For once, the Redskins weren’t kidding — they really aren’t a player in free agency.
So much for the one time of year when fans are excited. Owner Dan Snyder usually sends Redskins One to all corners of the country when free agency opens. Big names come to town. Everybody talks football in March. It’s a blockbuster time of year compared to when they actually play the games.
The Redskins re-signed backup Todd Collins. It was a little surprising, but hardly the wow factor Snyder usually delivers. The weekend was quieter than a morning snowfall.
Where have you gone — Deion Sanders?
No Randy Moss. Oh, in past years he would have been in town at 12:02 a.m., eating a late dinner at Morton’s, firing up a stogie with $100 bills. The Redskins need a big receiver, but this time watched others pursue Moss.
The Redskins are caught in salary cap purgatory, but so what? When aren’t they? Is the national economic slowdown even impacting the Billionaire of Ashburn?President Bush better rush those stimulus checks so Snyder can get cracking. NFL agents are crying big tears over not being able to use Snyder as a phony negotiating tool with other teams to drive up prices. Moss’ agent would have sworn Snyder was on line 2 while talking to other teams.
Don’t be fooled into thinking Snyder is showing patience for once. If the team was $10 million under the cap and the Redskins passed on the first weekend, then that line would be believable. No, he’s cornered for once. No paying 150 percent of sticker prices this time. Filene’s Basement might be offering backups at 50 percent before Snyder takes a look.
What is the world coming to when Snyder can’t spend money like a sailor on shore leave? Next thing you know, players will have to bring their own lunch to practice. Pay for parking at Redskins Park. Even buy extra air for their helmets — 50 cents a pump.
Fortunately, the Redskins really don’t have major holes and still retain their draft picks. They can select a receiver and defensive end in the first two rounds. Maybe find some offensive line depth in the middle rounds. Free agency isn’t their stopgap solution for once.
But, it’s a letdown not seeing Snyder overspend or make a bad trade. Then again, Ocho Cinco is still unhappy in Cincinnati. Maybe an extra pick or player to sweeten the deal is still possible in coming weeks.
March Madness is left for basketball for once. Who would have thought it possible? Maybe parking won’t have to increase again this season to pay for another Adam Archuleta or Brandon Lloyd. The minor names the Redskins will soon sign can come out of petty cash.
Jim Zorn might be the biggest offseason acquisition. Wonder if they’ll sell his old jersey around town?
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
