Pro Football Weekly on Lavar Situation

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ProFootballWeekly.com asks associate editor Jeff Reynolds for his thoughts on the hottest topics in the NFL:

Washington offers Arrington lengthy contract

The Redskins early this week offered OLB LaVar Arrington a contract believed to be worth as much as $55 million over at least seven years and almost certainly will exceed in total worth the team-friendly $56.65 million, nine-year deal that Bears MLB Brian Urlacher inked June 4. Signing Arrington — a two-time Pro Bowler who is set to earn $21.4 million ($6.7 million in 2004; $6.9 million in ’05 and $7.8 million in ’06) over the next three years of the rookie contract he signed in 2000 — would create cap space for the Redskins to aggressively attack a new contract with potential unrestricted free-agent CB Champ Bailey. Bailey turned down the Redskins’ nine-year, $55 million offer in the preseason.

Sources reported late Tuesday that Arrington had also rejected the Redskins' offer, although club vice president Vinny Cerrato denied that report.

PFW: Is getting an Arrington deal a good move for Washington?

Reynolds: Without a doubt, and in more ways than one. Arrington came into the league as the best athlete in the 2000 draft class. He’s a freakish athlete with an outstanding work ethic who is almost certain to be headed to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. Getting a deal in the Urlacher range would reduce Arrington’s cap charge — with pro-rated bonus and salary included — by more than $3 million according to a Redskins team source. Though Arrington has yet to agree to the deal and agent Carl Poston is known for pinching pennies in negotiations, Washington believes Arrington will do what is “good for the team.”

Arrington is still a free-lancer who could become a complete player if he can break away from playing his own defense at times. He seemed to thrive under the influence of Marvin Lewis last season but still makes nonsensical mistakes and takes costly penalties because he is too aggressive. He plays with intensity and desire only exceeded by Ray Lewis, but like Lewis, Arrington has to learn that instincts are only part of the game and they can work against you. At 25, he’s definitely among the best linebackers in the league, he simply has a ways to go before he can be considered a complete linebacker. Former pro personnel honcho Joe Mendes expected Jessie Armstead to have a lasting impact on Arrington, but Arrington’s maturation is transpiring more slowly than many felt it might.

With Arrington and Bailey — throw in MLB Jeremiah Trotter — the Redskins have a lot of young defensive talent to build around, with support players like RCB Fred Smoot as complementary parts. If Washington can keep this group together and find help at defensive end and nose tackle, it can contend in the NFC East for years to come.

Source

I'm still trying to absorb the knowledge that Arrington turned down a deal that would pay him as much as Brian Urlacher.

[HollywoodKolt]

I don't think that LaVar is going anywhere. He's got he D-coordinator that he wanted, and now a promise of continuity. I think that his agent is just "Pinching Pennies" as the article says.

[PennSkinsFan]

Of coruse he is. BUT, Lavar is also in a great position. He has a high salary number and doesn't have to do anything, yet if he truly is committed to seeing this thing through and seeing this team improve, cap space is required to build that front 4.

[skins74]

Cut him! Just kidding,

[Skinzaholic]

According to Vinny, he hasnt turned it down yet. I wonder who to believe.

[BigCountry]

He wanted Edwards so much and he's still doing whatever's on his damn mind? If that keeps up, it's time to stop asking him who he wants the coach to be since he's not listening. If Zach Thomas can play with his brain, so can LaVar.

[truant]

Yeah, but Zach can't play with the speed or power of lavar.

Give Lavar some more time and he'll be on the level of Lewis. Lavar isn't going anywhere.

[Redskinmayhem]

I'm really praying Lavar doesn't leave. he's my favorite skin by far. I hope this is just normal negotiation speak for "I'm going to DIE a Redskin".

[GolfFreak]

I wonder if he wants some assurance that Edwards will be back next year ... not that I agree with that approach (players deciding coaches), but I wouldn't be surprised.

[Green-Is-Good]

Mayhem, I knwo this is off topic, but are you some kind of a pshycic?