inmate running the asylum Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 No deal yet on Washington 01:00 AM EST on Wednesday, March 3, 2004 BY TOM E. CURRAN Journal Sports Writer The Patriots' biggest free-agent signing -- literally and figuratively -- could be a guy who's been on their roster all along. The team has been laboring to re-sign massive nose tackle Ted Washington before he hits free agency, while other veteran starters like Damien Woody, Kevin Faulk and Bobby Hamilton become free agents today without having been courted as seriously. But last night -- with free agency set to begin at midnight -- a deal was still not done. It seems a report in the Boston Herald on Monday that Washington was expected to sign within the next "24-48 hours" has rankled him and his agent, Angelo Wright, so much that Washington has mulled seeing what other offers may be out there. Washington, who dislikes the media, is especially steamed that the Pats didn't get the deal done before the media began reporting on the conclusion of talks. So as the sun comes up this morning, the danger for the Patriots now becomes the prospect of other teams trying to sweep the big man off his feet. Because of Washington's extraordinary frame and talent, that's a real concern. Even though he's 36 and has suffered a fractured leg in each of the last two seasons, Washington remains a unique player in the NFL. It's almost impossible to find someone to replace this 6-foot-5, 360-plus pounder because no replicas exist. "The last I left it with (the Patriots), I told them to talk to Ted," said Wright. Asked if he felt the deal would be done before free agency began (and teams are known to call players in the middle of the night to express interest), Wright said, "I don't think so." Meanwhile, the Patriots can start making calls of their own today. They are likely to make inquiries about running back Charlie Garner, as will a number of other teams since it's a very lean crop of free agent running backs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamptonskinsfan Posted March 3, 2004 Share Posted March 3, 2004 didnt we try to sign him last year also?????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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