Rolle rumors are false

[Schneed10]

The big reason I think the Rolle rumors are false is because imagine what kind of message it sends to the rest of the players. Think about it, the players all love Fred Smoot. They talk about what a warrior he is and how hard he goes out and plays. And they recognized how hurtin he was when he was playing with that sternum problem. It doesn't send a very good message to stall negotiations by offering $11.5 million bonus, and then turn around and offer $15 million to a player from the outside who hasn't poured his heart and soul into the Redskins. It sends a message that the Redskins value players from the outside more than they value their own. I think Dan Snyder, in the past few years, did not think of the effects such a message might have on the players. But I think Gibbs is aware of these things, and I don't think he would kick around the idea of a $15 million bonus to a free agent when he's not willing to pay his Redskin warrior more than $11.5 million.

Plus it just doesn't make sense. Rolle is real good, but he's older than Fred and Fred is almost as good, if not just as good. If anything, Fred should get paid more because he is younger and has more quality years ahead of him. I just can't see Gibbs taking a look at Rolle, he's trying to build continuity.

I think the Rolle rumor was leaked out on purpose by Rolle's agents; he is said to be negotiating with the Chiefs, and any player who says the Redskins are interested is likely to see his price tag rise a bit.