Without London

The Redskins have been extremely productive this off season, making blockbuster deals, and being very active at the start of free agency despite their salary cap limitations.  Fans have long waited for the Skins to take their aggressive off season mentality and combine that with SMART tactical moves, instead of blindly throwing money at players with big names.  However with all the moves the team has made what sticks out is one they haven’t made, re-signing London Fletcher.

                Many believe that it is inevitable that Fletcher re-signs with Washington, but some are beginning to worry.  With NFL free agency beginning 16 days ago the Redskins undisputed team captain, locker room leader, is still without a contract.  Being that Fletcher is an unrestricted free agent and has led the redskins in tackles every year since 2007, leading the entire league last year, he should be a hot commodity.  However, there have been no reports of the 36 year old, Fletcher negotiating or visiting with other teams; maybe that’s why fans seem confident he will return.  The question is, is that what’s best?

                Sure, Fletcher is a top producer on the field at this moment but every day that goes by marks another day that Fletcher is coming closer and closer to the end of his career which is normally preceded by a drop off in production.  Whenever a player exceeds a 10 year career in the league, leaning your franchise on the production of that player is like playing with fire.  Younger guys can recover from injuries quicker and easier, and can recover from a decline in production a bit easier, but an older guy it’s a different story.  Older guys bodies do not are not as resilient and heal slower, and when a guy is older especially a pro bowler, and the production drops off it normally indicates the player has reached the end of the line.  In either case with the older player the best solution is to replace him.

Stick with me here.  Fletcher has been the heart and soul of this Redskins team since the death of Sean Taylor, no question.  He wants to be compensated fairly for that and definitely should, but there are two problems; age and salary cap.  Tomorrow London Fletcher is the best fit for this Redskins team to start at middle linebacker, but what about the long term?  I’d assume Fletcher desires to have a contract of 3 years or more and be paid like one of the top middle linebackers in the game.  In 2009 Ray Lewis signed a 7 year, $50 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, he was 33.  I’m not assuming that Fletcher is seeking a contract that extends well into his 40’s but I do thing that in NFL age he’s at the end of the line. 

                So why not just wait for the drop off, if it does come just release him or bench him and then replace him?  That sounds good in theory not so much in likelihood.  The best ways to get an immediate replacement at a position is draft a first rounder or sign a big name guy on the market.  As I mentioned earlier the Redskins will be hamstrung by salary cap limitations for the next two seasons (as it stands now), and with the trade for the second pick of the draft the Redskins have forfeited their first round picks in the 2012 and 2013 draft.  So I think its best that they go into the next 2 seasons having most starters and absolutely having the cornerstones of the team locked up. 

Despite the intangibles that Fletcher brings sometimes it is best to let a guy go before he falls apart in your hands.  If the Colts can make a decision to replace Peyton Manning and the Packers can make a decision to replace Brett Favre, the Redskins cannot be afraid to decide it may be best for the future of the franchise to move on without Fletcher, though he may have more left in the tank.  In my opinion the team may be better off going after a younger guy like Seattle’s 26 year old, free agent linebacker, David Hawthorne.  Thoughts?

Redskins's latest problem

On March 9th, 2012, the Washington Redskins made a monumental move in an effort to get the franchise going in the right direction.  They took a huge homerun swing in an effort to guarantee themselves one of the two top quarterback prospects in the 2012 NFL draft.  The redskins traded their 2012, 2013, 2014 first round draft picks, along with their second round pick in the 2012 draft in exchange for the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 draft.  With the Indianapolis Colt’s showing favorable interest in Stanford QB, Andrew Luck, it seems the Redskins will be selecting Baylor QB, Robert Griffin III.   

It’s a big risk any time you give up a single first round pick or second round pick let alone three (I know they gave up 4 but they got one in return).  None the less the fans were desperate for such a move.  After watching 17 games of Rex Grossman and John Beck, it was time to make an aggressive move and the team did just that.  The loss of draft picks would hurt, but Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan made smart personnel moves and decisions and the redskins had roughly $31 million in cap space going into the 2012 off season.  This would allow them not to suffer too badly by sacrificing multiple first round picks, so this is an investment for the future.  Last season the defense was back to form and now this season they’ll be getting a dynamic face of the franchise and getting him help in free agency.  CUE HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!!!……this was March 9th.

On March 12th, with the NFL free agency period set to begin the following day, March 13th, Commissioner Roger Goodell decided that it was a good time to issue one of his more ridiculous inexplicable penalties.  The Washington Redskins were docked $36 million dollars from their salary cap and have only two years in which they can try to satisfy the penalty.  Meaning if they decide to take a salary reduction of $18 million in the 2012 NFL season and the other $18 in the 2013 NFL season they are allowed to.  The money that will be docked from the Redskins and the Cowboys will be dispersed throughout rest of the league excluding Seattle and Oakland who also had violations, but were not docked.  STOP THE MUSIC!  HOLD THE PHONE!  What?!?!?!  How did this happen?  

In 2010 the NFL and its players had a massive labor dispute which resulted in the 2010 season having no salary cap.  Meaning there were no restrictions to how much teams decided to spend on their players for that season.  Instead of this creating a spending frenzy to snatch up all the available players possible, only two teams took full advantage of this freedom, the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.  Reports are that the NFL’s commissioner’s office warned NFL teams several times of abusing the uncapped year, but at the same time all NFL contracts are approved or rejected by the NFL’s commission’s office.  

Roger Goodell is a no nonsense guy and sure doesn't mind being the bad guy when it comes to policing the league and enforcing NFL policy, but this is ridiculous. This is equivalent to a mother telling her son not to eat a cookie, then giving the kid the cookie and watch him eat it and then the next day she gives him a spanking.  Furthermore why do the other NFL teams get the money being docked?  And why wait until the day before free agency to pass down the punishment?  IT'S BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS!  There are so many issues here.  Apparently there's a cap on an uncapped year, who knew?  We learn something new every day.

  Send me your thoughts, questions, comments concerns.  I'M BACK!

More NFL moves 3/14

- Receiver Calvin Johnson signs 8 year, $130 Million extension, with 60 million guaranteed

- The Bucs finally ink guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright

-Eagles extend Trent Cole

-Jags re-sign both Jeremy Mincey and Dwight Lowery

What the heck is free Agency?

Ok so let me try to explain free agency to you all without getting too technical.  Today March 13, 2012 was the beginning of free agency for the 2012 NFL season.  What that means is that today any player that was under a contract that expired at the end of the 2011 season may begin to negotiate and sign contracts with other teams.  Where it gets a bit confusing is the use of the term “free agent”.  I’m going to break down the free agents into three different categories; restricted, unrestricted, and “street” free agents.   

Many of you are probably already asking, “If free agency began today how did Randy Moss sign with the 49ers yesterday?”  Good question, Randy Moss was free to sign with San Francisco because he was a “street free agent”.  Moss’ last contract with the Tennessee Titans ended at the conclusion of the 2010 season.  This means Moss had no obligation to any team throughout the entire 2011 season and thus could sign with any team he pleased at any time following the July 29, 2011 date, which opened free agency for the 2011 season.  Prior to the opening of free Agency today (March 13, 2012), any player that was not under contract at the conclusion of the 2011 season was considered a street free agent.  This also includes players that were released at any point during the 2011 season and did not sign a new contract before the end of the season.

The next two types of free agents are much simpler.  The first are unrestricted free agents.  Unrestricted free agents are players whose contracts expire at the conclusion of the 2011 season and are free to negotiate and sign with any team they would like after free agency begins.  The other type of free agent, restricted free agents cannot move as freely as unrestricted free agents.   Restricted free agents are allowed to negotiate with other teams, however if an offer is made, the team that player had their last contract with has the opportunity to match that offer.  If the offer is matched the player’s rights revert to the previous team.

That’s free agency in a nutshell ladies and gents!  I hope that clears up a few things.

Off season moves 3/13/2012

I'll be giving my opinions on the moves; signings, releases, and trades the next few days.  Buckle up!

Brandon Marshall Trade
The Miami Dolphins have agreed to trade Brandon Marshall to the Bears in exchange for two third round draft picks.  I think this means one of two things.  Either Peyton Manning is on his way in with Pierre Garcon or Reggie Wayne (former Miami Hurricane), or Peyton has told them no dice and they are going to rebuild the offense, similar to Cincinnati 2011.   

4:09PM


Pierre Garcon

Pierre Garcon has signed to the Washington Redskins.  This just goes to show the power of that trade to the #2 spot to take Robert Griffin III.  

4:48PM

Garcon contract 42.5Mil, with 21.5 guaranteed.  They are paying him for the receiver they want him to be and hope he can be.  Yeah they overpaid but just like the trade for RGIII they needed to upgrade receiver desperately.
6:19PM

Redskins Receivers 
Seems as if the Redskins have added to their receiver haul, the skins are apparently deep in negotiations with former 49ers receiver Josh Morgan and have agreed to terms with former Broncos receiver Eddie Royal, who was drafted by current redskins coach, Mike Shanahan.  This could very well mark the end of Santana Moss with the Washington Redskins and probably the same for Jabar Gaffney.
6:13PM

Morgan deal done.

9:06PM


Randy Moss
This is old but in case you missed it, future hall of famer Randy Moss came out of his one year retirement to sign with the 49ers.  Monday yesterday, Moss signed before the free agency period began because he had no current contract...... I'll elaborate later tonight.

Robert Griffin III
The beginning of free agency also meant the official submission of the trade for the number 2 overall spot in the 2012 NFL draft from the St. Louis Rams to the Washington Redskins.  The Redskins sacrificed their 2012, 2013, and 2014 first round picks and the 2012 2nd round pick in exchange for the pick that they are expected to use to select Robert Griffin III from Baylor.

Jason Campbell
The Chicago Bears have just entered the argument of the leagues best back up quarterback, reaching a deal with former Redskins and Raiders starter Jason Campbell.  This comes as somewhat a surprise, Campbell is perfectly adequate to compete for a starter role for a number of NFL teams.
8:56 PM

Vincent Jackson
After receiver Marques Colston decided to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints and not test the free agency market, former San Diego Charger receiver Vincent Jackson became without question the top free agent at the wide receiver position.  Jackson went to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the beginning of free agency and will be leaving a Buccaneer, as he agrees to a 5 year contract.  The Bucs need a lot more than just a receiver, but if Freeman can't get it going with him next season may be his last.
9:02 PM

Cortland Finnegan
The St. Louis Rams have had a rather productive off season trading down in the trading the #2 pick in the 2012 draft, for the #6 pick in the 2012 draft as well as an additional second round pick for 2012, and an additional 1st round pick in both the 2013 and 2014 drafts.  The club also hired head coach Jeff Fisher and esteemed defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.  All of these factor make St. Louis a pretty attractive opportunity to free agents, like former Titan Courtland Finnegan.  Finnegan who was considered the best free agent cornerback will be re-uniting with his former head coach Jeff Fisher, it almost makes too much sense.  Finnegan's deal is $50 million over 5 years, very pricey.
9:40PM

Reggie Wayne
Apparently, Reggie Wayne's heart will always be in Indianapolis, because his body signed a three year deal to remain with the Colts.  Wayne will be a centerpiece for the rebuilding effort.  So we can kill all that, "he's going to follow Peyton" noise.  This move leads me to believe Peyton Manning is not headed to Miami who surprisingly just traded their standout receiver, Brandon Marshall to the bears.
9:53PM   

Where's the respect?????

I’ve never been much of a Peyton Manning fan.  Though I’m born and raised in the Washington, D.C area my allegiance has always been to my father’s hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.  For years I’ve watched Manning strut onto the field in that blue and white jersey and have his way with the teams in our division like its child’s play.  So naturally when the rumor of his release or possible trade began, I became very excited.  The wicked witch was dying, finally he’s gone!  The franchise that I despised so greatly would be set back significantly, and my life was better.

After missing the entire 2011 season with over 4 neck surgeries and the Colts ending the season with the league’s worst record, they are entitled to the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft.  The number one prospect in this year’s 2012 NFL draft is Stanford QB, Andrew Luck.  Luck is seen as a can’t miss quarterback prospect and is considered the highest rated QB since….Peyton Manning.  The 35 year old Manning had just signed a contract extension for $90 million over 5 years right before the 2011 NFL season. 

All of these factors combined have made an unfortunate situation for Manning in Indianapolis, which led to Manning’s release from the Colts March 7^th, 2012, and I celebrated.  Then, when I got home after work, I sat down and watched footage of the press conference saw the emotion on his face and heard it in his voice and something happened.  My excitement quickly turned into sorrow. 

This sorrow wasn’t for Manning in particular but more so for a trend that I have begun to notice in the NFL in regards to its franchise players and legends.  I understand that players cannot play forever; eventually your time comes when you have to move on and leave the game.  My issue is with franchise players, that in the twilight of their careers are leaving or being forced to leave the one team they have built their legacy and hall of fame careers with.  No longer do we see greats and hall of famers like Darrel Green, or Dan Marino, play with one team in their entire hall of fame careers.    Now we have long time Packer and holder of any Green Bay passing records, Brett Favre finishing his last 2 years of his career with division rival Minnesota.   Fred Taylor, Jaguars all-time leading rusher and Florida native, by far the biggest face of the franchises existence, finished his career in New England after 10 years in Jacksonville.  The list goes on, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Donovan McNabb, I could list them forever.

What is going on?  Where is the dedication?  Where is the respect?  And from both parties.  It’s understood that the NFL is a business but it’s also a game of integrity.  We don’t want to see NFL legends floundering around on the field the last few years of their careers, as they try to learn a brand new system and adjust to their new environments.  Peyton Manning should have never had to leave Indianapolis like this, Manning and the Colts staff should have been able to sit down and structure a deal in which Manning contract would become more moveable and less of a risk for the Colts.  Therefore when Luck arrives to Indy, he could develop under Manning’s tutelage.  Let’s face it, it’s not ideal for a team to start a rookie quarterback.  This way Luck could have developed under Manning the way Rodgers did under Favre and take over when Manning’s career was over, and if Manning wasn’t healthy enough to play Luck could take over and Manning could just leave the game forever a Colt.  Thoughts?

Gregg Williams' Undertakers

On February 28^th 2012, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints have had a “bounty program” for the last three years that Gregg Williams has served as the team’s defensive coordinator.  The way this program works is players were rewarded financially for aggressive hits sometimes directed at particular players.  Apparently the “bounty program” was financed by members of the team.

In reaction to this news becoming public, Williams stated, "It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it.  Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again."  Question Gregg….How could you learn your lesson?  YOU HAVEN’T EVEN BEEN PENALIZED!

However, If I was Gregg Williams I wouldn’t apologize for anything!  He encouraged his players to play tough, what’s wrong with that?  When you play the game of football if you tackle someone without the intent to inflict pain, something is wrong.  The way the game is governed especially with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s strict fines and penalties for what he considers “dirty play”.  It’s extremely difficult for a team to purposely injure another player in a way which would be deemed “dirty”. 

It’s not as if Williams was sending his defense on the field with guns and brass knuckles.  Nor were the Saints paying these players officially with money from the front office.  This is no different than a bunch of friends betting each other a dollar a hole on the golf course.  The media has just taken it as another opportunity to scrutinize professional sports.  Get over it.

Redskins QB debate Part 2

So here we go into the next scenario with the Redskins quarterback position, the RGIII scenario.  2011 Heisman Trophy recipient Robert Griffin III, is the second quarterback prospect behind Andrew Luck.  The St. Louis Rams holding the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft are looking to trade down with a team looking to acquire Griffin.  The redskins thirst at the quarterback position combined with their aggressive history in acquiring big name talent in the off season, has created a groundswell of speculation that they will trade with St. Louis in the hopes of landing Griffin.  Fans everywhere are ready to trade the farm for their shot at RGIII, but why?

We have to reel all of this back in perspective and ask if he’s worth trading the farm for.  The Cleveland Browns who hold the fourth overall pick of this 2012 draft also have the rights to the 22nd overall pick in the draft.  Cleveland is a team believed to be in pursuit of obtaining the rights to draft Griffin which would put them in an automatic bidding war with the redskins.  In which Washington will lose….. and lose badly.  Not only does Cleveland have more fire power than Washington to trade for the #2 selection, but it will cost them less.  Cleveland would essentially be moving up 2 spots to get that second pick.  Also with Cleveland sitting at #4 there are no teams in front of them that is a threat to select Griffin, meaning Cleveland can really sit pretty at #4 and wait Griffin to fall into their lap.   If Cleveland decides to pass on the trade that still creates a bidding war with other teams in the league, which could be very costly for Washington, in terms of draft picks.

Washington has already stated that they are prepared to surrender two first round picks along with additional mid-round picks in exchange for the #2 overall pick in this year’s draft, this should make fans cringe.  The redskins are not in a position where they are using the draft for depth.  Last season thanks to the redskins trading back several times in the draft to acquire more picks the redskins had 8 picks in the first six rounds of the draft.  Out of those eight players six were at some point starting for the team and one of the two who did not start was pegged to be a starter but was placed on injured reserve before the season began.

The question here is, can a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2007 afford to sacrifice first round draft picks?  Sure the rarer the opportunity the larger the risk you have to take, but what makes us think Griffin is worth the risk?  He had an outstanding last two years at Baylor in a spread offense; can we guarantee that will transfer well into the league?  Last season the redskins relied heavily on the draft to add talent.  With 42 million in cap space, if the skins are aggressive in free agency and sign two or three starters.  The risk of what you would lose trading up for Griffin significantly decreases.  I believe the two come hand and hand.  What do you think?

Redskins QB debate Part 1

Finishing the 2011-2012 NFL season, one thing was extremely evident about the Washington Redskins, the quarterback position needs drastic improvement.  After a failed attempt to house Donovan McNabb in twilight of his career and attempting to revitalize the career of journeyman Rex Grossman, and catch lightning in a bottle with career backup John Beck, the Shanahans are still left with no solution at quarterback.  This has led fans to speculate about every single available or hopefully available quarterback this off season that could be next to don the burgundy and gold.  

We've heard big names such as Peyton Manning and prospect Robert Griffin III.  As well as lesser profiles such as Kyle Orton or prospect Ryan Tannehill.  It seems like every week there is a new scenario, sign this guy, draft this guy, trade for this guy.  So let’s run through a few possible scenarios and try to think which one is best. I started this as one article and I got so in depth in my discussion which each scenario I figured I may need to split this into at least three different articles.  Don't worry I'll release them daily!

The Peyton Scenario

Let’s get this one out the way.  Just nearly a year ago his face was that of the Indianapolis Colts franchise and arguably the NFL.  Now the neck that supports the head that wears that face may have ended his time in Indianapolis.  After missing the entire 2011 season and undergoing 4 major neck surgeries and the Colts ended the season with the league’s worst record.  This in return earned them the rights to the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.   All signs have pointed to the Colts selecting top prospect Andrew Luck, who’s been considered the best prospect since the aforementioned Manning.  On top of all this, Manning is due a 28 million dollar roster bonus if he remains on the roster past March 8^th.  This perfect storm has transformed Manning from the franchises bedrock to a dispensable liability.

  All signs point to him being released before this deadline, which means his services will be available to any team that can sign him.  Redskin’s fans salivate at the opportunity to have a guy who was once undoubtedly the best in the league and a future hall of famer.  A healthy Manning could provide a big lift to a team that was 26^th in the league in points scored. 

In theory it sounds great but in actuality, I’m not quite as positive.  In actuality four surgeries on the same body part is never a good thing but this is a neck and rumor has it, it has affected his whole body.  We’ve heard his throwing power is lacking significantly.  We’ve seen interviews where he couldn’t even turn his head.  This injury should not be taken lightly and shouldn’t be viewed as a broken arm.  We’ve seen a lot of players who were in these kinds of situations that have opted or been forced to call it career.

Also I’m not so sure how he would mesh with the Shanahan’s system here in DC.  Peyton’s with the Colts has always been one in which he almost served as his own offensive coordinator.  We’ve seen the Shanahans micro-manage the quarterback situation before when they brought in borderline hall of famer Donovan McNabb.  They weren’t happy that he didn’t play the position their way; well I’m sure Manning plans to play the position his way and will have no problem finding suitors that will agree to let him do so.

All in all I feel that if you want to take a chance on Manning that’s fine, but don’t count on him.  In other words I’m not ok with putting all the eggs in the Peyton Manning basket.  If you want to sign him to a deal where it will be easy to move him if things don’t pan out, go for it.  However I suggest that the team still have other quarterbacks on the roster.  Maybe a middle of the road type quarterbacks, such as Rex Grossman.  Don’t kill me skins fans but Rex is a serviceable backup I think he would be ok with that role, and he knows the system.  The team also should carry a third quarterback, because even if the Manning scenario works given his age they still need a young guy prepared to take the reins in the future, which is what we’ll look at next article.

Alleged video of Peyton Manning throwing balls at Duke