Maybe I'm in the present on this new thread.

Or not.

This must be how it is on that island in 'Lost'

Hey down there!

3rd!

Roger. Copy that sween. Trying now.

4th! (Sorry 4th!)

Hackett would be a great pickup at the right price....I really liked how he played last season.

GO SKINS!!!

Q: Why aren't the Seahawks trying to re-sign Hackett?

Oh, Loseable Type...

"...Now don't get me wrong," Cerrato continued, "I love a bidding war as much as the next guy. I love starting it, and I love finishing it, and you know I hate to lose.

"Heck, sometimes it's just me and Dan bidding against each other for a player, and that's pretty fun. That's how we landed Archuleta and a couple of other guys. It's like, 'I want this guy more than you do!' Ha ha ha!

"Look, it always works out best for the Skins. And believe me, when the time is right, when our evaluations indicate that this is the guy, we'll start a bidding war. You bet we will. You can count on us."

"... Whether it be financially, or whether they [certain players] wouldn't fit in our locker room, there's a lot of issues that have to be evaluated. ..." - Vinny Cerrato

This sounds like "no go" re: D'Angelo Hall and/or Chad Johnson.

The Redskins have made offers to offensive lineman Jason Fabini and wide receiver Reche Caldwell.
_______________________

Would like more info on this...

Also please to see the props in mentioning Fabini. Not surprised that Caldwell gets mentioned instead of McCardell (even though McCardell contributed more this season).

kerzon, I'm thinking Fabini's offer was triggered by getting invited to "visit" in Miami.

The Redskins have made offers to offensive lineman Jason Fabini and wide receiver Reche Caldwell.
_______________________

Would like more info on this...

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 12, 2008 05:36 PM

From our top secret league sources: "If no one else wants you, we'll pay you league minimum - again."

4-12,

You are posting on the wrong end of this blog.

Hey, 4-12, come on down!

4-12 is the Billy Pilgrim of the blog.

I will have to go back and re-read today's comments. It should prove even weirder reading than usual.

I still love this ridiculous blog!

Wow, a Billy Pilgrim reference.

This, this is why it makes me so happy to know you're out there lurking, SMACK.

I read NAte's Faux Cerrato Comments as Ricky Bobby best bud would say it. LMGO!

ink-stained wretches?

so it goes

I'm waiting for corkczar's agenda update, esp. the part reflected in the title of this thread ...

5:30pm Skins coaching staff meets in lobby to chant "woooooooooo" to Hackett.

4-12, can you hear me (yet)? Try logging all the way out of the WaPo site. We might be able to reach you through the event horizon ... if we can find it on these maps, such as ...

Having to much fun on RI today. I may get fired. Tell me guys, is it worth it??

Loved the Billy Pilgrim reference.

He keeps telling me to stop laughing, and pack my stuff??

Scampbell,

Did you use the rope yet? If not, throw it to 4-12. He is stuck up there!

**Peeking through worm-hole**

Am I in the future now?

I once wooed a Hatchet...oh, Hackett. Never mind

Get down here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15006979@N02/2215827206/in/pool-floating_people

Molly?

........and we haven't even seen Frank the Rabbit yet!

4-12, good to have you in the present ... [the only people who live in the actual future are kost and bangkokben, plus, of course, Mark from the future.]

The stuff about the Skins having $7.7 M in cap space ... I can just hear Beavis saying "uhhhh, that's not very much."

TE,

The rest of us are down here. Join us!

Ya. I was flirtin with disaster

I am also still stuck in a flash forward. But at least I can leave you this important message from the future:

beep beep

Not sure if you need it right now but pretty sure it will come in handy soon. Trust me.

I am also still stuck in a flash forward (Jack just told me he likes panties too).

But at least I can give you this important message from the future:

beep beep

Not sure if you need it right now but it will definitely come in handy. Trust me.

T-E will be crossing that Einstein-Rosen bridge when he gets to it.

sween, I don't have any factual basis to make this declaration, but I believe at the moment we have not done all the contract restructuring which we could have done. This makes me believe that at least to some extent we are choosing to "take the pain" of contracts this season, rather than push some of that pain to future seasons.

This feels like, what's that thing called? Fiscal responsibility. Which is absolutely nuts.

What I'm saying is, we COULD create more space under the '08 cap than that $7.7MM or whatever appears to be open now. But I kind of like the idea that we haven't done so.

TheTerminator, have you seen The Governor?

We are awaiting his annual "Myself and ArtMonkToTheSticks..." best-player-in-the-draft post. And also, we just sort of miss him.

There's definitely something wrong with the blog. My clock say's it 8:25am on Thursday.

In realtime, D.J. Hackett has just woken in the guest house to find Dan Snyder spooning with him, and Vinny Cerratto curled up at the foot of the bed.

"... This makes me believe that at least to some extent we are choosing to "take the pain" of contracts this season, rather than push some of that pain to future seasons. ..."

Posted by: NateinthePDX | March 12, 2008 06:26 PM

Aahhh, the old choice of pain v. shame ... like deciding whether to fart in public place ... which leads to the obvious next question, what happens to farts that you hold back? Do they re-enter your blood stream as gas? To they bounce back and become burps?

In other words, I get it.

Panties. Just...Panties

Yeah, Nate I agree. The timing is good to suck up the pain.

I think 2008 has to be viewed as a transition year. That doesn't mean it will be a bad season, I think we still have a shot at the division title (barring slews of injury and heaping misfortune on our rivals).

Can the win now attitude -- be smart and let sweet victory come as it will.

Huh. Panties works. Where are the rest of my post-time travel posts?

Magic Panties. Maybe that's what "client 9" was paying $5,500/hour for...

I wonder if panties works for me, nothing else does.

Any Contract ideas ? 21mil 8 mil bounus

Any Contract ideas ? 21mil 8 mil bounus

4-12, I think you've solved our problems. As long as you've got panties, things run smoothly!

Is it just my impression, or is the man still keeping JReid down by refusing to let him actually post his own work to the blog?
It's like they're afraid of an occasional typo!

hmm, let me switch identities...

I shall be heard!

Or not.

Time to come clean. I am actually the blogger known as

It almost worked. So close. So very, very cloads and yet so far.

Just keeding. Not cload.

I am really just me.
Not JustMe.
Then I would be notgal.
But I am not.

I think the flux capacitor is in need of a service.

Time keeps on slipping,
issue typeable Lose is
slipping on keeps Time.

So was all that a not confession or was that not a confession at all? Was it like a Spitzer apology, or a Switzer Super Bowl title?

daggar! Now it all makes sense.

I wonder how long the secret can last...

wow, this time thing has no rhyme or reason whatsoever.

Think of all the postings that LaToucanfora has made that have been swallowed in the rift in the space-time continuum.

Clearly, all the ones where he opined that the FO was planning on making no plash at all.
Prescience deferred is prescience denied, mano!

i saw hackett,cerrrato and snyder at applebees tonight.

The future is a scary, lonely place.

I had a better idea where Skylab would land than I have about where this message will end up.

I just doesn't feel right scrolling up to see if there are any new comments.

I just doesn't feel right scrolling up to see if there are any new comments.

Are we here yet?

Did the Wapo hire IT directly off the short bus? No more than a 5M bonus for Hackett.

What the hell is goin on out here.

Signing Hackett at a decent price and retaining caldwell for presummably the veteran minimum would eliminate the need for a WR in the early rounds of the draft. IMO we would be set at WR with Moss,Randle El,Thrash,Mix,Hackett, and Caldwell. With this senario we could use our 1st,2nd,and two 3rd round (assuming we get a compensatory in the 3rd as rumored for the loss of Dockery) to draft a DE,DT,CB,and OL. I think Caldwell and Hackett signing would be huge.

Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Eeny, meeny, miney, mo:

Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time? Stuck in the present? Ahead of my time?

Boschetti resigned

http://www.redskins.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=34853

i saw hackett,cerrrato and snyder at applebees tonight.

Posted by: greg_hughes90 | March 12, 2008 09:19 PM

Is that tonight today? Or tonight tomorrow?

Not to worry my Twilight Zone Bloggers, I read somewhere that the experts are on this. Things should be back to normal yesterday.

"the experts" accepted their buyout this morning, and left this shabingus as a gift for all of us.

Vinny at Applebee's, no way. He took Hackett to Roy's in Gaithersburg and asked two questions: 1) Can you read the entire menu in less than 30 seconds? 2) Can you eat an entire Bender Schmender by yourself?

"Heavens to mergatroid!"; Sanity in Redskins land?
The relative calm during free agency is almost frightening with this team. Has the Syderrato organism finally split into two distinct beings, operating somewhat independently of the other? Could this football club actually be morphing into something with some reasonable sense of football structure?

Holy org-charts, Batman!

Believe it, ole' chum; Believe it.

Vinny; "So what will it take for us to sign you?"
Hack " I dunno, I told the Seahawks I would let them know my best offer and give them the shot to match it"
Vinny " Well after they give you an offer then just tell them we doubled it and than Dan and I will take care of the rest"

Based on Vinny's comments on Redskins Radio today, I see Hackett becoming a Skin. Vinny said they were taking him to dinner tonight and he would take a physical in the morning....no need to work him out. Zorn knows him and Hackett knows the offense and can help the other WRs learn it. Vinny also said he hopes we get a compensary pick in the 3rd round. He was asked about WR James Hardy and replied that he looks good....thinks he will go second round.

Considering how crazy the blog has been (timewise) does this mean the end of the world is looming? If so, it was nice knowing you guys.

I just thought I should pre-post this in case anyone wanted to miss it again...

So was all that a not confession or was that not a confession at all? Was it like a Spitzer apology, or a Switzer Super Bowl title?

daggar! Now it all makes sense.

Posted by: SMACK1 | March 12, 2008 08:21 PM

Michigan State had their Pro-Day today.

» WR Devin Thomas (6-2, 210): Had a 33-inch vertical jump, 16 reps in the bench press. He had a good workout and kept all his other numbers from the combine.

I think we should draft hime, and use him to return kicks, play WR, and DE. After all he's as strong as Calais Campbell!

Kost,

I think we are almost at your time zone.

...strong as Calais Campbell!

LMGO

daggar has to do what's best for daggar.
daggar took advantage of a -- rare -- alignment of Loseable Type with reality.
daggar wishes he was notguy.
but daggar is no notguy.
daggar wasn't even worthy of a place on the list from notguy.

just curious...but where has jlc been?

He follows his nose
wherever it goes
the flavor of news
wherever it grows
-- the tao of LaToucanfora

Regarding the possibility of Betts for Boldin, is that now out of the picture?

Am I the only one with the video clip stuck in my head of the Cards exibition game in Mexico city and this big espanolish build up when Boldin scores a touch down....da-tada-ta da da Two-utch downeh Arrrrriiiiizoooonnnnnaaaa. Two-utch downeh Ankwan Bowldeeeeeeen!

There was even a Goooooooowwwwwllllll in there somewhere.

Could someone please fill us random bloggers on to what "Loseable Type" refers too? Much thanks in advance!

Get it done Kyle!

Regarding the possibility of Betts for Boldin, is that now out of the picture?

IMO, Boldin (and his agent Drew whatshisname) angling for more cash.
http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/

"Loseable Type" is a reference to the brand name of the software that the Post uses to make this blog do the magical things it does...and doesn't do.

It is cantankerous, quirky and idiosyncratic.

Could someone please fill us random bloggers on to what "Loseable Type" refers too? Much thanks in advance!

Posted by: daytradeforcash | March 13, 2008 01:34 AM

"Loseable Type" is the affectionate name used by RI regulars for the blog software employed by the Washington Post Company for Redskins Insider. (The real name of the blog software package is "Moveable Type".) What "Loseable Type" does best when it is not operating properly is lose posts completely. However, it is quite adept also at moving those posts through cosmic wormholes to real-time locations in both the past and future, as well as to relocate posts to alternate dimensions of reality. In other words, if you write a post and press "Submit" and the post mysteriously disappears, you can be sure that "Loseable Type" is doing what it does best yet again.

There is no way to predict when one of the "Loseable Type" wormholes will open suddenly. It is a phenomenon that can occur at any time. However, there does seem to be a strong correlation between the appearance of the wormhole and the time changes that occur when entering or departing from Eastern Daylight Time. (Based on the current schedule, that means that one can expect the wormhole to open in the middle of the NFL season, as well as in the middle of the NFL Free Agency Period.) The wormhole is always lurking, however, so be prepared for time-travel/time-shift events at any time.

The only human who appears to have any influence over the aliens that control "Loseable Type" (and subsequent access to the wormhole) is noted Astrophysicist and Washington Post Sports Editor Cindy Boren, aka "TheCindy". Questions and concerns regarding "Loseable Type" can be directed to her by utilizing the standard "Sedona Seance Method".

We hope you enjoy your "Loseable Type" experience.

Draft Risers/Fallers randomness.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers

2008 Draft Risers/Fallers randomness.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers

Good morning, blog. Or, good night and have a pleasant tomorrow. Or happy yesterday. Or something.

HAL?

Wow, that "worked." Huh.

"And It Stoned Me," Van Morrison

Did the worm hole shut down? Is the future now or is it still yesterday?

Holy crap! What a shambles.

Trying to figure if I have the right time now...

Blast! I signed out, and deleted every WaPo cookie I could find.

Now what do I do?

Mmmmmmm ... coooooookies.

*eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*

*sigh*

Okay, what time is it? Disconnect the machines, I'm calling this blog.

"Redskins Insider died at 10:22am on Thursday, 13th March, 2008. Dr Redcoat and Nurse Sween attending.

Okay, tag him and bag him, we're done here. You know, I really thought we could save this one nurse."

From the Charlotte paper this morning about D.J. Hackett. The first quote is what his agent, and thus Hackett, say. The next paragraph is what they mean...

"His goal is to play for a playoff contender and he thinks the Panthers will be that with their quarterback (Jake Delhomme) healthy again," agent Kevin Robinson said. "And he really thinks Charlotte is a nice area."

Hackett would be a huge boost for Carolina, giving the team a No. 2 receiver opposite Steve Smith.

"His goal is to play for a playoff contender and he thinks the Panthers will be that with their quarterback (Jake Delhomme) healthy again," agent Kevin Robinson said.

Posted by: dcsween | March 13, 2008 10:41 AM

Personally, I'm worried about Hackett's intelligence. Is he smart enough to tie his own shoes?

"I'm not dead yet"

So anyway, with the no interesting free agent jibba jabbery, plus the crap shooting range of the draft (but still recognizing the importance of the draft), we have insufficient jibba jabbalaborated on trades of players under contract.

So ... I looked at the roster ... obviously, some guys are starters, some guys are "important" depth, some guys are older, some guys are way young, some guys are recently re-signed, some guys are still free agents (obviously untradable), and some guys are camp fodder fighting for spots.

Here's what I came up with as possibly tradeable guys based on: depth ready to step up, possible re-signings, big cap numbers, and duration of time here (e.g., anticipatable decline due to age and injury). Alphabetically:

- L. Betts -- his name comes up re: trade chatter alot, doesn't it? This draft is plentiful in good RBs ... which means the value of veteran RB is diminished, but our 1-2-3 RBs are all the same age ... maybe Saunders would like him in St. Lou?

- K. Campbell - solid teams leader, rotational LB. Servicable guy to add to a "package" (not the headliner)

- P. Daniels - Almost didn't list this b/c (1) he still has plenty in the tank for the Skins for next year but (2) maybe only one or two more years ... diminishing trade interest.

- D. Evans - See K. Campbell above. The "pass rushing specialist" rotating in, but Marcus did more of that last year. Is he ready to replace P. Daniels? Doesn't feel like it, but who knows what Coach Blache thinks.

- V. Fox - safety depth is weak point for Skins ... but he is under contract and could be packaged (as a ham sandwich) ... would signal high round draft pick likely.

- K. Golsten - so new and earned his way into starting lineup as a freshman, but lost it as a sophomore to become rotational. If D-line really still is a problem (it is), then Golsten's film gives him trade value, and opens window to high draft pick.

- C. Griffin - WHAT?!!?! This would be a headliner in a trade. Big cap numbers, class of March 2004. Would mean first round choice becomes necessity (in a draft that looks "eh" at DT).

- J. Jansen or C. Samuels - Other headliner possibilities made possible by Stephon Heyer. Both reeling in the years, though the play through pain, both have had enough injury to have that pain. THIS would become first round signal.

- R. Thomas - Same headliner possibility, completely dependent on retaining Fabini ... last year's starter. See Jansen/Samuels re: injury/pain playing.

- T. Wade - not if Samuels/Jansen traded, but more Fox-like (i.e., ham sandwich) to sweeten a deal. #4 OT ... risking spot if Fabini resigned regardless.

- M. Washington. See Cornelius. This move requires retaining Godfrey and K. Campbell, but becomes headliner. LB roster seems like deepest position the current roster.

- T. Yoder - Btwn headline/ham sandwich, depends on current projections about Tyler Ecker and the resculpting.

- S. Moss - MORE HERESY! Part of a deal for Anquan Bolden only. Fans irate, esp. recent jersey purchasers. Receivers become taller quickly.

At this point, commence upon stoning the heretic. Love, dcsween

Hackett appears to be trying to drive up his asking price, which if he's somewhat predisposed to being injury prone, then I'd rather that the Redskins sat this one out.

I'm a huge fan of Devin Thomas. I think that cat is going to be a big time player.

If you think the draft is a crap shoot, just try posting here...

That's a long list of players, and a good example of the reason why trades never happen. You have so many factors to control for -- cap hit on the sellers, cap numbers on the buyers, timing of the transaction, number of players transferred, etc.... you can imagine how Vinnie has a hard time keeping track of it all.

I would not trade the following Redskins on Sween's list:

1) Kedric Golston- potential stud
2) Chris Samuels

I think the most pressing need for the Skins is to draft Springs', R. Thomas, and John Jansen's replacements. We could use a young Center too! God help us this year if Springs goes down.

HAIL

The fundamental problem with trading is that the only players we have that other teams might want are the ones we don't want to trade -- MacIntosh, Landry, Cooley, Montgomery, Springs.

There are a few others who would be tradable, except no one would take them at the salaries in their contracts and we couldn't trade them because of the immediate cap hit from all the past shenanigans with converting salaries into bonuses.

Are you working yet blog? Is it the past, present, or future? Is it now or then, will be or was? What is the meaning of "is" anyway?

-- 4-12, 11:04am

Well look at that.

"... You have so many factors to control for ... you can imagine how Vinnie has a hard time keeping track of it all. ..."

Posted by: daggar | March 13, 2008 10:56 AM

I'm not suggesting some fancy data base program, just a reliable dry erase board.

From DC's other free paper (the one not affiliated with WaPo) that they stick in your hand before you enter the Metro:

Punter Derrick Frost wants security and a little more dough. The Redskins want one more season to evaluate him. And those differing viewpoints explain why Frost remains unsigned.

Frost and safety Pierson Prioleau have not yet joined Rock Cartwright and Todd Collins as players who re-sign with Washington. But neither player has many options outside of returning to the Redskins.

But Frost might have another opportunity soon. His agent, Bob Lattinville, said Denver has expressed interest in his client. However, there is no visit scheduled as of yet.

A month ago, the Redskins made Frost a one-year offer for close to the league minimum. They haven't budged from that offer. With few teams looking for punters, Frost doesn't have many options. Frost is seeking a multi-year deal worth more than the minimum.

Prioleau also is not drawing much interest from other teams.

Also, receiver D.J. Hackett will visit Redskins Park on Thursday. A team source had said last week that the Redskins would prefer to draft a wideout rather than sign Hackett. But the Redskins' offer to Hackett likely would not be for much more than the league minimum. Hackett has drawn little interest in free agency. The draft will be deep with receivers of similar ability. Still, Redskins coach Jim Zorn is familiar with Hackett stemming from their time together in Seattle. Sources say Zorn likes him. He also fits what Washington needs: a bigger receiver.

What is the meaning of "is" anyway?

Cogito ergo sum - "I think, therefore I am."

I'm all about drafting straight for the lines. Forget about CB, WR, S, and LB, we need to worry about replacements for Jansen, Thomas, Kendall, Rabach, Daniels, and Griffin. Draft those guys replacements now, and you'll basically leapfrog the eventual rebuilding phase when they break down. Give me a draft that includes 1 T, 2 G, 2 DE, 1 DT, and possibly 1 C (compensatory pick) in any order, and I'll show you 1 happy Redskin fan. I know draft picks never fall the way you want it, but I can still dream, can't I?

From the article about the 'Skins roster that kerzon linked to yesterday...the author has this take on Casey "The Sac" Rabach:

"Maybe you (like I do) think that the Center is inadequate..."

Uh, pretty well documented up here that The Sac is anything but inadequate.

What is going on at the post? So have Hackett left the area? How did the dinner go with Vinny? Any idea on a contract amount or the % chance that we may make an offer? Give us something here!

Future Mark! We all tried the future thing yesterday. You can see the shabingus it created.

4-12,

I have been stuck in the present for a few days - three day training session, and I missed the whole shabingus. The future can be problematic.

Now I'm really confused. If Mark(from the future) is here now, does that mean that we're all still in the future? Or does that mean that Mark has utilized the LoseableType wormhole to go back in time and post with us in the present time?

Below is a list of the players that seem to be regularly slotted in the vicinity where the skins are picking. Just based on their descriptions on nfl.com I ranked them in my order of preference. Thoughts?

1. Branden Albert G. not a sexy pic but he sounds like a beast and fills a definite need. Sexy Beast? Would they draft a guard #1???

2. Derrick Harvey DE sounds like a lot of potential - likely gone before 21

3. Devin Thomas, WR - thought about him at #1 cause he sounds exactly like what the skins need at WR - WCO type receiver, who's got good size and can catch the ball anywhere.

4. Philip Merling DE - sounds like he has the tools just needs some coaching up

5. Kenny Phillips S - Not on ST or LL's level but sounds like a player

6. Limas Sweed WR - doesn't sound as great as Thomas but fills a need

7. Calais Campbell DE - Denver guy, so hear a lot about him, poor performances at the combine and pro day pretty worrisome though.

What is going on at the post? So have Hackett left the area? How did the dinner go with Vinny? Any idea on a contract amount or the % chance that we may make an offer? Give us something here!

Posted by: billhildebrandt | March 13, 2008 11:22 AM

Billhill,

Good questions all. The Jasons are busy, so I'm going to try answering on their behalf:

What is going on at the post?

Same old, same old. Old media in a new media world.

So have Hackett left the area?

One Hackett have left but the other Hackett haven't.

How did the dinner go with Vinny?

Everyone ate their fill and had nothing but good things to say.

Any idea on a contract amount or the % chance that we may make an offer?

Read in the Examiner that we're going to make an offer for the minimum. See previous post. Makes sense to me.

Give us something here!

Your wish is my command.

mt, couple things on that list:

I think Sweed/Albert are off the board before 21. Albert seems to be the highest rated guard, and Sweed seems to be the highest rated wide-out.

Because Campbell has tested out so poorly, I think that put the onus on the 2nd tier Defensive Ends after Chris Long/Vernon Gholston, and I believe that Merling is most likely the most attractive one at this point.

I think Thomas and Harvey will be there at 21.

Albert might be there at 21. I think Grubbs was the highest rated G last year and went in the later 20s to Balt. I'd be all for taking him or Otah in the 1st round if available. The likelihood of Thomas, Kendall and Jansen all making it through the season has to be around 0%.

Several people clamoring for Jordy Nelson in the 2nd have sold me as well after seeing some clips.

GM88 - Interesting. Most of the mocks I've seen have Albert going to Pittsburgh at 23. I'd be fine with Thomas, Harvey or Merling. What moved Sweed up? He doesn't sound like a very physical player.

Otah sounds like a big lumbering oaf. Not that excited about him. Interesting that he's still rated so high though.

mt, I think that had Sweed not had the injury to his wrist this year, he's a top 10 guy. And because the injury was to his wrist, and not like a knee, teams will take a chance on that.

From everything I've seen Albert is always listed as the top guard, its not a strong draft for interior offensive linemen in the early rounds. I've seen him going to Pitt as well, I just don't know that I agree with that.

Cogito ergo sum - "I think, therefore I am."

Posted by: Markin21132 | March 13, 2008 11:17 AM

I saw some graffiti like this once ... "Descartes was here ... or, at least, I thought I was.

mt, I think people look at Otah, and see 6'6, and 340, long arms, and ooozing raw talent, and they think they can mold that into a top tackle/guard.

The Redskins are going to have some serious choices to make, that will have a very profound effect on the team for years. Like I've said before, Vinny, there is no room for error. If we have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds, he needs to go 4/4.

sween

no throwing stones at you , but we really have no tradeable commodities..... a couple players that we have samuels and moss that might command a decent pick we can not afford to trade because we don't have the luxury of having the sure fire probowl player in waiting behind them (our talent evaluation dept. hasn't provided us with a "loaded roster") thus we need all of our current guys including the majority who are just guys.... real trades don't happen to often because amoung other things most teams are filled with just guys and trading one our guys for one of yours usually doesn't make sense....also most teams really value their draft picks so unless they have lots of extra picks in the lower rounds they are unlikely to part with any high picks for one of our guys....the best ways to get established players are in FA, or in special situations where salary wise a team is almost desparte to get something for a player they otherwise may have to keep at a salary thats hurts their team or the player is really unhappy and will be a devisive force in the locker if they keep him (See R. Moss Oakland Raiders) .... the key to any move is the evaluation of not only the target player but , the circumstances as to why he is now on the market and wether your getting damage goods or a malcontent or if your are like Warren Buffet and getting true value for your team a deep discount......same is true for june cuts, some of those guys can play but have to properly evaluate the ones who fit your team and the role you want them to play...... one mans opinion.....

Greg,
News of the day,
PFT.com

SHAUN'S RELEASE LOOMING?
Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2008, 11:28 a.m.
Though it's unclear when the Seahawks will cut the cord on running back Shaun Alexander, a source with knowledge of the situation tells us that it's an open secret within the organization that Alexander is going to be released.

It's hardly an earth-shattering revelation, but it's further semi-concrete evidence of Alexander's stunning fall from grace.

The problem is that, by winning the MVP award in 2005 and propelling the Seahawks to a Super Bowl berth, the Seahawks had no choice but to reward him -- even though the NFL has evolved from a "What have you done for me lately?" league into a "What are you doing for me right now, and what can I expect you to do for me tomorrow?" proposition.

Indeed, the Seahawks were worried during the 2005 campaign about giving Alexander an in-season extension, because they feared that he'd instantly lose his will to churn out the yardage.

Since getting a big-money deal two years ago, Alexander's performance has dropped off dramatically, due to injuries and general ineffectiveness.

Trading him isn't a realistic option, because no one is going to want to absorb that contract.

It has been speculated in league circles that Alexander eventually could land in Tennessee, since former Seahawks exec Mike Reinfeldt is the G.M. there.

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CLARK TO NEW YORK
Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2008, 9:44 a.m.
The Giants lost two starting linebackers early in free agency, when Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor bolted Big Blue.

The team has now commenced the process of replacing them by signing Danny Clark, formerly of the Texans, to a two-year, $4 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Clark, an eight-year veteran, joined the Texans last year, and appeared in 13 games, starting eight of them. He also has played for the Jaguars, Raiders, and Saints, starting every game for Jacksonville in 2002 and starting every game for Oakland in 2005.

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THURSDAY MORNING ONE-LINERS
Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2008, 9:14 a.m.
Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd, who played 468 offensive snaps and 191 special teams plays in 2007, received a $215,495 bonus as part of the NFL's performance-based pay program.

Former Dolphins FB Rob Konrad paid $2,000 at a charity auction for the opportunity to stand on the sideline to watch a Florida International University football game. [Editor's note: We'd pay $4,000 for the opportunity not to stand on the sideline to watch an FIU game.]

David Carr says quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer is the "main reason" he signed with the Giants.

The Patriots don't plan to offer a contract to WR Troy Brown.

The Jets have been talking to the Broncos about a trade involving DT Dewayne Robertson, but it's not clear whether the departure of Denver GM Ted Sundquist makes that trade more or less likely to happen.

The Bears are hoping to add a backup tight end.

Free agent LB Roy Manning signed a one-year contract with Cincinnati, where he played five games last season.

The Browns are focusing on re-signing free agent LB Chaun Thompson, a 2003 second-round draft pick who has not visited any other teams.

Houston is working on an offer sheet for restricted free agent C Chris Myers; if the Broncos don't match the offer the Texans will have to send a sixth-round draft pick to Denver.

Says the agent for free agent WR D.J. Hackett, who is considering Washington, Tampa Bay and Carolina, "His goal is to play for a playoff contender and he thinks the Panthers will be that."

The Broncos and K Jason Elam have a hang-up in contract negotiations because they can't agree on guaranteed money in 2008.

Says former Eagles teammate Hugh Douglas of new Titans DE Jevon Kearse, "I still think Jevon has a lot of athletic ability. Jevon's biggest problem is he needs to become more physical and I don't know if that's one of the traits he's ever had."

Free agent DE Kevin Carter was expected to re-sign with the Buccaneers but might instead sign with the Raiders.

The Cardinals have re-signed their long snapper.

Re-signing free agent QB Daunte Culpepper remains a possibility for the Raiders.

Free agent S Jerome Carter signed a one-year contract to stay with the Rams.

New 49ers WR Isaac Bruce has changed his mind and won't wear Jerry Rice's No. 80 after all. [Editor's note: Bruce has decided would instead like to wear No. 16.]

mt, I think people look at Otah, and see 6'6, and 340, long arms, and ooozing raw talent, and they think they can mold that into a top tackle/guard.

The Redskins are going to have some serious choices to make, that will have a very profound effect on the team for years. Like I've said before, Vinny, there is no room for error. If we have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds, he needs to go 4/4.

Posted by: gregmarino88 | March 13, 2008 12:29 PM

------------------------------------------

what do you mean by 4/4? if you mean 4 STARTERS, i disagree with you. if you mean 2 starters and 2 roleplayers, i agree 100% This is Vinny's first "solo" draft so i think he deserves a little lee-way. the draft is a crapshoot anyways. to expect vinny's first draft to garner 4 starters with the first 4 picks is a bit unreasonable. The patriots and eagles are among the NFL's most successful teams in the draft and they dont always have that much luck.

Slightly off topic:
Think Shanahan might be on the hot seat this year? He's running out of scapegoats. He's fired or let go 4-5 defensive coordinators in the last 6 years or so and now he's run off his GM. If the Broncos suck again this year I wouldn't be shocked to see Shanahan leave - don't know that Bowlen would ever fire him - but I think Shanahan would leave on his own.

Re Shanahan - i'm with you mtn. He seems to be losing public support as well...something that is a first. In the past, he could do no wrong. It was always a coordinator's deficiency that caused the team to lose.

Seth, I think based on the positions that the Redskins will be drafting, DE, WR, OL, you can break this down by position:

DE - the player they draft here SHOULD be an immediate starter.

WR - the player they select here should jump right into the 3rd receiver position

G - given the age, and injury history recently, its not a stretch to think that the player/players drafted for this spot, would see immediate playing time.

cb - given the age and injury history recently, its not a stretch to think that the player/players drafted here would need to step right in and contribute immediately.

WOW, are we talking football. We must be back in the future.

How do we make any of the above trades without a trade partner? This applies for the draft also. If no one we want/need is available at 21, how do we trade down if we have no trade partner? I say call Hackett's bluff, but don't overpay.

This draft is deep in WR, RB and OL, but not necessarily 1st rd caliber that will fall to 21. So as Gregmarino88 says, we have to hit on our picks. That first rd pick has to be a starter.

The only REAL way to make trades is to use our draft picks, and I am against this as we need to get younger.

Will we be able to win it all next year by keeping our players and draft picks, maybe picking up a couple of needed FAs? Maybe, but most likely not.

If we live in the real world (discounting yesterdays blog) we need to shoot for the 09 season, using this season to learn the new offense, groom some starters, ala Montgomery, and make smart moves this year.

If you look at the comments on this blog, the FO will not make everyone happy no matter what they do. I say patience. Build to sustain a playoff claliber team, and build unity. Start with the offensive line, then defensive line and build out.

But we have starters on the line for 08, so draft replacements. Key need is CB. If we move Springs to safety (FS), then that position is taken care of. We have receivers for 08 including our RBs. Draft one that will be ready to start in 09. Don't discount the little heard of players in the draft. There are good players out there that can help this team. Perhaps even this year.

What is going to be important this year in both FA and the draft is the decisions that Vinny makes.

Again, I say patience.

Sorry, Sween, but if Clark Haggans, Barry Sims, Mike Rucker and Musa Smith can't get any offers as unrestricted free agents, then most of the Redskins players you listed above don't have any trade value at all.

K417 - Agreed on the building the OL and DL's first. It seems like forever since that's been an early draft focus of this team. That being said I think the first pick should be the best player regardless of position (except RB, QB, K, and P). This team has so many needs that they could go in almost any direction with the first pick but if I had to order their needs I'd probably go CB, DE, OG, WR, LB, RT, S, depth.

So as Gregmarino88 says, we have to hit on our picks. That first rd pick has to be a starter.

Posted by: kerzon417 | March 13, 2008 01:14 PM

It all depends on the player drafted and position need as to whether a newly-drafted player is a starter. A 1st round picked CB is probably not going to start regardless, but will show up as the Nickel CB because of the difficulty of the position. So the difficulty of learning a particular position has to be factored in also. You can have a great draft but have none of your picks begin the year as starters. Rookies who make the roster are a good thing. That should be the goal.

Says the agent for free agent WR D.J. Hackett, who is considering Washington, Tampa Bay and Carolina, "His goal is to play for a playoff contender and he thinks the Panthers will be that."

Um, Skins and Bucs made the playoffs last year while Carolina was overrated once again. How many mulligans is that team gonna get for the 1 Super Bowl appearance. Delhomme coming off Tommy John surgery. F Hackett if he doesn't want to play here. We can do better.

Tafka,

I do not mean starters, but players that will contribute to this team and will have long careers with the Skins. Not players that turn out to be busts. I would be happy with a CB that can grow into the position and replace Smoot next year. There are plenty of undrafted FAs that are long time starters in the NFL. We need to not pick players that Mel K. pushes, but players that show on tape that they are the real deal, but for some reason did not get the hype or media attention that high profile schools get.

Ideally, I think we should dangle the 21st pick even if it means taking a little less than market value to trade down and accumulate more picks. The value of the 21st pick on the traditional trade chart would be 800 pts. We could pick up an extra 2 (410) and 3 (185) (lets say from the Vikings who pick at 17 for arguements sake and may be interested in Joe Flacco) which would total 595. We could accept a lower round pick or even a pick next year to compensate for the difference but we would have 2 more picks in the first 3 rounds to get a big reveiver like Jordy Nelson and a Young interior OL or DL. The idea of taking less for the pick would benefit us bc we could add the 2nd and 3rd round talent at a lower price while injecting the team with more youth for the future.

Hackett just wants to sign with the team that gives him the best chance to be a starter, like most second-tier free agents. Injuries have hurt his value, so if he signs to be a #3 WR, he will have a hard time getting a bigger contract later. Carolina has Steve Smith, so Hackett would have to beat out DWI Jarrett for a starting job. In DC, he has to beat out Randle El, Caldwell, maybe Mix just to be a #2.

Kerz, that was kind of my agenda as well. If the Redskins select DE/WR/G/DT, those 4 guys, they NEED TO be on the field CONTRIBUTING to the team each week. The Redskins don't need the wide-out to come in and catch 100 balls, but they do need him to catch 20-40. They don't need the DE to come in and notch 15 sacks, but they do need him to be a consistent player, play the run well, and get to the qb.
If they draft G's, that player needs to give Randy/Pete a break during games, and not have a tremendous drop off in level of play.

Kerzon,

The goal in the top 3-4 rounds is to draft players who will become starters - maybe in the 1st year, or maybe in the 2nd or 3rd years. Yes, drafting a quality CB this year is critical, mainly because you need a replacement for Springs in 2009. Maybe you also need a replacement for Smoot in 2010. The jury is out on Carlos, so maybe a replacement will be needed there also. So the CB drafted in 2008 has to be a future starter - no Mike Rumphs can be selected. The same is true for DE, where Daniels is about done. We need a big body DE to replace Daniels on every down, handling the run and making the occasional sack. Speed rushers need not apply. Wide receivers and solid interior lineman are important, but you can create patchwork solutions if necessary at those spots. Without Daniels and Springs in 2007, it would have been ugly. Draft their replacements first then, even if they don't start immediately.

B E E P

I haven't been a huge Vinny/Danny Boy supporter but I gotta say that I like our approach here in the off season. Keep things mostly intact, haven't gone hog wild with FA, and we actually have some draft picks.

The addition of Hackett would be a smart move given his prototypical size for a #2 WR, his knowledge of the offense, his familiarity with Zorn, and his being in the prime of his career.

Sorry, Sween, but if Clark Haggans, Barry Sims, Mike Rucker and Musa Smith can't get any offers as unrestricted free agents, then most of the Redskins players you listed above don't have any trade value at all.

Posted by: tafka | March 13, 2008 01:21 PM

Apples and oranges. Signing a UFA means only paying some guy (one way deal). A trade means a new guy comes. [Old School: I was thinking about trading player for players, not players for picks. Like the bit about Santana Moss for Anquan Bolden.]

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