Cooley contract???

[TheMalcolmConnection]

But then I worry about whether or not there are enough balls to go around.

[GTripp0012]

Honestly, I don't think there are. But we have some class WRs so I don't think it will be much of a problem.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I don't think Randle El will be a problem, but Lloyd MIGHT. Even though I was really REALLY impressed that he showed up to workouts without his contract and seemed to be an overall good guy.

I guess that's what happens when you come to a winning program.

[Sociofan]

jjl does have a point. I think back to Frank Wycheck. He was an emerging player with the Skins and then became a Pro Bowler with the Oilers/Titans. Cooley and Wycheck are essentially cut from the same mold. I'd hate to think about losing such a productive H-B/TE again.

[Sociofan]

Danged redundant posting.

[BrudLee]

The problem with signing Cooley long-term is you risk alienating Sean Taylor - who also deserves a long-term deal (based on his on-field behavior), but isn't likely to get one until his off-field troubles are behind him.

Compare the situation with the Eagles of last year (loathe as I am to praise them). While Owens was demanding a new deal, no contract extensions were signed. Once he was taken off the board, Westbrook and Akers both got extensions. Signing either of those players while Owens was making waves would have caused problems. Once he wasn't an issue, the signings were rapidly completed.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Exactly what I'm saying. I think it would be wise to tackle everyone who deserves it during one offseason. Maybe put free agent signings behind us and worry about keeping our own.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Exactly what I'm saying. I think it would be wise to tackle everyone who deserves it during one offseason. Maybe put free agent signings behind us and worry about keeping our own.

You can't do that. Giving money away leaves you with less talent for the dollar and undervalued contracts are the biggest competitive advantage a team can have. We're close to cap now and giving out more big contracts means players have to be cut and then you get deadcap which means even les room to work with. Next year if we sign no new contracts (besides doc and lloyd) we'll still need a few cuts and restructures to stay under cap.

cooley's good, but he's also a TE, which is a fairly (and cheaply) replaceable position. He has 2 years left, taylor has 5 (and i think taylors contract gripes came from Drew wanting a new contract so HE could get his 3% since taylor currently makes him no money).

I think cooleys yardage probably does drop if we really go to a 3WR base formation since he won't be the #2 option on absolutely every play.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by That Guy

You can't do that. Giving money away leaves you with less talent for the dollar and undervalued contracts are the biggest competitive advantage a team can have. We're close to cap now and giving out more big contracts means players have to be cut and then you get deadcap which means even les room to work with. Next year if we sign no new contracts (besides doc and lloyd) we'll still need a few cuts and restructures to stay under cap.

cooley's good, but he's also a TE, which is a fairly (and cheaply) replaceable position. He has 2 years left, taylor has 5 (and i think taylors contract gripes came from Drew wanting a new contract so HE could get his 3% since taylor currently makes him no money).

I think cooleys yardage probably does drop if we really go to a 3WR base formation since he won't be the #2 option on absolutely every play.

I disagree. Replacing Cooley would be really difficult to do. He brings so much to the table as far as what he does. He's the complete football player, a rarity in today's NFL. He's a fan favorite, and he's perfect for the system. He's a team player, and is not a distraction in the locker room. He's out performed his deal two consecutive years, and hasn't said anything publicly. You need to keep this guy around, which is why I believe if he has another good season, he will get his money next offseason.

Sadly, I doubt he will finish his carrer in Washington, because he's an average TE, who really found a home at H-B. After Gibbs and Saunders are done, they may not pay to keep him around.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I disagree. Replacing Cooley would be really difficult to do. He brings so much to the table as far as what he does. He's the complete football player, a rarity in today's NFL. He's a fan favorite, and he's perfect for the system. He's a team player, and is not a distraction in the locker room. He's out performed his deal two consecutive years, and hasn't said anything publicly. You need to keep this guy around, which is why I believe if he has another good season, he will get his money next offseason.

Sadly, I doubt he will finish his carrer in Washington, because he's an average TE, who really found a home at H-B. After Gibbs and Saunders are done, they may not pay to keep him around.

I meant you can't just sign him to a deal now. He has two years, let him play those 2 years first. Afterwards maybe we keep him, maybe we don't (depending on contract demands and outside offers). I do agree that he is a great player and a useful guy to have on the roster.

as for being replaceable, there's a good TE almost every year, though they usually go in round 1 (heath miller, vernon davis, L pope, heap, etc)

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by That Guy

I meant you can't just sign him to a deal now. He has two years, let him play those 2 years first. Afterwards maybe we keep him, maybe we don't (depending on contract demands and outside offers). I do agree that he is a great player and a useful guy to have on the roster.

as for being replaceable, there's a good TE almost every year, though they usually go in round 1 (heath miller, vernon davis, L pope, heap, etc)

My main point is if you have to pick a very small number (4-5) of guys to hold over a long amount of time, I would put Cooley among them. From a franchise standpoint, you don't need to extend his contract, and I wouldn't do that this year anyway. But the guy has earned his money, and he hasn't begged for it, so he should get it.

If you only pay the people who come to you and beg for it, what kind of example does that set for the rest of the team?

Also with the TE's, you are right with the quality of recieving TE that comes out of college. But just having a wide body doesn't mean you can block. More specifically, if you are going to rely on your running game, you want a TE who is a great in-line blocker, and is more than willing to block; guys who consistently handle DE's and LB's in the running game. I would venture to say that the college ranks produce 1-2 guys who fit this description a year.

Cooley doesn't fit this in-line blocker ideal. But that's alright because he plays the H in Gibbs' offense. Cooley isn't a true TE, and if you played him there he'd be playing out of position. He's more than willing to block, and he's an excellent seal blocker. But that doesn't make him a great in-line blocker. He wouldn't be much more than a special teamer in any other system, despite his value as a football player and the fact that he catches absolutely anything thrown to his side of the field.

Bottom line: The Skins don't have to pay Cooley right now, but they should give him the contract he deserves within a year and a half.

Sorry about the essay.

[dmek25]

do me a favor and never compare anything the redskins do to the eagles(thanks)

[Red Robert]

I love this kid, I would like to think he will be with us a long time. I think they will look at this next off season. They will want to look at Cooley in Saunders system to gage his true value.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Why tie yourself to Cooley when you can sign Vernon Davis in a few years!

[denim_monger]

where i come from cooley means your azz

kinda funny you got a tight end named cooley!

wooohoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!