Just when the Washington Redskins finally seemed ready to escape the abyss that has been the past two decades, they’re pushed right back in.
The NFL penalized the Redskins $36 million over two years against the salary cap on Monday for front-loading contracts during the uncapped 2010 season. Suddenly any enthusiasm gained when the Redskins acquired the No. 2 pick in the coming draft is gone. That the Redskins are in position to pick quarterback Robert Griffin III was supposed to be a game-changer when free agency begins Tuesday. Instead, this penalty smacks of retribution. In fact, other owners directly benefited from the sanctions against the Redskins and Dallas Cowboys.
Guess the NFL decided it needed new villains now that Al Davis is gone.
If Indianapolis opts for Griffin with the first pick, Andrew Luck will create the same wow factor in Washington. Either way, Washington will have its 22nd starting quarterback since the last Super Bowl victory, which not so coincidentally was 20 years ago.
Normally, it wouldn’t be hard to attract a top receiver considering the Redskins should have a good quarterback for the first time in two decades. But the reduced cap space means Washington must be more frugal and may not chase many top free agents.
Forget San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson coming to D.C. The Redskins just lost a chunk of their free agent war chest courtesy of NFL piracy. Washington’s response was to cut safety O.J. Atogwe and fullback Mike Sellers, spare parts who no longer were affordable. The savings aren’t much, but the Redskins suddenly have to rethink their budget. It’s like Bernie Madoff was handling their nest egg, and poof, it’s gone.
The reduced cap means Washington should target New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham. Sure, he talked of wanting to stay in New York, but all free agents say such things. Manningham is looking for an increased opportunity as well as more money. The Redskins can offer both.
Receivers will be intrigued about playing with Griffin. Oh, it may be a little rough in the first year while the rookie learns about the NFL, but receivers know he will be fun to play with.
Too bad the Redskins won’t be able to get a second big receiver after the NFL’s blind-side hit. Upgrading the secondary will be tougher now, too.
Maybe the Redskins deserve sanctions for salary dumping in 2010; they reportedly were warned against it. Then again, the NFL’s last-second punishment — based on verbal warnings — sure looks like a sucker punch.
Washington’s rebuilding plan just was set back a year thanks to the other NFL owners. Then again, maybe that’s what they really wanted — to keep an opponent down by any means necessary.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
