The latest on contracts

[MTK]

Some highlights from the Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2005Feb8.html

The Redskins have long been at an impasse with Smoot over the size of his signing bonus, and there is a sense among many at Redskins Park that he will depart as a free agent. Negotiations with Pierce, who starred at middle linebacker last season, continued through the weekend, sources said, with both Pierce and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, saying recently they are hopeful of reaching a long-term agreement.

The team has also made progress in negotiations with defensive lineman Joe Salave'a and offensive lineman Ray Brown, sources said, but have yet to complete those deals. Emerging linebacker Lemar Marshall also remains unsigned.

Working out an extension with Samuels, who is set to count about $10 million against the salary cap for 2005, would open up more space to sign other players, and Samuels has said he welcomes that option. Gibbs is also optimistic that receiver Rod Gardner will be dealt next month when the trading period begins. Gardner's agent, Joel Segal, was granted permission to seek deals and spoke with Redskins salary cap manager Eric Schaffer several times recently to report outside interest, Gibbs said.
"There seems to be some interest there, and there should be," Gibbs said. "He's a good player."

Tampa Bay is expected to make a push for Gardner, and Baltimore could as well, with the Redskins likely receiving a mid-round draft pick in return.