The Redskins' new approach to free agency

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Daseal

Here's my take on it. When we were big players in free agency, the contracts weren't quite as big. We would spend draft picks in order to get proven talent. We massaged the cap pretty well, and it worked. However, our players weren't getting the type of contracts and guarantees players are now. Nate Clements is a good DB, but was he THAT good? The guaranteed money is just too much now.

Good point. Just because we went hard into the market 2 years ago, and dabbled with a pair of players last year that really no one wanted, doesn't mean we can afford to be players in this market.

I think we kind of knew that 2 years ago, which is why we tried to mass shop at a bargain price. It just turned out that we bought a pair of contributors, and a pair of useless players. Either way, we were going to be in this type of cap situation, but the idea was to have the ability to win a pair of super bowls in 06 and 07.

[hooskins]

honestly I dont really see a "new" approach. All I see is that the Skins are constricted by the cap and some of the big deals they made in the past are gonna start having a bigger impact on the payroll therefore the Skins are conservative because they have to be.

I don't get this hype about a new "style", it seems to be the regular approach constricted.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by hooskins

honestly I dont really see a "new" approach. All I see is that the Skins are constricted by the cap and some of the big deals they made in the past are gonna start having a bigger impact on the payroll therefore the Skins are conservative because they have to be.

I don't get this hype about a new "style", it seems to be the regular approach constricted.

JLC's latest blog points out that Springs is the only guy to take on Danny & still be on the team. If that's true then it points to at least some sort of change.

As I recall from looking at Schneed & C. Canuck's cap sheets, there are a few vet players that could be cut to free cap room. If that's true, then there is at least a change to the extent that danny & vinny are not cutting the vets we have in order to sign new ones. there are a no. of ways to free up cap room, but it looks like they're not utilizing all methods, instead opting to stay put w/the roster for the most part.

It's early still. I wonder how much they'll be willing to pay for a guy like hackett or johnson.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

JLC's latest blog points out that Springs is the only guy to take on Danny & still be on the team. If that's true then it points to at least some sort of change.

As I recall from looking at Schneed & C. Canuck's cap sheets, there are a few vet players that could be cut to free cap room. If that's true, then there is at least a change to the extent that danny & vinny are not cutting the vets we have in order to sign new ones. there are a no. of ways to free up cap room, but it looks like they're not utilizing all methods, instead opting to stay put w/the roster for the most part.

It's early still. I wonder how much they'll be willing to pay for a guy like hackett or johnson.

Yeah that is a good point that I don't think has come up yet. Maybe Danny has learned a thing or two over the years.

They could definitely free up more space if needed, so I don't buy this talk that we're not making moves simply because we can't afford to. This is Snyder we're talking about after all.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

They could definitely free up more space if needed, so I don't buy this talk that we're not making moves simply because we can't afford to. This is Snyder we're talking about after all.

Except if we restructured everyone in order to make signings, half the signings would be cut by next year, and the other half by 2010, just so we could erase the 30 million dollar red zone we made for ourselves.

I mean, this was all planned out from the beginning back in 2006, (build the team of the future in 06/07, and let it win in 08/09) when we spent so heavily to try to build a winner, but this "patience" is just the next phase of a plan that has been mildly successful to date.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

Yeah that is a good point that I don't think has come up yet. Maybe Danny has learned a thing or two over the years.

They could definitely free up more space if needed, so I don't buy this talk that we're not making moves simply because we can't afford to. This is Snyder we're talking about after all.

I certainly think the Redskins could be more active in free agency than they currently are. We've got enough cap room to sign quality depth players and a starter or two. But, I don't think they could afford to sign more than 1 big-name free agent unless they backloaded the contract so heavily that they might run into problems retaining that player down the road.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I certainly think the Redskins could be more active in free agency than they currently are. We've got enough cap room to sign quality depth players and a starter or two. But, I don't think they could afford to sign more than 1 big-name free agent unless they backloaded the contract so heavily that they might run into problems retaining that player down the road.

right, so part of the approach is simply waiting for the market to cool & trying to get 2-3 mid level players for reasonable $, rather than 1 big name for big $ or similar. I like it, it shows commitment to the guys here. Hope they continue on this path.

[Meks]

honestly im really anxious for a decent signing

[DynamiteRave]

Originally Posted by Meks

honestly im really anxious for a decent signing

I'm with ya. I'm wondering if we're really going to sign any decent FAs this year. I wouldn't be totally bummed if we didn't but the draft is forever away. Anxiety's a bitch.

[Meks]

lol i kno, theres not alot to talk about in the near future unless we make a damn move!

[redskinsfanatic]

maybe the staff feels really comfortable with the players it has?they have to sign another 3rd string qbmol,and anpther few players for depth.

[Monksdown]

It could be all three, or not:

1. We don't have the money to spend on the VERY few worthwhile free agents.

2. It's a paradigm shift in Dan and Vinny's philosophy. Probably brought on by Dan's obsession with the media. Don't forget his marketing background.

3. We have a new first time head coach. Coming into a high pressure situation with many high profile players. Taking over for a playoff team. With the caveat in place of needing to take care of some depth issues, Jim Zorn is sending the message to his new team that he thinks they can get it done. A lot of personel change following a massive coaching shakeup could be a snowball effect straight down to the NFC East cellar.

[hail_2_da_skins]

I really like this approach. Wait until the dust settles, then the real free agent bargains are available. When I say bargain, I'm talking about comparably talented players for reasonable contracts. Bryant Johnson WR ARI is still available.

[EXoffender]

I'm for it. But the real feelings will show if we lose out on FA WRs Johnson and Hackett and have to possibly reach for a WR in the draft who fans may not be initially sold on...

[QBall]

We have a good roster and many big contracts already. We're not in the position to sign a Samuels and Clemons like Philly did. Good for them but it does not always work out. What happens when Donovan goes down again and they're screwed?

Giants have not made any big moves either and they won it all.

I think that we can find 2-3 starters or impact players in this years draft that will help us make a playoff / division run in 08'.

We'll be fine.