do we show our hand to soon (Barrow allowed to seek trade)

[Schneed10]

Yeah I'm with Matty. In fact, I wouldn't heap ANY blame on the front office.

First off, Barrow is friggin worthless in the trade market. He's old, hasn't played in over a year, and is dealing with chronic knee problems. He'd come to a new team and have to learn a whole new system, on top of his health issues. If he's healthy, then MAYBE he can be a starter for some NFL teams. But most teams have a decent mike LB in place, and all he would be is a backup. Teams might pay him the veteran minimum salary as a free agent, but there's no way in hell they'd give up any draft picks plus take on his $1.7 million base salary this season. There's nothing the front office can do about him.

On Gardner, the Redskins had several trade possibilities lined up to net them a 3rd or 4th round pick, but because Gardner demanded a new contract, all the teams backed off. Nobody is going to give up a 3rd or 4th rounder for a one-year rental, especially when that player can't catch the ball with consistency.

Gibbs has done everything he can do. He's actually being smart by deciding to release them as late as possible. He's holding out hope that a team will get desperate and cut a deal. There's nothing Gibbs could have done to strengthen his bargaining position.