[sportscurmudgeon]

The key to the Bailey/Portis deal is what it takes to sign Portis to an extension. If that is a burdensome contract, then this is not a good deal.

Can everyone here use this situation as an example of why you should not get carried away with the idea of the "franchise tag"? For the last couple of months, everyone was sure that putting that tag on Champ meant getting two first round picks for him. When I reminded people that Trotter was the Eagles' franchise player and he came here for no compensation at all, that did not dampen the enthusiasm. NOtice that two first rounders are not coming here. In fact, dealing away the "franchise player" will cost a 2nd round pick to get the deal done because the Broncos know that the Skins want the burden of Champ Bailey's contract off their shoulders.

Champ's franchise tag is a salary cap burden. Yes, it prevented him from going out and getting offers and just signing them and telling the Skins to suck eggs. But he will count as a $6.8M player against the cap as soon as the new "cap year" starts. That hinders the signing of free agents; and if the Redskins do not sign some solid (not spectacular big names but solid) free agents on the defensive line, they aren't going to do any better than 8-8 next year. I don't care who you have at linebacker and safety, if there isn't a 200% upgrade on the DL, they'll be making most of their tackles at a minimum of 5 yards downfield.