What teams are saying with their actions in free agency

[Mike Bass]

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story;jsessionid=2C27794EB36CF39140F8D373BE6015BB?id=09000d5d8072b60a&template=with-video&confirm=true

Washington Redskins
What they've done: Re-signed quarterback Todd Collins and running back Rock Cartwright.

Biggest statement: After years of hefty free-agent spending, the Redskins decided to sit this one out … and hang onto the quarterback who led them into the postseason.

Unfinished business: The Redskins should be able to get a solid defensive end with the 21st overall pick of the draft.

[CT-Skins-Fan]

Woohoo got Boschetti today!!!  I actually scratched my head as to why, but I guess they are saying he provides depth and more importantly an energetic spark in the locker room.  I do hope that they target a DE in the draft, although I think they should give Chris Wilson more time if he can bulk up a little.

[Mike Bass]

Woohoo got Boschetti today!!!  I actually scratched my head as to why, but I guess they are saying he provides depth and more importantly an energetic spark in the locker room.  I do hope that they target a DE in the draft, although I think they should give Chris Wilson more time if he can bulk up a little.

I agree with you about targeting a DE in the draft but I really do not think that they will...Cerratto has said that he is OK with Daniels, Washington and Wilson platooning on the opposite side of Carter so I think on the D-line we will go with a pressure DT but I hope it is not Kentwan Balmer early because he only had one good season at UNC and is considered a boom or bust prospect and I do not think that we need the bust possibility unless it is with a 3rd or 4th round pick.

[blitzfiftysix]

I'm happy to see that the spending sprees of seasons pasts have ceased.  Couldn't have happened at a better time as this years FA crop has been pretty weak. 

[stwasm]

I'm happy to see that the spending sprees of seasons pasts have ceased.  Couldn't have happened at a better time as this years FA crop has been pretty weak. 

While I agree with you, I can't help but wonder if this new-found restraint is a result of that weak FA crop as well as how the salary cap has hamstrung us. 

[blitzfiftysix]

Apparently we've been in cap hell for years.  It has never hamstrung us before, I can't imagine we are any worse off this year than we were when we opened the checkbook for B Lloyd and Archuleta.  ( I think I just threw up in my mouth )   

[Mike Bass]

I think that the restraint is due to lack of talent in the market...If you look at what was available and what we already have I think you would see that besides Asante Samuels and Randy Moss that our existing players are just as good as those who were in the market this year so it would not make much sense to go out and spend unnecessary money.

[stwasm]

Apparently we've been in cap hell for years.  It has never hamstrung us before, I can't imagine we are any worse off this year than we were when we opened the checkbook for B Lloyd and Archuleta.  ( I think I just threw up in my mouth )   

But, you have to look at a couple of things.  While it's great guys are willing to redo their contracts, in the long run, what has all of this gotten us?  We certainly haven't added to our collection of Super Bowl trophies, which I must admit I'm sick of seeing brought out for every press conference we have.  Also, if I'm a player current on the team that's been there for years, and suddenly the team goes outside and pay outrageous amounts for someone who while they had success elsewhere, may not have the same thing here, I know I wouldn't be happy about that.  Why can't we take care of our own first, then supplement the roster with people we REALLY need, instead of superstars just looking to get paid (see:  Lloyd, Brandon; Smith, Bruce).

[Mike Bass]

My man Cerrato says it all in this statement...

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

"We're not spending because we choose not to spend at the present time," Cerrato said. "If there would have been somebody out there, or a situation that occurs that warrants us to take a look at it, we would. And if it cost money, we would have looked at an individual who was a high-priced guy if we felt like it was something that made sense for us.

"In our opinion, there was nothing like we felt we wanted to get into a bidding war over for the Redskins. After our evaluations, what we needed and what was out there really wasn't a fit. Whether it be financially, or whether they [certain players] wouldn't fit in our locker room, there's a lot of issues that have to be evaluated."

[Skins12th]

My man Cerrato says it all in this statement...

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

"We're not spending because we choose not to spend at the present time," Cerrato said. "If there would have been somebody out there, or a situation that occurs that warrants us to take a look at it, we would. And if it cost money, we would have looked at an individual who was a high-priced guy if we felt like it was something that made sense for us.

"In our opinion, there was nothing like we felt we wanted to get into a bidding war over for the Redskins. After our evaluations, what we needed and what was out there really wasn't a fit. Whether it be financially, or whether they [certain players] wouldn't fit in our locker room, there's a lot of issues that have to be evaluated."

This actually makes a lot of sense to me. I don't think you can buy a good team--you have to build one. You build a team with good solid players (skills+attitude). Shelling out tons of moolah for a "ringer" that brings acrimony or division to the locker-room is not a guarantee of success. One aspect of the Redskins which I really value is the emphasis on player character. We need more guys like Art Monk, guys that are more interested in contributing to the team than they are in promoting themselves. I also fully appreciate the addition of a character or two (ie: Riggo & CP) as they bring that element of fun to the game--but they also can back it up with stellar effort on the field. Balance is the key!
HTTR!