WR McCardell considering signing with Redskins, Texans

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by mmil12

Numbers don't lie...here are the last three years for both players. Does this explain why McCardell would be a better receiver then Thrash? McCardell has almost as many reception last year as thrash has had the last three years combined.

Thrash:
2004 WAS 17 203 11.9 0
2005 WAS 14 194 13.9 0
2006 WAS 12 151 12.6 1

McCardell:
2004 SDG 31 393 12.7 1
2005 SDG 70 917 13.1 9
2006 SDG 36 437 12.1 1

Sure, but I don't think we're talking about Thrash or Keenan as the #1 guy here. We're talking about the #4 receiver. When you're talking about the #4 receiver I don't think number of catches is the key factor to look at. These are the guys who are, as previously mentioned, playing special teams; making the key block on a long run, and all those other intangibles.

Sure, if injuries happen and the #4 becomes the #1 then yeah you want Keenan over Thrash. But you can't approach it that way.

[MTK]

JLC's take on McCardell:

Made some calls this morning and the Skins are in fact negotiating with McCardell, 37, to bring him into camp. He has good size and has been a quality possession guy for a long time. Not great speed and nearing the end, but the Skins could definitely use someone as a big target for Jason Campbell as a slot guy.

From what I have heard, they essentially offered McCardell the veteran minimum, which would be the logical initial move in this case. There would be no guarantees that McCardell, a former Skins draft pick who never actually played for them, would make the team. This late in free-agency game, guys aren't getting big bucks and Keenan would realize that.

McCardell (6-1, 191) lives in Houston and was offered the minimun by the Texans. So if he's going to sign someplace for that money, might as well do it at home I would presume. But from what I gather, the Skins have some legit interest here - which speaks to the odd way they comprise their roster and how, after spending so many millions on complimentary receivers, they still have a need.

If they step up and give McCardell a decent little signing bonus, I think it gets done. He's a bit part at this point, but has assets the team lacks. Lloyd and Randle El have never proven to be No. 2 WRs to this point in their career - although one of them had better do so in 2007 - and McCardell did manage to start 11 games for the AFC powerhouse Chargers in 2006, though with limited production (36 catches, 437 yards, no TDs).

In 2005, though, McCardell started all 16 games, had 70 catches had nearly 1,000 yards; he caught 9 TDs and had 50 first-down catches - which is exactly the kind of thing the Skins need, someone savvy to move the chains and make catches in the high-traffic areas,

So we'll see what the Skins do over the next little while. Ball is in their court. I was surprised they didn't even take a look at Keyshawn - even with his issues - and to me it makes a lot of sense to throw a bonus at McCardell and a $1 million base and give Lloyd and that bunch a little something to consider. The 16-year vet. would be a positive influence on the younger guys if nothing else, and has been known as a locker room leader type for a long time.

[21plus30equalsbashbros]

McCardell would be an excellent addition to the team. James Trash hasnt done anything since before he left for philly. His hands are questionable and he is like another WR here......scared to go across the middle. McCardell is an all around great posession reciever and a great LEADER something this team needs with the emphasis on the youth of this team.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Originally Posted by 21plus30equalsbashbros

McCardell would be an excellent addition to the team. James Trash hasnt done anything since before he left for philly. His hands are questionable and he is like another WR here......scared to go across the middle. McCardell is an all around great posession reciever and a great LEADER something this team needs with the emphasis on the youth of this team.

you raise a good point but like other people said James Thrash plays special teams while mccardell does not. But if Mccardell comes I think Espy is out.

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by EARTHQUAKE2689

you raise a good point but like other people said James Thrash plays special teams while mccardell does not. But if Mccardell comes I think Espy is out.

I think that's a mistake. The Skins have a kid in Espy who could develop into a decent wide receiver. I don't think there's any reason to bring a guy who is going to set him back or have him end up being cut. If he doesn't work out, it's not that big of a deal, but I would rather the Skins keep a 24 year old to going out and getting a 37 year old.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Originally Posted by jdlea

I think that's a mistake. The Skins have a kid in Espy who could develop into a decent wide receiver. I don't think there's any reason to bring a guy who is going to set him back or have him end up being cut. If he doesn't work out, it's not that big of a deal, but I would rather the Skins keep a 24 year old to going out and getting a 37 year old.

I hear that but we have 3 recievers already in their 20's that make Espy look like a scrub, if anyone goes it will be him.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by 21plus30equalsbashbros

McCardell would be an excellent addition to the team. James Trash hasnt done anything since before he left for philly. His hands are questionable and he is like another WR here......scared to go across the middle. McCardell is an all around great posession reciever and a great LEADER something this team needs with the emphasis on the youth of this team.

What? Thrash has questionable hands, done nothing AND is scared to go across the middle?
He may have the best hands on the team play for play. I don't recall Thrash dropping anything since we got him back, but I'm sure he's dropped a couple as any wr does. He has played maybe 20% of the snaps and he's blocked & caught the ball when his # is called. I've only missed a couple games on tv the last few years & my view of Thrash is the polar opposite of yours. I'm not even talking about his contributions on spec. teams, which is substantial, just his ability as a wr. His only flaw is that he's not a game breaker, but he still fights for extra yardage & I have no idea why you say he has questionable hands & is scared to go across the middle. Most every pass that comes his way is in traffic.

[MTK]

I know people love the underdogs but c'mon, if you have a chance to sign a proven veteran like McCardell to a veteran minimum deal vs. keeping a complete unknown practice squad caliber player like Espy you take the vet every day of the week.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I know people love the underdogs but c'mon, if you have a chance to sign a proven veteran like McCardell to a veteran minimum deal vs. keeping a complete unknown practice squad caliber player like Espy you take the vet every day of the week.

Yeah, for sure McCardell is going to be the better option this year, but what will his impact be? Remember, if we roster Keenan McCardell, thats one spot on the 53 man that can not go to a young guy. And does he make this team any better? Not a whole lot if any.

It's kind of meaningless in the big picture either way, but I'd rather not have two receivers who don't play teams on my roster.

McCardells just not what he used to be.

Do we even know if he's still a better option than Thrash? Thats the mistake we made last year with Lloyd and Randle El, we forgot to consider the possibility that the incumbant by default might be a better player.

[skinsfan69]

Adding another WR would not be a bad idea. But he has got to be a young guy that we can develop. KM is not going to beat out BL or ARE for the 2nd and 3rd wr spots. Sorry guys but it's just not going to happen. So that leaves JT. Why in the hell would you bring in an old 4th wr that does not play teams?????? IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Adding another WR would not be a bad idea. But he has got to be a young guy that we can develop. KM is not going to beat out BL or ARE for the 2nd and 3rd wr spots. Sorry guys but it's just not going to happen. So that leaves JT. Why in the hell would you bring in an old 4th wr that does not play teams?????? IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL.

I think JLC's point is a good one - KM being there would have an influence. I don't always buy that vet leadership line (see bruce smith), but JLC's point is that it would send a message to BL et al, that they will have to compete for a roster spot & playing time. That didn't happen last year, as the job was basically handed to Loyd. Both ARE & JT outplayed him.

IF KM is signed I would expect him to not be on the active roster until someone gets hurt. Since we'd have 4 wr's who don't play teams, that could present some roster shuffling challenges I'll admit, but I really think this could work & the guy that is being challenged is Loyd. Whether they sign KM as a threat to his pt, or as insurance against him turning TO on us, it seems a good strategy.

On the other hand, if it comes down to KM & Espy all thing being equal in terms of production, I would prefer to see Espy get a spot. I just don't believe that Espy has demonstrated that he's ready for sundays. Hopefully he'll get some time w/the first unit in preseason & shine.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

I think JLC's point is a good one - KM being there would have an influence. I don't always buy that vet leadership line (see bruce smith), but JLC's point is that it would send a message to BL et al, that they will have to compete for a roster spot & playing time. That didn't happen last year, as the job was basically handed to Loyd. Both ARE & JT outplayed him.

IF KM is signed I would expect him to not be on the active roster until someone gets hurt. Since we'd have 4 wr's who don't play teams, that could present some roster shuffling challenges I'll admit, but I really think this could work & the guy that is being challenged is Loyd. Whether they sign KM as a threat to his pt, or as insurance against him turning TO on us, it seems a good strategy.

On the other hand, if it comes down to KM & Espy all thing being equal in terms of production, I would prefer to see Espy get a spot. I just don't believe that Espy has demonstrated that he's ready for sundays. Hopefully he'll get some time w/the first unit in preseason & shine.

I see what you are saying but the guy is 37, he can't run anymore and has no future here. It reminds me of signings like Andre Reed and Troy Vincent. I would rather them try and see if Espy can take a step up since it's his 2nd year in the system. Why is it that we are always going after older guys that are not going to be here in 2-3 years?

[dmek25]

right now the skins have a somewhat young receiving corps. why bring in Mccardell? to me this move makes absolutely no sense

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Yeah, I'd rather see us live or die by our younger players than AGAIN overpay for a vet (mercenary) who won't be here...

I could think of worse scenarios than to sign McCardell, but I'd love to see what we have in Espy first.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

I think what we have in Espy is a guy that wont play