Samuels Update

[MTK]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1977710

Washington Redskins officials are determined to improve the team's offensive line play in 2005 and are looking to upgrade at the center spot. But the Redskins might also need a new left tackle in another month or so. ESPN.com has confirmed that Jimmy Sexton, the agent for tackle Chris Samuels, huddled with Washington owner Dan Snyder this week to discuss the burdensome contract of the five-year veteran and former first-round draft pick. The Redskins would prefer that Samuels sign an extension, as fellow 2000 first-rounder LaVar Arrington did toward the end of the 2003 season, to lower his salary cap charge. Samuels has demonstrated in the past that he is willing to aid the Redskins' salary cap plight but might not be as inclined to rework his deal for a third time. If he doesn't, though, he could be released. Both sides will have to think long and hard about the ramifications of such a move. Washington would have to find a left tackle -- no small feat, even with Walter Jones of Seattle rumored to be headed to free agency, after three seasons playing under the "franchise" tag -- and that would be an expensive proposition. For his part, Samuels, who played better in 2004 after a couple of subpar and injury-marred campaigns, has to be certain there is a market for him if he forces Snyder's hand.

[Shane]

I think Chris Samuels will rework his contract. He is an excellent player when working in a non-Spurrier system. I'm confident that Samuels will see that the Redskins have paid him very fairly and that it's untenable for him to refuse to rework his contract. He appreciates playing with Joe Bugel, his career and self-confidence are rejuvenated and the Redskins are building something special here which I think he will want to be a part of.

[GoSkins!]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Jimmy Sexton, the agent for tackle Chris Samuels, huddled with Washington owner Dan Snyder this week to discuss the burdensome contract of the five-year veteran and former first-round draft pick. The Redskins would prefer that Samuels sign an extension, as fellow 2000 first-rounder LaVar Arrington did toward the end of the 2003 season

Sounds like they are getting things worked out. It rang a bell with me that they mentioned Lavar in there. Made me think that even if something was agreed upon last week, Sexton will spend all the time he needs to look over every detail of the paperwork after all the Lavar Arrington contract issues.

Hope to hear something good on Samuals, Pierce, and Smoot soon...

[SKINSnCANES]

i hope he signs an extension. people with his physical attributes dont come around everyyear. we've got great coaches, we definitly should keep him and sign him to a long term, cap friendly deal

[RedskinPete]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...len&id=1977710

Washington Redskins officials are determined to improve the team's offensive line play in 2005 and are looking to upgrade at the center spot. But the Redskins might also need a new left tackle in another month or so. ESPN.com has confirmed that Jimmy Sexton, the agent for tackle Chris Samuels, huddled with Washington owner Dan Snyder this week to discuss the burdensome contract of the five-year veteran and former first-round draft pick. The Redskins would prefer that Samuels sign an extension, as fellow 2000 first-rounder LaVar Arrington did toward the end of the 2003 season, to lower his salary cap charge. Samuels has demonstrated in the past that he is willing to aid the Redskins' salary cap plight but might not be as inclined to rework his deal for a third time. If he doesn't, though, he could be released. Both sides will have to think long and hard about the ramifications of such a move. Washington would have to find a left tackle -- no small feat, even with Walter Jones of Seattle rumored to be headed to free agency, after three seasons playing under the "franchise" tag -- and that would be an expensive proposition. For his part, Samuels, who played better in 2004 after a couple of subpar and injury-marred campaigns, has to be certain there is a market for him if he forces Snyder's hand.

For the people in the know who is better right now....Walter Jones or Chris Samuels?

[skinsfanthru&thru]

Originally Posted by RedskinPete

For the people in the know who is better right now....Walter Jones or Chris Samuels?

I'd take Jones and releasing samuels and signing jones couldn't be nearly as expensive as keeping samuels with his current contract next year.

[sportscurmudgeon]

Right now and for the next year or two, Walter Jones is a significant upgrade over Chris Samuels. Jones is an elite OL; Samuels is above average.

The reason Samuels might be your OT of choice is that he has - absent injury - a long future in the NFL. Jones has a long career in the NFL and a much shorter future.

[MTK]

Jones will be looking for a big contract, our best case scenario is to restructure Samuels.

[skinsguy]

And the reason why we're restructuring Samuel's contract in the first place is to free up some cap space....otherwise they wouldn't need to touch his contract at all....

[MTK]

I really would like to see Samuels stay and continue to work with Bugel. I think Buges has him on the right road.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I agree. With Jansen back and some more work with Bugel, they could be a great tackle duo.

[offiss]

I just don't feel Samuel's has the competitive desire to be an elite tackle, he look's to much to me as a player who just does enough to exist, no passion or aggresion in his game.

[Daseal]

Let's not forget Samuels had a very solid season and was injured all year!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

We'll see how much passion and team-spirit he has if he restructures to help the team out.

[CrazyCanuck]

I'd like to know what's taking so long. We've been discussing this Samuels thing for years now. How long can these 2 sides negotiate?

I'd like to have Samuels back with a restructure, but these delays don't seem to bode well for a new deal IMO.