[MTK]

JLC's take on McCardell:

Made some calls this morning and the Skins are in fact negotiating with McCardell, 37, to bring him into camp. He has good size and has been a quality possession guy for a long time. Not great speed and nearing the end, but the Skins could definitely use someone as a big target for Jason Campbell as a slot guy.

From what I have heard, they essentially offered McCardell the veteran minimum, which would be the logical initial move in this case. There would be no guarantees that McCardell, a former Skins draft pick who never actually played for them, would make the team. This late in free-agency game, guys aren't getting big bucks and Keenan would realize that.

McCardell (6-1, 191) lives in Houston and was offered the minimun by the Texans. So if he's going to sign someplace for that money, might as well do it at home I would presume. But from what I gather, the Skins have some legit interest here - which speaks to the odd way they comprise their roster and how, after spending so many millions on complimentary receivers, they still have a need.

If they step up and give McCardell a decent little signing bonus, I think it gets done. He's a bit part at this point, but has assets the team lacks. Lloyd and Randle El have never proven to be No. 2 WRs to this point in their career - although one of them had better do so in 2007 - and McCardell did manage to start 11 games for the AFC powerhouse Chargers in 2006, though with limited production (36 catches, 437 yards, no TDs).

In 2005, though, McCardell started all 16 games, had 70 catches had nearly 1,000 yards; he caught 9 TDs and had 50 first-down catches - which is exactly the kind of thing the Skins need, someone savvy to move the chains and make catches in the high-traffic areas,

So we'll see what the Skins do over the next little while. Ball is in their court. I was surprised they didn't even take a look at Keyshawn - even with his issues - and to me it makes a lot of sense to throw a bonus at McCardell and a $1 million base and give Lloyd and that bunch a little something to consider. The 16-year vet. would be a positive influence on the younger guys if nothing else, and has been known as a locker room leader type for a long time.