Here is what you need to know on this Sunday, March 3, 9 days before the start of the new league year and free agency.
That was the week that was
Here is our look back at the week:
—It seemed like a bombshell when it hit on Monday—word that the Redskins were letting word get out that they may take the NFL to court over their $18 million salary cap penalty. The basic legal strategy being discussed was to file for an injunction that would delay the start of free agency until the Redskins could get a full hearing on the legality of the $36 million hit to the cap. They labored under the first half of it last year and they are slated to take the second half of the penalty this year. But for the rest of the week there was no more news about it.
—Taking the league to court would be a risky proposition for the team as the long-term harm could potentially outweigh the short-term gain from winning the case. Simply put, Dan Snyder will want to consider if he want to become the modern version of Al Davis.
—Appearing on the NFL Network, London Fletcher said that he was still evaluating his future with the Redskins but he sounded like he was leaning towards returning. But Mike Shanahan seemed to indicate that Fletcher might be leaning towards retirement. If that happens it would save them $3.4 million against the cap but without a clear starter at the vital Mike linebacker spot.
—Fred Davis’ future with the Redskins is up in the air. If the free agent tight end a luxury or a necessity? Tandler and Tarik debated that question in this week’s Point-Counterpoint.
—Wide receiver Josh Morgan played in pain last year and he hopes that the surgery he had in January will lead to less pain and more production in 2013.
—It is unlikely that the Redskins will be able to find more than one 2013 starter in this year’s draft (if you don’t believe me, read the post). That means they will have to get more out of the players they drafted in 2011 and in 2012 to overcome the salary cap penalty and the lack of a first-round draft pick.
—Entering the fourth year of Mike Shanahan’s regime, Redskins who predate his arrival are becoming very, very scarce. Right now, there are nine If there are some salary cap casualties and some free agents don’t return, the number of Redskins who played for Jim Zorn could number two—Will Montgomery and Brian Orakpo. All NFL teams have turnover but this may be nearly unprecedented.
—Draft prospects we profiled this week:
- T. J. McDonald, USC DB
- Robert Alford, Southeastern DB
- B. W. Webb, William & Mary DB
- Bacarri Rambo, Georgia, DB
- Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, DB
- Jordan Poyer, Oregon State, DB
Days until: Start of new league year 9; NFL Draft 53; OTA’s start 73
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