If the Redskins thought DL Albert Haynesworth was a handful, if they sign Shaun Rogers they might be getting the same sort of player — warts and all. The Redskins met with Rogers Friday, though league sources say Rogers had drawn interest from approximately 10 teams and wanted to take his time.
Cleveland cut Rogers this week for a variety of reasons and Browns insiders say one of his big problems was being available to practice. However, there’s a belief that Rogers, when motivated, can still make plays (check out this from ProFootballFocus on Rogers) and that his first year in a new place might provide him that sort of motivation.
Still, the Cleveland Plain Dealer had an interesting look at Rogers’ end in Cleveland.
Browns general manager Tom Heckert said told the paper that they had grown “weary” of his attitude and “unwillingness” to practice. Here’s what Browns beat writer Tony Grossi wrote, “Rogers routinely did not practice until Friday, a light preparation day. He was always listed on the injury report with ankle and hip injuries, yet somehow was active for 15 of the 16 games.”
In those 15 games, he recorded 17 tackles and two sacks. He can be a dynamic presence in the line with his ability to penetrate.
“Shaun’s a different cat,” Heckert told the PD. “Shaun’s whole thing — and he’s stated a million times — is that he’s never been on a team that’s any good. Every team he’s ever been on has been bad. Right or wrong, I think it’s taken a toll on him.”
Rogers has played for perennial losers. Of his 10 seasons, nine have finished in double-digit losses. His best season: 7-9 with Detroit. As Grossi noted, his career record is 45-115.
“I think if he went to a good team, things might change. I don’t know,” Heckert said.
The problem in Washington is that the Redskins just went through a similar situation with Haynesworth. They couldn’t change his ways and that eventually wore on his teammates. Would they be willing to try the same thing with a different — but similar — player?
Rogers also got in trouble off the field. Last April, he was arrested for carrying a gun in baggage while boarding a plane, resulting in disciplinary action by commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
