Just chatted with Redskins front office boss Vinny Cerrato. We're more than a week into free agency and Cerrato is holding firm to his stand-pat stance.
"We have no visits scheduled," said Cerrato, even though he admitted the market had started to shake out, bringing the price down on free agents.
Asked if he had any interest in Takeo Spikes, a former Pro Bowl linebacker was who cut by Philadelphia yesterday, Cerrato said, "Nope."
Asked about a rumor that the Redskins were going to bring in former New York Jet Justin McCareins in their quest for a big receiver, Cerrato said, "That's wrong."
And Cerrato said there had been no progress in re-signing any of Washington's own free agents (other than backup quarterback Todd Collins, whose deal got done in the first few hours of free agency) such as punter Derrick Frost and kick returner Rock Cartwright.
Although Cerrato confirmed the Redskins have about $8 million in salary cap space, he said that they currently only plan to sign players to minimum salary deals.
In sum, it's quieter at Redskin Park than at 3 a.m. on a weekday in downtown Berryville.
Yes, the Redskins might land a compensatory third-round pick in next month's draft for losing guard Derrick Dockery to Buffalo last March, but counting on rookies to significantly upgrade the roster when you're picking 21st is a longshot.
Maybe November pickup Anthony Mix is the big receiver the Redskins have been missing. Maybe holdover Matt Sinclair and a draft pick will provide the necessary depth at outside linebacker. Maybe Pierson Prioleau will return to provide experience behind young safeties LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty. Maybe the Redskins will finally draft a starting defensive end, some competent offensive linemen, a fourth corner and a third-string quarterback.
That's a lot of maybes for a team that competes in the same division with the Super Bowl champions (the Giants), the team that had the NFC's best record in 2007 (the Cowboys) and the team that won the NFC East in all but one year from 2001-06 and signed the best free agent on defense (the Eagles).
But then after covering the Redskins and/or the NFL for more than 15 years, maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.
Comments (7)
I knew it would happen! We have now officially started the media ripping of the Redskins for not being........the Redskins. For years we have heard "why don't they build through the draft", "why do they dole out so much to free agents from other teams", and "why don't they keep their team together and resign their own". This season, they have done everything most of the media and public have been clamoring for, for years. Here we are, one week into the plan that everyone knew would work, they are being criticized for it.
Patience!!!! They kept all their key players, they get some key starters back from injury, and they bring in some new talent from the draft. In addition, the young QB should continue to improve. Will they win the Super Bowl this year? Probably not. But if they stay the course, they should be competitive this year, and will continue to improve with solid draft strategy and sound contract management.
Posted by Jason | March 7, 2008 2:53 PM
It's actually quite amazing that "after covering the Redskins and/or the NFL for more than 15 years", you in fact rarely know what you're talking about.
Posted by Dave | March 7, 2008 3:28 PM
I would like to hear suggestions of free agents the Redskins were stupid to let get away this year. I would have loved for them to sign Faneca and Samuel, but they didn't have the cap room for one of them.
This team's success will be determined by whether Campbell can be a legit starting QB, not by free agents.
Posted by AAA | March 7, 2008 6:41 PM
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE SKINS PULL OFF A COUP FOR A GOOD,TALLER W/R,AND BEFORE ITS OVER I THINKTHEY WILL.
HOWEVER,THIS NEW NONCHALANT ATTITUDE IS KIND OF WIERD,YOU KNOW.
Posted by BOB | March 7, 2008 8:26 PM
I love the Skins. But the Division is getting a hole lot better with Samuel in Philly now they say by Thursday it may be Fitzgerald to philly. THE REDSKINS HAVE TO MOVE. Go get Ocho Cinco Roy Williams we got to bring something in.
Posted by Vic | March 7, 2008 10:11 PM
O'Halloran - good comments. thanks.
Ray: What have you heard as to the health and, more importantly, the playing status (ability to physically withstand a season of playing) of Jon Jansen, Rocky McIntosh, Randy Thomas, and Pete Kendall? It seems to me that knowing just what is the situation with these veterans will give us more insight about the Redskins needs and what they will need to do. Example, if Jansen career is likely over (due to his extensive injuries) and Thomas' injury is not healing, then would that not indicate that OL needs will trump DL?
Also, just how well did the young linemen grade out (how the coaches actually graded them)? I am talking about Heyer, Montgomery, etc.
I, too, hope the Redskins go for a DL with their first pick. There is depth at both DL and Wr in this year's draft. In looking at the rankings, probably the first couple of outstanding players at each position will be gone by the time it the Redskins turn. That said, it appears that there will be several top caliber players still on the board at either of these positions.
My question is whether the Redskins might trade the 21st to either move up (hope not) or trade down later in 1st round and pick up an extra 2nd round pick? My concern is whether the Redskins might trade a pick or two for a veteran.
Posted by saratogan | March 10, 2008 12:19 AM
I think the skins already have the talent and chemistry needed to succeed. It all depends on how Jason Campbell carries this team now. Question is whether he can finish out the close games? If you look back at all the close games the skins had last season (except for patriots game) they could have possibly been 15-1. This team can do it and knows it can. They just have to strap it up and get the job done.
Posted by J.J. | March 11, 2008 12:09 AM