Positive signs for the long-term health of this Franchise.

[@DCGoldPants]

I know some of us are happy that the Skins seem to have thrown the elite liberal sports media for a loop. It seemed that many felt we'd be doing what the Bears did the past few days, and they were wrong.

But I think this is more than one side to what is happening in Ashburn. Maybe 3 or 4 sides.

#1. Allen/Shanny used the uncapped year to clear about 17 mil of salary while removing older, often injured, or non-performing players.
#2. They follow that up by not going after the big name Free Agents like Peppers or Rolle. Meanwhile, the Bears still have an INT throwing machine.
#3. Players have come to visit, and most have left without a contact.

now....I want to focus on #3 for a min. I think this is important because a player and agent (in my mind) have arrived and right away acted like they were dealing with Vinny and Mr. Snyder. Without any proof to support this. I honestly believe that has already happened. Now, that doesn't mean there wasn't an offer. I'm sure there was. Just not ones like the team made to players over the past few years.
So, now word needs to spread. You DON'T come to Washington just to get paid. This might take an offseason to two for everybody to get the message. Eventually it'll change to....you'll get paid fair market value, but we're about winning, and not selling jersey's anymore.

#4. There are still quality FA's out there. I will use Leigh Bodden as an example of a DB I want. I would love to sign him to a decent deal, and go into camp with Him, Hall, and an unhappy Rogers. Just wait and see what happens around the league and if you can move Rogers this summer. Do it. In the meantime, keep bringing in OL, LB's, maybe a few RB's and depth all over.



And there you have it. Uncle Wheat's 1st few days of FA breakdown.

I'll end this with some Lao Tzu

This is called
being flexibile while advancing,
pushing back without using force,
and destroying the enemy without engaging him.

 

[Lanky Livingston]

I thought they cleared a little over $12 Mill in salary? Where did you get the 17 number?

 

[@DCGoldPants]

I thought they cleared a little over $12 Mill in salary? Where did you get the 17 number?

That was the number I heard on 980 Friday afternoon.

Maybe they were wrong. Either way, 12mil.....17mil.......its a good start.

 

[chrisavery72]

I also thought it would look weird for them to get rid of aging players to bring in more 30 and over players and give them the same if not more money than you are trying to save.

 

[@DCGoldPants]

I also thought it would look weird for them to get rid of aging players to bring in more 30 and over players and give them the same if not more money than you are trying to save.

I think they are letting other teams set the market for a lot of guys, while keep tabs of a few borderline 1st/2nd tier FA's.

I also think there COULD be a chance a few guys who were released are brought back for much less in a few weeks/months.....but for depth. A guy like Smoot who probably has little need for money these days could be back for Vet min if nobody else offers something better. Especially with Rogers whining.

 

[The Burgundy Ghost]

I heard 13 million cleared.

The Skins are being patient and waiting to see other players being cut as well and I also expect a bunch on UDFAs being signed.

This is a pretty deep draft and there will be some talent not drafted that would be mid-late round guys in other drafts.

 

[Pravda]

you'll get paid fair market value, but we're about winning, and not selling jersey's anymore.

Oh, I think it'll take more than a few seasons for that perception to change--and that's assuming it actually has or will.

 

[Elephant]

Oh, I think it'll take more than a few seasons for that perception to change--and that's assuming it actually has or will.

Well, I think we know the perception hasn't chnged because the Redskins' name was tossed around all weekend. I think it was suggested that Clifton used the Skins' reputation to earn himself a little extra and for all we know Peppers and his agent did the same with Chicago.

 

[@DCGoldPants]

You can't rebuild an image in one offseason. This is a good start.