much out there, which is likely scenario, it would make sense for him to stay in DC as a backup/3rd down back. Ordinarily I would say there's a slim chance of that, but Shanahan being here increases that possibility IMO.

I think it will be a very humbling market for CP. Even if he's signed elsewhere, will he be able to make the team? I wouldn't be too surprised if he's played his last nfl down, though I think he's got value in pass pro.

[SolidSnake84]

Portis right now reminds me alot of former boxers that i know, who can obviously keep in shape, and mentally they tell themselves that they can still fight. How many times have you heard guys say "I feel like I'm still 25", or "I'm in the best shape of my life"?

The fact is is that while they are still in shape, most of their skills have eroded, and they might still show you flashes of what they once were, but the reality is that their career is over.

Portis is a fine athlete, who is in shape, and mentally he tells himself that he can still go. It is a sad day because the athlete's mentality tells him that he can still play. The truth is, if he does indeed make a squad somewhere, how long until he is injured again? I think he may have 1 season left, if he can stay healthy and used in an extremely limited role..

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by SolidSnake84

Portis right now reminds me alot of former boxers that i know, who can obviously keep in shape, and mentally they tell themselves that they can still fight. How many times have you heard guys say "I feel like I'm still 25", or "I'm in the best shape of my life"?

The fact is is that while they are still in shape, most of their skills have eroded, and they might still show you flashes of what they once were, but the reality is that their career is over.

Portis is a fine athlete, who is in shape, and mentally he tells himself that he can still go. It is a sad day because the athlete's mentality tells him that he can still play. The truth is, if he does indeed make a squad somewhere, how long until he is injured again? I think he may have 1 season left, if he can stay healthy and used in an extremely limited role..

Spot on analogy. I also agree w/him playing one more year. I don't see it so much as him not being able to stay healthy, he may stay relatively healthy if he's a reserve. But after another year, will he still be as good w/his blocking? If not, no team will be willing to keep him. His time as a runner is pretty much done.

[44ever]

CP departure would be a positive for the Skins. If it is the end of the run with the Skins, I say, Good luck CP and thank you.
The Early Lead - Report: Is release of Clinton Portis imminent?

[saden1]

The market will vindicate Clinton Portis.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by saden1

The market will vindicate Clinton Portis.

I absolutely wish him the best if that happens. I hope the team can establish a deal that will work for both sides and he can stay.
BUT more than that I HOPE this teams days of paying millions for "what used to be" are behind them!

[SolidSnake84]

There will be a market for him, i'm sure. But strictly as a backup RB. Nobody on here can say with any seriousness that somebody is going to give him big bucks to start.

He'll be 30 when the season starts. And he has reached the "magic number" that RB's fall apart on. And he fell apart right before our eyes. And it was painful, and sad to watch all at the same time.

[SolidSnake84]

Look for a news update soon, Fox news is saying that Mike Shanahan told them today that his release will be finalized within 24 hours.

Portis, on his official twitter has made comments of "The passion i had for the game just wasnt the same anymore after coach Gibbs retired.".

And he said "I look foreward to finding a new team without the drama of redskins park".

CP was being CP all the way to the end....

[KLHJ2]

[SolidSnake84]

The Early Lead - Clinton Portis: 'I should be released today'

He made some good comments. It sounded to me like the skins gave him the chance to re-work his deal for less money, and he decided to go for the money.

He at least was honest with 106.7 the fan when he told them his passion for the game has not been the same since Joe Gibbs retired again. That speaks volumes when you think back to how his play seemed to drop off a cliff...it makes perfect sense that he wasnt playing with his heart in it, especially when all the major injuries started hampering him. He just couldnt play through the pain anymore. Injuries overtook him.

Good Luck Portis. All hard feelings i had for you in the past are gone now. Thank you for being honest with the fans about what really happened.

He has one year left in the NFL, IMO...I hope he goes out a winner.