TK Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20031212-120657-7158r.htm Arrington deal not near By Jody Foldesy THE WASHINGTON TIMES A recent contract offer from the Washington Redskins to linebacker LaVar Arrington appears unlikely to result in a new deal anytime soon. The Redskins are seeking to extend Arrington's current contract — set to void in two years — and lower his bloated salary cap figures. Currently the club would have little flexibility for free agents this offseason if it uses the franchise tag on cornerback Champ Bailey, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Arrington, unlike Bailey, remains under contract. And because he is scheduled to make so much money, about $15.5 million the next two seasons, there is no reason for him to accept an extension unless the Redskins overwhelm him with guaranteed money. The terms of Washington's offer are unclear, but the club probably would need to offer Arrington close to $20 million in guaranteed money — in line with the $19 million Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis received in his 2002 benchmark deal — for him to set aside his current deal. The Redskins also could generate leverage by threatening to cut Arrington. In the preseason, Washington offered cornerback Champ Bailey a long-term extension that included $14.7 million in guaranteed money. Bailey rejected the deal for a variety of reasons, including the amount of guaranteed money and the fact that only $7.4 million of it was a true signing bonus. Given Washington's current cap state, the club can offer little signing bonus. The Redskins have less than $700,000 of cap room, meaning they could pay a signing bonus of about $3.5 million. The rest of the guaranteed money would have to come in an option bonus. After the season, the Redskins could make an offer that includes a more generous signing bonus. Further complicating any deal is the fact that Arrington is represented by agent Carl Poston, as tough a negotiator as any NFL agent. An ESPN report yesterday claimed Arrington already had rejected Washington's offer, but a high-ranking Redskins official said that neither Arrington nor Poston had communicated that to the team. Regardless, Washington's offer at best is a start to difficult talks. Morton sidelined The Redskins' tailback situation grew more precarious as projected starter Chad Morton skipped practice with a return bout of the flu. Morton missed most of last week's workouts with the flu but was able to play Sunday against the New York Giants. With Morton, Trung Canidate and Ladell Betts out, John Simon and fullback Rock Cartwright got the bulk of carries at tailback. Rookie Sultan McCullough also would get some carries if Washington's top three backs sat out. Morton looked like he was feeling terrible as he exited Redskin Park in the evening. When asked whether he might play Sunday, he replied, "I think so. I'm going to do anything I can." Canidate skipped a second straight practice with a sprained foot. He wasn't sure if he would work out today, but it appears unlikely he'll play. Betts is essentially out with a fractured forearm; he is holding out hope he might play next week or the week after. The Redskins have some optimism about how Simon would perform in extended action, but he remains somewhat limited in his knowledge of the offense. "I'm a good 80 percent on a lot of this stuff, but things change every week," said Simon, who has spent a little more than four weeks with the Redskins in two stints. "A lot of this stuff we're putting in, it takes me a little longer because I don't have the foundation. I have to go home and study." Lake effect Heavy rain and melting snow flooded the practice fields at Redskin Park. The artificial turf field was totally submerged, forcing practice into the Dulles SportsPlex. Coach Steve Spurrier said the team was able to get in all its work except for long passes. He thought today's practice probably would be at Dulles SportsPlex, too, and he made a pitch for a similar setup at Redskin Park. "Obviously an indoor facility is something probably needed, and I'm sure [owner Dan] Snyder and the Redskins will look into getting one for us," Spurrier said. The sight of the Redskins' practice fields under so much water was surreal. Said receiver Rod Gardner: "We'll go outside under a lot of circumstances, but I don't think we have any swimsuits." Extra points Quarterback Patrick Ramsey is set to have surgery on his foot early next week. ... Left guard Dave Fiore, who went on injured reserve Nov. 4, has elected not to have surgery on his inflamed knee. He will use a combination of treatment and rest to get ready for 2004. ... Tackle Chris Samuels (knee) missed a second straight practice and appears increasingly unlikely to play Sunday. ... Arrington (knee) sat out practice after doing some work Wednesday, but Spurrier remained confident he would play. ... Wide receiver Laveranues Coles (toe) wasn't able to do much at practice but remains in line to play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 some folks say if he signs this new deal he'll make less money, i wouldn't sign it either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@DCGoldPants Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 what a shocker....a negative article from the Washington Times Arrington should be signed by noon with this being written. Whenever the Times calls and asks if I'd like to buy their paper. I always say "You guys can't even report truthfully about the local sports teams....how can I expect it when it comes to other news????.....go back and read your Jansen not staying article." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Im not a big times fan--generally too biased for my taste in most aspects of their reporting. But I do read the skins articles because the post often seems to be a little too close to Snyder and Vinnie. Remember the WT called the Mendez to Cerrato transition months before it happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posse81 Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Anyone get the impression that Fiore will never play for us again? What's the cap hit if we cut him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wicked Wop Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 I don't think Fiore had a big bonus, if he is cut....it probably wouldn't happen till june 1, thus minimizing the hit for next season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross3909 Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Tell Fiore to hit the bricks along with Bruuuuce. And tell them to take Senior Fumblitus P Johnson with them. I am on the fence with Samuels. He has had all year and never looked settled in this offense. We have a strong core group we could afford to bring on some young talent from high in the draft and free up some cap space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sashae Posted December 12, 2003 Share Posted December 12, 2003 Ya I'm confused as to why Fiore isn't having surgery -- isn't that why we put him on IR? -s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montilar Posted December 13, 2003 Share Posted December 13, 2003 Guess we might need to add back-up guard to the need list. Refusing to get surgery, letting "rest and time" heal the injury means Fiore will most likely be injured again next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted December 13, 2003 Share Posted December 13, 2003 No more vet free agents with pre existing injuries please. The lavar talks are just the opening round I'm sure it'll get done. 17 million SB and a 1.5 million base salary gives him a lil under19 million in guaranteed money for 2k4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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