Skins have 4.3 million in cap space?

[chrisbcbu]

ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2758756)

Washington Redskins
Cap room: $4.3 million
Don't expect the Redskins to go crazy in free agency. They have 11 free agents, but only LB Warrick Holdman is a starter. There could be significant roster changes, though. Gibbs could wipe out quarterback Mark Brunell, wide receiver David Patten, safety Troy Vincent, kicker John Hall, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd and safety Adam Archuleta. T.J. Duckett will leave in free agency. The Redskins figure to make major improvements along the defensive front seven, which became less athletic last season. The key to the team's playoff chances is how Jason Campbell develops at quarterback.

It looks like the restructures freed up alot of space. And we still have more restructures to do. Also we have to cut some more which should free up even more space. I like the looks of this if Clayton is right about the space that we have now.

[GolfFreak]

I'd like to them take care of Cooley this year before it's too late ... and I like the sound of letting Brunell go.

[PennSkinsFan]

I'd like to them take care of Cooley this year before it's too late ... and I like the sound of letting Brunell go.

I hear ya. Burnell though, lets restructure him and keep him. Brunell know sthe offense and is comfortable in the system should he be needed. Not a big Brunell fan, but he is a solid vet that has a complete grasp of the playbook.

But, we need to take care of our own and that means resign Dock and get Cooley extended and rewarded.

[ryflan47]

Something HAS to happen with Brunell, and if we have 4.3 there is no excuse not to keep Cooley.

[joethefan]

I'd like to them take care of Cooley this year before it's too late ... and I like the sound of letting Brunell go.

cooley is freed up till at least next year i believe

[skinsfan36]

brunell will have to sign a whole new contract for vet min. 4.3 mil is good news that is already enough to sign a mlb and a corner like harper/hood/macklin/james

[Canuck]

Don't forget that we're going to need room to sign our first round pick. That isn't going to be cheap, no matter what position we pick.

[chrisbcbu]

cooley is freed up till at least next year i believe

According to NFLPA.org this is cooleys last year.

2007 510000.00
2004 230000.00
2005 305000.00
2006 425000.00

Also checked scout and Cooley becomes a FA in 2008. so this is his final year.

[chrisbcbu]

Don't forget that we're going to need room to sign our first round pick. That isn't going to be cheap, no matter what position we pick.

If we in fact do have 4.3 million right now. We will have plenty of cap space. dont forget that we still have to make cuts which should free up another 5-6 million easy.

[Dolla Bill]

If we in fact do have 4.3 million right now. We will have plenty of cap space. dont forget that we still have to make cuts which should free up another 5-6 million easy.



Even with cuts, that's not alot of room to sign especially dealing with Dock, 1-2 FA's, our top 6 draft pick, and the possibility of signing Cooley. I want to lock up Cooley now instead of letting him play for a contract for someone else.

[chrisbcbu]

Even with cuts, that's not alot of room to sign especially dealing with Dock, 1-2 FA's, our top 6 draft pick, and the possibility of signing Cooley. I want to lock up Cooley now instead of letting him play for a contract for someone else.

Well considering we signed Lloyd/Arch/Carter/Randel El, to big contracts with less cap space than what we would have. I think we could fit 1-2 FA, 6th draft pick along with an extension for Cooley and a new contract for Dock in under 10million of cap.

And i still think we could sign more players to fill up our depth problem.

[Dolla Bill]

Well considering we signed Lloyd/Arch/Carter/Randel El, to big contracts with less cap space than what we would have. I think we could fit 1-2 FA, 6th draft pick along with an extension for Cooley and a new contract for Dock in under 10million of cap.

And i still think we could sign more players to fill up our depth problem.


Well, when it comes to the cap situation, the skins have proved that they are the kings of it.

[shally]

ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2758756)



It looks like the restructures freed up alot of space. And we still have more restructures to do. Also we have to cut some more which should free up even more space. I like the looks of this if Clayton is right about the space that we have now.

anyone who thinks the skins wont be able to create enough cap space to be players in free agency is just kidding themselves

[skinsfan36]

anyone who thinks the skins wont be able to create enough cap space to be players in free agency is just kidding themselves
yeah you have to wonder if eric shaffer(the capoligist/contract writer) graduated from yale,or harvard

[ChiefPowhatan17]

They need to make sure they re-sign Dock so that some cohesion is kept on the O-line.

Brunell, not a big fan of either, but having a veteran former probowl back up is nice. He will be back. I just wish he played like he does in Madden 07.

But, yes I agree it would be nice to get Cooley on a long term deal before he hits Free Agency in 2008.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

The Skins are always creative with the cap, so I don't worry much. I think Brunell would be willing to resign at a lower price. He has to know his days as a starter are over.

Getting Dock resigned is still a priority for me.

[skinswin]

I believe the skins clear another 3-4 mil by getting rid of Pattan and Brunell. They are in good shape.

[ryflan47]

I believe the skins clear another 3-4 mil by getting rid of Pattan and Brunell. They are in good shape.

I wouldn't put it past us to clear another 5 mill.

[becky]

Hello there Mr. Clements, how are you doing today? :gwink:

[shally]

Hello there Mr. Clements, how are you doing today? :gwink:

whether it is clements or adalius thomas or fletcher or samuel or justin smith.. i think the skins have shown themselves both aggressive and resourcefull enough in years past to bring in most anyone they truly want..

only guys like kearse, who clearly priced themselves out of the skins budget,
or j fletcher, who dithered around, slipped away.

snyder is both persuasive and generous and players and agents around the league know it. we may not have always been wise in the players we went after, but i venture to say that we have gotten the vast majority of players who were really targetted by the front office.

our own players might be another matter

[becky]

whether it is clements or adalius thomas or fletcher or samuel or justin smith.. i think the skins have shown themselves both aggressive and resourcefull enough in years past to bring in most anyone they truly want..

only guys like kearse, who clearly priced themselves out of the skins budget,
or j fletcher, who dithered around, slipped away.

snyder is both persuasive and generous and players and agents around the league know it. we may not have always been wise in the players we went after, but i venture to say that we have gotten the vast majority of players who were really targetted by the front office.

our own players might be another matter


I agree shally, although I think our issues this year were more injury and scheme related. We don't need many free agents, just a few key players imo. I hope that we can keep focus. But you are definitely right, if we want someone, we get him.

[Sharpshooter]

I agree shally, although I think our issues this year were more injury and scheme related. We don't need many free agents, just a few key players imo. I hope that we can keep focus. But you are definitely right, if we want someone, we get him. How True. Danny will make sure we have who we want, and injuries were probably 80 percent of our problem on both sides of the Ball...Our playoff run was enormously helped by great overall health...and a strong commitment to the run. Portis took us on his shoulders to the playoffs and the D came up with Turnovers and scored. I agree Becky, Few, but WISE additions and health should make all the difference

[akhhorus]

I agree shally, although I think our issues this year were more injury and scheme related. We don't need many free agents, just a few key players imo. I hope that we can keep focus. But you are definitely right, if we want someone, we get him.

And I think we can scratch Adalius Thomas(who GB wants BADLY) and Justin Smith(franchise tagged according to PFT) off the list. We need a top CB badly, but outside of that, I agree with you baby. Guys like Peter Sirmon and Tier B DEs are all we need--as long as we draft an impact defender.

[BurgundyNGold]

And I think we can scratch Adalius Thomas(who GB wants BADLY) and Justin Smith(franchise tagged according to PFT) off the list. We need a top CB badly, but outside of that, I agree with you baby. Guys like Peter Sirmon and Tier B DEs are all we need--as long as we draft an impact defender.
I'm not happy with our LBs at all. I'm not saying I have an answer but Lemar Marshall isn't it.

[PennSkinsFan]

They need to make sure they re-sign Dock so that some cohesion is kept on the O-line.

Brunell, not a big fan of either, but having a veteran former probowl back up is nice. He will be back. I just wish he played like he does in Madden 07.

But, yes I agree it would be nice to get Cooley on a long term deal before he hits Free Agency in 2008.

Agreed. Brunell will restructure and I am not postive why people would not want him back as a security blanket, considering how much he knows the offense. I suspect Collins won't be back, I woudl prefer to go with JC, Brunell and a youngster like maybe Casey Bramlett to learn as he goes.

[3644Skins]

How much is Collins due next season? About 1 mill right? That's not too bad I guess, Bramlet would be cheaper but only by a little I guess.

[bantu]

And I think we can scratch Adalius Thomas(who GB wants BADLY) and Justin Smith(franchise tagged according to PFT) off the list. We need a top CB badly, but outside of that, I agree with you baby. Guys like Peter Sirmon and Tier B DEs are all we need--as long as we draft an impact defender.

Why would Thomas be out of reach? We've outbidded teams before. We can outbid GB can't we?

[shally]

I agree shally, although I think our issues this year were more injury and scheme related. We don't need many free agents, just a few key players imo. I hope that we can keep focus. But you are definitely right, if we want someone, we get him.

we need talent on defense.. it is not just scheme failure.. there is no way to hide holdman..:lol1:

[shally]

I'm not happy with our LBs at all. I'm not saying I have an answer but Lemar Marshall isn't it.

move him to WLB along with rocky.. sign sirmon or fletcher..problem solved as long as marcus comes back from surgery

[SkinsfaninNJ]

we need talent on defense.. it is not just scheme failure.. there is no way to hide holdman..:lol1:
Agreed. Our D got old and slow quickly.

[James F. Quinn]

Brunell know sthe offense and is comfortable in the system should he be needed.

I think you are confusing Brunell with Collins.

Brunell never looked comfortable in the offense, unless it consists largely of dumpoffs. Timing patterns? Throwing the ball before the receiver has made his break? Never happened.

We only began to see a hint of what the offense could be after Campbell was a few games into his stint.

I don't like the idea of keeping Brunell around for any reason. There would always be that Gibbsian itch to turn back to him if Jason has a tough stretch.

Collins is an adequate backup, and would not tempt Joe.

[PennSkinsFan]

I think you are confusing Brunell with Collins.

Brunell never looked comfortable in the offense, unless it consists largely of dumpoffs. Timing patterns? Throwing the ball before the receiver has made his break? Never happened.

We only began to see a hint of what the offense could be after Campbell was a few games into his stint.

I don't like the idea of keeping Brunell around for any reason. There would always be that Gibbsian itch to turn back to him if Jason has a tough stretch.

Collins is an adequate backup, and would not tempt Joe.

I'm not confusing anyone. If Campbell needed relieved for a game or a quarter, I would prefer to have Brunell come in. Collins is a waste and is patronage by Saunders, period.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I'm not confusing anyone. If Campbell needed relieved for a game or a quarter, I would prefer to have Brunell come in. Collins is a waste and is patronage by Saunders, period.
I agree. Based on last year's numbers, Brunell could win games if required, especially with a refocused running game. It was the defense that failed us most last year. Collins is a big question mark.

[shally]

I agree. Based on last year's numbers, Brunell could win games if required, especially with a refocused running game. It was the defense that failed us most last year. Collins is a big question mark.

collins is a waste now that campbell will have had time inthe system.. only if brunell does not come back do we want to consider collins coming back..

number 3 should be bramlett or some other youngster

[bergiemoore]

collins is a waste now that campbell will have had time inthe system.. only if brunell does not come back do we want to consider collins coming back..

number 3 should be bramlett or some other youngster

I really don't want Brunell back if he's going to get paid what he's currently slated to get paid. That kind of money is outrageous for a person that will likely be soaking up pine for 95% of the season. If it comes down to an overpriced Brunell, or a relatively cheap Collins at the #2 spot, I have to go with Collins. Brunell is not worth starter money.

If Brunell restructures his contract, and takes somewhere around what most #2 QBs take, then I'm fine with him being here.

One thing is for sure, we don't need two aging QBs backing up the kid. One of them has got to go. I like the Bramlet idea. That kind of QB project is what you should have as your #3.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I really don't want Brunell back if he's going to get paid what he's currently slated to get paid. That kind of money is outrageous for a person that will likely be soaking up pine for 95% of the season. If it comes down to an overpriced Brunell, or a relatively cheap Collins at the #2 spot, I have to go with Collins. Brunell is not worth starter money.

If Brunell restructures his contract, and takes somewhere around what most #2 QBs take, then I'm fine with him being here.

One thing is for sure, we don't need two aging QBs backing up the kid. One of them has got to go. I like the Bramlet idea. That kind of QB project is what you should have as your #3.
I agree with this.

[Redskin4Life]

I really don't want Brunell back if he's going to get paid what he's currently slated to get paid. That kind of money is outrageous for a person that will likely be soaking up pine for 95% of the season. If it comes down to an overpriced Brunell, or a relatively cheap Collins at the #2 spot, I have to go with Collins. Brunell is not worth starter money.

If Brunell restructures his contract, and takes somewhere around what most #2 QBs take, then I'm fine with him being here.

One thing is for sure, we don't need two aging QBs backing up the kid. One of them has got to go. I like the Bramlet idea. That kind of QB project is what you should have as your #3.
I'm with you on Brunell needing to restructure for less money.... I hope they just give him the "Pennington" deal and convert all of his salary to "incentives likely to not be earned". I think that takes all of his salary off the books and doesn't prevent him from making money if he's forced into a starting role again... plus it's an easy restructure.

[bergiemoore]

I'm with you on Brunell needing to restructure for less money.... I hope they just give him the "Pennington" deal and convert all of his salary to "incentives likely to not be earned". I think that takes all of his salary off the books and doesn't prevent him from making money if he's forced into a starting role again... plus it's an easy restructure.

Sounds good. Someone call Vinny Cerato....

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Sounds good. Someone call Vinny Cerato....
I'm sure he's already thought of it.:)

[NCskinsfanatic]

Well let's not forget the shoulder surgery and his age factoring into the decision, I like Mark and he will hopefully rework his deal to help this team. But if he won't, he will not find starter money in FA coming off surgery and another year older his best bet is with us. If not Collins will due at #2 for one season aslong as we are running well.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Honestly, I think that if we have to rely on either Collins (who will be 36 and hasn't thrown a meaningful pass in 10 years) or on Brunell( who will be 37, is coming off of shoulder surgery, and is injury-prone) for more than a couple of games we are in very very deep trouble. So I would go with Brunell if he comes cheap, if not Collins who is already cheap.

[skins111111]

I'd like to them take care of Cooley this year before it's too late ... and I like the sound of letting Brunell go.

I hear ya

[shally]

I hear ya

the franchise tag is always there for cooley if they need it, but they cannot spread things out

[colkurtz]

Brunell will re-structure - he always has. The Redskins always figure a way to stay under the cap - they always do. Their main problem is going after the right players, at a reasonable price.

[gibbs!we!trust!]

I say, We make Cooley a receiver and get rid of Lloyd and get a big TE 6'6 or above that can catch and block. Which would cause match up problems for defenses. Have moss and randle El on the out side Cooley in the slot and big TE in the middle.

[shally]

I really don't want Brunell back if he's going to get paid what he's currently slated to get paid. That kind of money is outrageous for a person that will likely be soaking up pine for 95% of the season. If it comes down to an overpriced Brunell, or a relatively cheap Collins at the #2 spot, I have to go with Collins. Brunell is not worth starter money.

If Brunell restructures his contract, and takes somewhere around what most #2 QBs take, then I'm fine with him being here.

One thing is for sure, we don't need two aging QBs backing up the kid. One of them has got to go. I like the Bramlet idea. That kind of QB project is what you should have as your #3.

that is understood.. brunell knows his days as a starter are over.. his salary will be adjusted accordingly--if he wants to even stay in the nfl

[shally]

Brunell will re-structure - he always has. The Redskins always figure a way to stay under the cap - they always do. Their main problem is going after the right players, at a reasonable price.

exactly.. judgement about FA's is the major risk here

[dirtbagbugels]

use that money for new blood...we need more draft picks and less FA...trade some guys for picks...please! I don't mind keeping Brunell as long as he significantly reduces his pay to like the league minimum (one can only hope). We would be really stupid to not lock down Cooley...he Campbell and ST are the type of guys that you can build a team around for years to come. They were molded from the start to be Gibbs guys. We need more of those and less of the Ducketts and Lloyds and Archuletas

[Poindexter]

Honestly, I don't mind the Lloyd, Arch and Duckett pick ups. Those are the types of young players that we need. Its better than the Dieon Sanders, Bruce Smith, Stubblefield and other washed up veterans we pick up.

The problem is the fact that we don't have a sound mind selecting the talent for our team needs. Cerrato has to go. Stevie Wonder has a better chance of assessing talent that Cerrato. It is frustrating looking at the Redskins roster and we really don't have anyone who we have drafted who has been with us for an extended time except Samuels and Jansen.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Honestly, I don't mind the Lloyd, Arch and Duckett pick ups. Those are the types of young players that we need. Its better than the Dieon Sanders, Bruce Smith, Stubblefield and other washed up veterans we pick up.

The problem is the fact that we don't have a sound mind selecting the talent for our team needs. Cerrato has to go. Stevie Wonder has a better chance of assessing talent that Cerrato. It is frustrating looking at the Redskins roster and we really don't have anyone who we have drafted who has been with us for an extended time except Samuels and Jansen.
You are joking right? Aside from the fact that they were 3 horrible signings that so far have produced nothing, they actually cost us young talent, because we gave away a total of 4 draft picks to get them (2 for Lloyd and 2 for Duckett). And by the way, AA was practically 29 when we got him..he's not that young..

[GeneralDisorder]

Anyone got any idea how things are likely to pan out for the next 2-3 years...?

Every season the skins are supposed to be on the verge of cap hell. I know it's a necessity in today's NFL, but it'd make a pleasant change to head into a preseason without having to rework everyone's contract or juggle the roster just to free up the bucks...

Not to mention 3-4 picks on day 1 of the draft...

[skinsfan36]

brunell has told jlc that he the only place he wants to be a backup at is dc so he is working on that reduced salary contract. and laconfora said that he has heard nothing on daniels,wynn getting approached for a restructure(but will they both be gone)

[Skins7ny]

Brunell never looked comfortable in the offense, unless it consists largely of dumpoffs. Timing patterns? Throwing the ball before the receiver has made his break? Never happened.

We only began to see a hint of what the offense could be after Campbell was a few games into his stint.

I don't like the idea of keeping Brunell around for any reason. There would always be that Gibbsian itch to turn back to him if Jason has a tough stretch.

Collins is an adequate backup, and would not tempt Joe.

I agree that Brunell looked completely uncomfortable in Saunders' offense when he was running it. That, coupled with his inability to stay healthy and to play well when at all dinged, leads me to conclude that he should go. I would rather have Collins as the veteran backup, even if their salaries were equal. Collins knows the offense like the back of his hand, and his arm strength is better than Brunell's at this point. I think Brunell should retire, he just can't play at a decent level anymore. He is reduced to dinks and dunks.

[shally]

I agree that Brunell looked completely uncomfortable in Saunders' offense when he was running it. That, coupled with his inability to stay healthy and to play well when at all dinged, leads me to conclude that he should go. I would rather have Collins as the veteran backup, even if their salaries were equal. Collins knows the offense like the back of his hand, and his arm strength is better than Brunell's at this point. I think Brunell should retire, he just can't play at a decent level anymore. He is reduced to dinks and dunks.

for all his experience in saunders system, collins looked no better.. i would keep brunell in reserve over collins

[bergiemoore]

for all his experience in saunders system, collins looked no better.. i would keep brunell in reserve over collins

For me, it comes down to the money. Neither one of these guys should ever take a snap in a another regular season NFL game. Whomever comes cheapest would be who I would rather keep.