It’s time to trade Clinton Portis. Maybe it’s the eggnog talking, but Redskins running back Ladell Betts’ recent emergence makes Portis expendable no matter how good the runner is. No matter that he’s better than Betts. No matter the cost will be $8 million against the salary cap.
The Redskins now have two aces in the backfield. Trading one wouldn’t greatly hurt the offense and could provide a defensive starter or a second-round pick.
An impact player in the middle of the defensive lineis needed more than another defensive end given Andre Carter now looks worth his big-money deal. The Redskins secondary and linebacking are good enough, but the line needs a run stopper and pass rusher inside.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder loves deal making, but this one has to come with a caveat — don’t do it unless it’s worthwhile. Don’t sweeten the deal with draft picks. Don’t acquire an aging star. If this deal isn’t possible straight up for a defensive tackle, then walk away.
Portis is the logical choice to go. Many executives around the NFL might still doubt Betts despite his 933 yards and 4.8 yard average thus far this season. Portis is the proven back with a Redskins single-season rushing record and a resumé that may eventually merit Hall of Fame consideration. Portis will command far more in a trade than Betts, whom many teams believe they can simply use their own first-rounder to gain.
Betts is a better fit for this offense. He’s more of a between tackles runner than Portis and a better receiver out of the backfield with 45 catches. That’s not saying Portis isn’t a tough guy because he’s a superior blocker picking up blitzes than Betts.
The Redskins have enough offensive playmakers not to rely on a superstar back. Wide receiver Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley are Pro Bowlers. As far as the other receivers, Antwaan Randle El is always a threat and Brandon Lloyd is still out there. The line is solid and fullback Mike Sellers can always plow the road. If quarterback Jason Campbell develops after a promising start, this offense is good enough to make the 2007 playoffs with Betts.
One question is whether an injury-marred season diminishes Portis’ value. A broken hand and a bum shoulder aren’t a big deal compared to a knee injury, though.
If nothing else, the prospect of a trade might get Portis to workout more at Redskin Park over the offseason. Portis loves wintering in South Beach — who doesn’t? — but he needs to be rehabbing his repaired body parts over the coming months to be ready for a training camp that promises to be much harder next season. We’re talking Camp Schottenheimer 9.0 with at least two preseason wins. Portis has to be ready as coach Joe Gibbs finally learned not to dismiss August anymore.
Ultimately, what are the chances Portis is traded? Maybe 10 percent. Still, it’s one way to get better over the offseason.
Rick Snider has covered local sports for 28 years. Contact him at [email protected].
