Unrestricted Free Agents Who Might Help

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by sportscurmudgeon

Mea culpa! I did not mention Rex Gosssman.

I also did not mention Ryan Leaf - - who is an unrestricted free agent so long as he is not in jail on his pending charges.

I also did not mention Jeff George - - who is an unrestricted free agent who can bring veteran presence and perspective to the team as a mentor for Jason Campbell, Colt Brennan, Todd Collins and whomever the Skins might draft in April 2010 at a QB. Those folks need to know the Jeff George philosophy:

Leadership is overrated.

You also didn't mention Babe Laufenberg! I think the Babe might have something left in the tank.

There are several big questions in my mind about Free Agency and the Redskins in 2010.

First, are Shanny and Bruce really serious about that "Future is Now" stuff Bruce put out or not? If they are, then I wonder if they are willing to stick their necks out enough to try to sign Dansby and a top OL in FA. When I say a top OL, I mean a top OL who is a restricted FA and who will cost big bucks and a draft pick. I'm thinking Marcus McNeil to play LT or Logan Mankins to play RG.

Second, are the Skins going to bring in some OL's, as FA's, who are familiar with Shanny's system who the coaches know and trust? I'm thinking of players like G/C Ben Hamilton (Denver), OT Tony Pashos (SF), or OG Chester Pitts (Texans). These type of players might be able to help us in the short term.

Thirdly, are the Skins going to try to put square pegs (4-3 players) in round holes (3-4 positions) in the new defense or are they going to bring in some round pegs via FA? Dansby would be the first round peg. I feel that we really need another ILB to play beside London Fletcher if we're going to convert to a 3-4. As for the DL in a 3-4, I just don't feel comfortable with the personnel we have other than AH. Hopefully, we'll try to sign either Dwan Edwards or Justin Bannan from the Ravens to help at either DE or NT.

Leon washington would be an excellent pickup as a third down back and KR, as long as the Skins are willing to wait for him to fully recover from his broken leg.

Also, I hope we re-sign Hunter Smith.

That's about all I've got on Free Agents.

[SBXVII]

I'll say it again. There are positions that are in major need of upgrade some just need 1 or 2 pieces and then theres positions that can wait for next yr. We can't pick up everything in one year and expect SB quality. I don't care what the team calls it I'm in "Rebuild" mode thought process. This way I don't get my hopes up too high and as long as the team grows and gets better then 4-12 I'll be happy.

Positions of need Offensively:
OL- Take any decent talent in FA that can help out for a year or two plus draft as many as we can. Then look at all UFA's in summer camp.

QB- I "like" JC but I don't see a Franchise QB in him. I don't care about the stats. Yes he's safe with the ball. I'm talking the whole package. He won't be a Manning, Favre, or Breese. Too many complaints as to why he won't to list and has been talked about at nauseum so .... Draft a Franchise QB.

RB- Portis, Betts, and Rock are almost 30. Way too old, we need to get younger. If Portis is cleared and committed get rid of Betts and Rock. Keep Ganther, Mason, and Alridge. Pick up a mid to late round draft pick. If CP is not cleared cut him and his big contract as well as Rock and keep Betts. Keep the others and still draft a RB.

WR- As much as I want to wait and see the young guys step up I have to ask.... how long do we wait? The Giants and Eagles started Rookie WR's the past 2 yrs and got production. We got limited production out of our 2 Rookies even though Thomas did step up more last yr and I'd love to see more of Mitchell. Moss is not producing like he did roughly 5 yrs ago when we brought him in. ARE has not lived up to his contract yet. I'd think about keeping Moss, cutting ARE and bringing in Walter, Bryant, or dare I say it T.O. only cause we won't have to give up a draft pick to get them.

TE- Set.

Positions of need Defensively:
CB- If Rogers is gone (hopefully) then look for a FA replacement. Keep the young guys; Westbrook, Horton, Barnes as Nickles unless they show something and rotate them in the line up.

FS- Hopefully FA. If not draft someone.

SS- Set. Doughty, Laundry and whoever else was there last yr.

LB- Look for a decent 3-4 style FA. Then draft a late round or UFA.

DE- Set. Orakpo, Jarmin, Carter and using AH as DE occassionally will disrupt.

DT/NT- I'd tell AH he's our NT/DE. Move him around to cause mismatches. So I guess I'd pick up a NT if available in FA. Otherwise look at the draft for any big DT's.

I'm sure my plan has holes all in it and some of the positions could probably wait until next yr for upgrading like RB (if everyone comes back healthy), WR, and CB (if we keep Rogers).

[sportscurmudgeon]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I'll say it again. There are positions that are in major need of upgrade some just need 1 or 2 pieces and then theres positions that can wait for next yr. We can't pick up everything in one year and expect SB quality. I don't care what the team calls it I'm in "Rebuild" mode thought process. This way I don't get my hopes up too high and as long as the team grows and gets better then 4-12 I'll be happy.

Positions of need Offensively:
OL- Take any decent talent in FA that can help out for a year or two plus draft as many as we can. Then look at all UFA's in summer camp.

QB- I "like" JC but I don't see a Franchise QB in him. I don't care about the stats. Yes he's safe with the ball. I'm talking the whole package. He won't be a Manning, Favre, or Breese. Too many complaints as to why he won't to list and has been talked about at nauseum so .... Draft a Franchise QB.

RB- Portis, Betts, and Rock are almost 30. Way too old, we need to get younger. If Portis is cleared and committed get rid of Betts and Rock. Keep Ganther, Mason, and Alridge. Pick up a mid to late round draft pick. If CP is not cleared cut him and his big contract as well as Rock and keep Betts. Keep the others and still draft a RB.

WR- As much as I want to wait and see the young guys step up I have to ask.... how long do we wait? The Giants and Eagles started Rookie WR's the past 2 yrs and got production. We got limited production out of our 2 Rookies even though Thomas did step up more last yr and I'd love to see more of Mitchell. Moss is not producing like he did roughly 5 yrs ago when we brought him in. ARE has not lived up to his contract yet. I'd think about keeping Moss, cutting ARE and bringing in Walter, Bryant, or dare I say it T.O. only cause we won't have to give up a draft pick to get them.

TE- Set.

Positions of need Defensively:
CB- If Rogers is gone (hopefully) then look for a FA replacement. Keep the young guys; Westbrook, Horton, Barnes as Nickles unless they show something and rotate them in the line up.

FS- Hopefully FA. If not draft someone.

SS- Set. Doughty, Laundry and whoever else was there last yr.

LB- Look for a decent 3-4 style FA. Then draft a late round or UFA.

DE- Set. Orakpo, Jarmin, Carter and using AH as DE occassionally will disrupt.

DT/NT- I'd tell AH he's our NT/DE. Move him around to cause mismatches. So I guess I'd pick up a NT if available in FA. Otherwise look at the draft for any big DT's.

I'm sure my plan has holes all in it and some of the positions could probably wait until next yr for upgrading like RB (if everyone comes back healthy), WR, and CB (if we keep Rogers).

Excellent rational analysis. I would only suggest that bringing Terrell Owens here is a humongous gamble - - particularly if some of the other divas and "teacher's pets" on this team do not undergo a major attitude adjustment.

Owens is still very productive on the field; I will not dispute that. I just do not think that he is a "presence" that the Skins need in the midst of a complete team restructuring.

Although I must admit that if T.O. and Clinton Portis got into a verbal war on the John Thompson Show for a few weeks, it would be highly entertaining radio...

[MTK]

TO is going to be hitting 37 next season, I'm just not sure how much gas is left in his tank. I've got no problem with possibly adding a veteran WR, I just think we could do much better than TO and also avoid the drama he brings.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

TO is going to be hitting 37 next season, I'm just not sure how much gas is left in his tank. I've got no problem with possibly adding a veteran WR, I just think we could do much better than TO and also avoid the drama he brings.

Brandon Stokely.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

You also didn't mention Babe Laufenberg! I think the Babe might have something left in the tank.

There are several big questions in my mind about Free Agency and the Redskins in 2010.

First, are Shanny and Bruce really serious about that "Future is Now" stuff Bruce put out or not? If they are, then I wonder if they are willing to stick their necks out enough to try to sign Dansby and a top OL in FA. When I say a top OL, I mean a top OL who is a restricted FA and who will cost big bucks and a draft pick. I'm thinking Marcus McNeil to play LT or Logan Mankins to play RG.

Second, are the Skins going to bring in some OL's, as FA's, who are familiar with Shanny's system who the coaches know and trust? I'm thinking of players like G/C Ben Hamilton (Denver), OT Tony Pashos (SF), or OG Chester Pitts (Texans). These type of players might be able to help us in the short term.

Thirdly, are the Skins going to try to put square pegs (4-3 players) in round holes (3-4 positions) in the new defense or are they going to bring in some round pegs via FA? Dansby would be the first round peg. I feel that we really need another ILB to play beside London Fletcher if we're going to convert to a 3-4. As for the DL in a 3-4, I just don't feel comfortable with the personnel we have other than AH. Hopefully, we'll try to sign either Dwan Edwards or Justin Bannan from the Ravens to help at either DE or NT.

Leon washington would be an excellent pickup as a third down back and KR, as long as the Skins are willing to wait for him to fully recover from his broken leg.

Also, I hope we re-sign Hunter Smith.

That's about all I've got on Free Agents.

I hope that resigning Hunter the Punter is a top priority.

[53Fan]

I could see us signing WR Kevin Walter if he's an UFA, ( Most sites I've searched say he is), he's 6'3", 27-28 years old, worked with K. Shanahan in Houston and plays well in the redzone.

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I'll say it again. There are positions that are in major need of upgrade some just need 1 or 2 pieces and then theres positions that can wait for next yr. We can't pick up everything in one year and expect SB quality. I don't care what the team calls it I'm in "Rebuild" mode thought process. This way I don't get my hopes up too high and as long as the team grows and gets better then 4-12 I'll be happy.

Positions of need Offensively:
OL- Take any decent talent in FA that can help out for a year or two plus draft as many as we can. Then look at all UFA's in summer camp.

QB- I "like" JC but I don't see a Franchise QB in him. I don't care about the stats. Yes he's safe with the ball. I'm talking the whole package. He won't be a Manning, Favre, or Breese. Too many complaints as to why he won't to list and has been talked about at nauseum so .... Draft a Franchise QB.

RB- Portis, Betts, and Rock are almost 30. Way too old, we need to get younger. If Portis is cleared and committed get rid of Betts and Rock. Keep Ganther, Mason, and Alridge. Pick up a mid to late round draft pick. If CP is not cleared cut him and his big contract as well as Rock and keep Betts. Keep the others and still draft a RB.

WR- As much as I want to wait and see the young guys step up I have to ask.... how long do we wait? The Giants and Eagles started Rookie WR's the past 2 yrs and got production. We got limited production out of our 2 Rookies even though Thomas did step up more last yr and I'd love to see more of Mitchell. Moss is not producing like he did roughly 5 yrs ago when we brought him in. ARE has not lived up to his contract yet. I'd think about keeping Moss, cutting ARE and bringing in Walter, Bryant, or dare I say it T.O. only cause we won't have to give up a draft pick to get them.

TE- Set.

Positions of need Defensively:
CB- If Rogers is gone (hopefully) then look for a FA replacement. Keep the young guys; Westbrook, Horton, Barnes as Nickles unless they show something and rotate them in the line up.

FS- Hopefully FA. If not draft someone.

SS- Set. Doughty, Laundry and whoever else was there last yr.

LB- Look for a decent 3-4 style FA. Then draft a late round or UFA.

DE- Set. Orakpo, Jarmin, Carter and using AH as DE occassionally will disrupt.

DT/NT- I'd tell AH he's our NT/DE. Move him around to cause mismatches. So I guess I'd pick up a NT if available in FA. Otherwise look at the draft for any big DT's.

I'm sure my plan has holes all in it and some of the positions could probably wait until next yr for upgrading like RB (if everyone comes back healthy), WR, and CB (if we keep Rogers).

Since this thread is about Free Agency, I have some questions and some comments about what you wrote from the perspective of Free Agency.

OL - I couldn't agree with you more about the OL. We need to leave no stone unturned to improve the OL. In the short term, at least, that's going to require signing some more FA's.

QB - I also agree with you about JC. From my observations, there just isn't an OL worthy of the #4 pick, whereas I think that either Clausen or Bradford, or even both, could possibly be that elusive Franchise QB. So, I'd like to see the Skins take one of them with the #4 pick. But that leaves the matter of what to do with JC. If the Skins tender him at a 1st and a 3rd level, will they trade him or pay him to start one more season? I'd hate to miss out on the opportunity to get something for him.

RB - I think we can go with Portis or Betts on 1st and 2nd downs. I see Rock as a "glue" guy and a valuable ST player. But we stiil need a 3rd down back and I think we should take a long look at Leon Washington, who is also a good return guy.

WR - Like you, I'm not sold on the young WR's. But, T.O.? If you're going to bring in a head case, then trade for Brandon Marshall and extend his contract. He's a true #1 WR now and he's a good fit. As for the FA's, I have no problem with bringing one (or more) in to compete. I feel very confident about the WR decisions going forward because Shanny always had productive WR's and because I have all the respect in the world for Keenan McCardell as our WR's Coach.

CB - I think Carlos will be better in a different scheme where he doesn't play so far off the ball. I'm not very worried about this position.

FS - I agree with you.

SS - I'd try to trade Landry.

BTW, it seems to you're thinking 4-3/3-4 hybrid on defense. I'm not thinking that way going forward - I'm thinking strictly 3-4 in terms of any player acqusitions. So, I feel that we need to look at FA's at ILB, OLB, NT, and DE.

I don't think Big Al is going to like the lack of a spotlight on him as a NT. He'll probably need to be a DE. So we'll need a NT. We should look to trade Carter who should have good value as a 4-3 DE but is not likely to fit well in a 3-4 defense as an OLB (based on his experience at the position in SF).

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I'll say it again. There are positions that are in major need of upgrade some just need 1 or 2 pieces and then theres positions that can wait for next yr. We can't pick up everything in one year and expect SB quality. I don't care what the team calls it I'm in "Rebuild" mode thought process. This way I don't get my hopes up too high and as long as the team grows and gets better then 4-12 I'll be happy.

Positions of need Offensively:
OL- Take any decent talent in FA that can help out for a year or two plus draft as many as we can. Then look at all UFA's in summer camp.

QB- I "like" JC but I don't see a Franchise QB in him. I don't care about the stats. Yes he's safe with the ball. I'm talking the whole package. He won't be a Manning, Favre, or Breese. Too many complaints as to why he won't to list and has been talked about at nauseum so .... Draft a Franchise QB.

I think you are contradicting yourself a bit here. I do agree with you that we are in a rebuilding mode. But I think by picking up any decent talent at OL (which really there isn't much), you are basically keep pushing of an area of need we've been having for the past two maybe three years. If the team is in true rebuilding mode, then we need to pick up a young starting Tackle. While I do agree that we need a QB, I think given our current roster, we are in dire need of tackle.

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

OL - I couldn't agree with you more about the OL. We need to leave no stone unturned to improve the OL. In the short term, at least, that's going to require signing some more FA's.

QB - I also agree with you about JC. From my observations, there just isn't an OL worthy of the #4 pick, whereas I think that either Clausen or Bradford, or even both, could possibly be that elusive Franchise QB. So, I'd like to see the Skins take one of them with the #4 pick. But that leaves the matter of what to do with JC. If the Skins tender him at a 1st and a 3rd level, will they trade him or pay him to start one more season? I'd hate to miss out on the opportunity to get something for him.

I think the best case scenario for people like you and me will be that we can get good compensation for Campbell. Otherwise, I don't think you are going to find much talent in FA for the offensive line. And I have to disagree with you on the tackles, there are at least two tackles worth picking up at #4, and one (Okung) could start right away from day one. Can't say the same thing about Bradford or Clausen.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Otherwise, I don't think you are going to find much talent in FA for the offensive line. And I have to disagree with you on the tackles, there are at least two tackles worth picking up at #4, and one (Okung) could start right away from day one. Can't say the same thing about Bradford or Clausen.

Why not? Is the goal to be around .500 in 2010 or to be set-up for SB contention year in/year out for 2011 & beyond. We also have Campbell this year, unless another team gives us a trade that nets us at least a second rounder (to be used on OL). A rookie QB wouldn't need to start game 1 if Campbell is here.

Here's a question for the anti-QB crowd. If Okung (or whoever is picked at LT) turns out to be as good as Chris Samuels, I think we're all happy campers. However, how many Divisional playoff games & Conference championship games have we played in with Chris Samuels at LT?

How many Divisional playoff games & Conference championships has NY been to with Eli, the Chargers with Rivers, Colts with Peyton, Eagles w/McNabb, Steelers w/Big Ben? Obviously there are several other factors to consider, but while the LT is very important it's not near the level of importance of an elite QB. If your team picks at #4 and a player the front office has rated as an elite QB prospect is there, you take the guy faster than the Orakpo pick in 2009. Period, end of story.

We have a 2nd round pick, there are UFAs out there, there will be a draft in 2011. Rome wasn't built in a day, you don't go from being 4-12 to being 12-4 on a consistent basis in a single off-season.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Why not? Is the goal to be around .500 in 2010 or to be set-up for SB contention year in/year out for 2011 & beyond. We also have Campbell this year, unless another team gives us a trade that nets us at least a second rounder (to be used on OL). A rookie QB wouldn't need to start game 1 if Campbell is here.

Here's a question for the anti-QB crowd. If Okung (or whoever is picked at LT) turns out to be as good as Chris Samuels, I think we're all happy campers. However, how many Divisional playoff games & Conference championship games have we played in with Chris Samuels at LT?

How many Divisional playoff games & Conference championships has NY been to with Eli, the Chargers with Rivers, Colts with Peyton, Eagles w/McNabb, Steelers w/Big Ben? Obviously there are several other factors to consider, but while the LT is very important it's not near the level of importance of an elite QB. If your team picks at #4 and a player the front office has rated as an elite QB prospect is there, you take the guy faster than the Orakpo pick in 2009. Period, end of story.

We have a 2nd round pick, there are UFAs out there, there will be a draft in 2011. Rome wasn't built in a day, you don't go from being 4-12 to being 12-4 on a consistent basis in a single off-season.

Good point. It is very difficult to argue that the Colts win at least 12 games every year because of their left tackles. However, it is not difficult to argue that the Colts do so because they have Peyton.

While I am tired of our being beaten up front and I truly wish to upgrade the OL, overlooking the influence of an elite QB is not helpful.

[takethecake]

I agree. I think this draft is deep enough in tackles that we don't need to address it in the first round. I think we can safely take bradford with #4 and then focus on the line the rest of the draft (2nd rd charles brown OT, USC). You don't pick #4 overall often, and bradford is a quarterback that could conceivably evolve into a brees manning or brady. I think we have enough draft picks and carry enough weight in FA that we don't NEED to take okung at #4 to reliably reconstruct our OL (which of course is still our number 1 priority).

On the "transition to 3-4" note, the deadline for the patriots franchise tagging vince wilfork is less than a week away - if we're serious about playing the 3-4 defense I think we need to take a long hard look at him if he stays on the market as a UFA.

[takethecake]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

And I have to disagree with you on the tackles, there are at least two tackles worth picking up at #4, and one (Okung) could start right away from day one. Can't say the same thing about Bradford or Clausen.

True, but that doesn't have to be the intent of that pick. I think there's a good possibility that the organization wants to keep campbell unless we get an incredible bargain for him from some other team (tendered for 1st and 3rd pick), and let bradford develop behind him for a season or two. The value of a draft pick is not whether he can start right away, especially for quarterbacks, and especially for this team that needs an overhaul that can not be done in a single season.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by takethecake

True, but that doesn't have to be the intent of that pick. I think there's a good possibility that the organization wants to keep campbell unless we get an incredible bargain for him from some other team (tendered for 1st and 3rd pick), and let bradford develop behind him for a season or two. The value of a draft pick is not whether he can start right away, especially for quarterbacks, and especially for this team that needs an overhaul that can not be done in a single season.

Although I'm giving up on this, my fear is that....

Because of the uncapped year, FA talent is in the dumps right now. We're basically are going to rebuild our putrid offensive line with decent players and once again banking that low round picks are going to somehow come through.

So now we have Campbell under center, with a patched up offensive line (again). If he sucks (whether it is his fault or not), he'll be pulled, and in comes your future elite QB. And now you'll have your investment at #4 being protected by a piecemeal line.

But I'm giving up on getting that franchise tackle, hopefully we can either trade down or get a good return for Campbell.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Although I'm giving up on this, my fear is that....

Because of the uncapped year, FA talent is in the dumps right now. We're basically are going to rebuild our putrid offensive line with decent players and once again banking that low round picks are going to somehow come through.

So now we have Campbell under center, with a patched up offensive line (again). If he sucks (whether it is his fault or not), he'll be pulled, and in comes your future elite QB. And now you'll have your investment at #4 being protected by a piecemeal line.

But I'm giving up on getting that franchise tackle, hopefully we can either trade down or get a good return for Campbell.

Or he sucks, gets pulled and in comes...Colt Brennan behind Russell Okung? Is that any better?

I think they can get a very strong LT at the top of the 2nd round or even, if they feel they must, trade up into the late 1st to get one.

I wouldn't give up on the idea of them getting an LT at #4. Though I would say I've never heard the name Okung mentioned (not to this point at least)