CB DEPT. ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

Friday, February 27, 2004
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

~ ~ ~ Around the league

~ ~ Even with Champ Bailey, Chris McAlister and Charles Woodson essentially off the market now because of trades and "franchise" designations, the pool of unrestricted free agent cornerbacks is an impressive one. There are a dozen corners who will got on the market next Wednesday and who started at least eight games in 2003. Nine members of that group started virtually the entire season and figure to be among the most ardently pursued players in what figures to be a slow and somewhat blunted free agent period. Those nine: Fernando Bryant (Jacksonville), Mario Edwards (Dallas), Reggie Howard (Carolina), Ahmed Plummer (San Francisco), Shawn Springs (Seattle), Bobby Taylor (Philadelphia), Fred Thomas (New Orleans), Troy Vincent (Philadelphia) and Antoine Winfield (Buffalo). The buzz at the combine was that Winfield will get a ton of interest despite his lack of physical stature, because he is young, and plays an aggressive style. Edwards is admired by teams willing to pay something more than a modest deal but not prepared to empty the coffers. And there figures to be ample interest in Springs, even though his career has been marred by injuries. Several teams are intrigued by Springs, feeling they can sign him to a deal that protects them against his injury history, but also allows the seven-year veteran to make extra money if he can stay healthy. Bryant has an offer from the Jaguars that he is considering. That in itself is an upset, since only seven months ago his relationship with the franchise was in tatters, and he was telling anyone who would listen that he would not be back in 2004.

> http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=1745774

[kelly]

~ ~ ~ you guys see anyone ya want ?

:banger: :Partyon: :beer: :golf: :mfast: :Partybig: :banger: :spy:

[JohnnyPark]

It depends on how he rebuild the Dline. If we can generate a good pass rush an aggressive and physical CB will do (ie. Winfield). If the Dline is mediocre and can't get that much push I'd say get the better cover guy.

[Spence]

Well, there is no one there in Champ's class, certainly. I guess I'd probably favor Fernando Bryant or Shawn Springs. Springs, especially. He's not nearly as good as Champ, but he's got similar size and the Redskins cannot have three tiny cornerbacks. Two is more than enough.

[PennSkinsFan]

There are a few in Champ's class. I dont hold Champ as high as Tom does, not from what I witness.

Anyway, if we had to lose Champ, i guess free agent wise, this is a good year to have it happen.

[PainterBoy]

Just not Howard from Carolina! I would prefer Springs but his injury bug concerns me - especially if we give him a good size contract.

[Spence]

Originally posted by PennSkinsFan
I dont hold Champ as high as Tom does, not from what I witness. And that's why you have a mullet!

[RedskinRyan]

spence is getting personal.....

i think we will go after winfield, cause of his connection with williams. i think we may go after shawn springs, because he is local and a good cb when healthy.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

Yeah, I'd say Springs and Winfield top our list. Mario Edwards might be interesting, though.....

[joeisgod]

mario edwards if he dosen't cost that much even though he was a cowgirl

[truant]

i totally agree JDS

[NCskinsfanatic]

Springs was specifically mentioned in the times so he's probably #1 on our list.I however think Winfield(despite)his size would do just fine along side Smoot with Bauman at the nickel.I think Williams scheme would certainly get the most out of all three of those guys and the addition of a D line will offset the loss of Chamop IMO.I think Champ is better than any of the FAs out there but I dont find Champ irreplaceable either.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Right. He is better, but very replaceable. Bring in somebody cheaper and with the desire to be a Redskin.

[Counter Trey]

I think everyone's right by saying that no one on that list is better than Champ but if we are able to get a decent pass rush I think guys like Antoine Winfield (Buffalo), and even Shawn Springs (Seattle) will suffice.

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

will do more than suffice.