Collins, Cartwright among veterans cut ASHBURN – The Redskins typically reshape their roster after free agency, adding one big name after another. Thursday, they did the opposite. They shed one longtime player after another in preparation for free agency.
The Redskins got younger — cutting seven players who are at least 30 years old — and freed up slightly more than $13 million.
It’s no wonder that GM Bruce Allen said later that there would be no financial restrictions placed on him during free agency. Not that there ever has been with the Redskins, but they’ve also never operated in an uncapped year — as they will be doing this free agent season.
Whether or not they make an immediate splash, as they often have in the past under owner Dan Snyder, was uncertain Thursday night. Some of the players they were linked to before free agency began: linebacker Karlos Dansby, safety Antrel Rolle and defensive end Julius Peppers (though several sources said they did not expect Washington to sign him). Some or all might be signed — by the Redskins or other teams — early Friday morning.
“We have a game plan we’ve shared with ownership,” Allen said. “They not only embraced it, but they hope we execute it.”
Meanwhile, the Redskins cut key veterans such as running backs Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright, receiver Antwaan Randle El, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin, corner Fred Smoot, guard Randy Thomas and quarterback Todd Collins. They also cut running back Marcus Mason, fullback Eddie Williams, and defensive lineman J.D. Skolnitsky.
With left tackle Chris Samuels now retired, the Redskins lost three captains from this past season (Cartwright and Griffin being the others). Betts, Cartwright, Randle El, Griffin, Smoot and Thomas have a combined 40 seasons with Washington.
“Obviously it’s a day of change,” Allen said.
There’s a chance that some of them could be re-signed at a lesser dollar amount. Griffin reportedly might retire.
The Redskins also tendered 10 players: quarterback Jason Campbell (first round), corner Carlos Rogers (first), safety Reed Doughty (second), defensive lineman Kedric Golston (second), tackle Stephon Heyer (second), linebacker Rocky McIntosh (second), linebacker Chris Wilson (second), defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery (fifth), offensive lineman Will Montgomery (seventh) and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (right of first refusal).
The moves caught some by surprise.
“I’m shocked,” Randle El said. “I had no indication.”
Randle El signed with Washington in 2006 and caught 186 passes. However, he only had eight touchdown receptions and provided little spark in the return game.
“I never felt like I was used like I should have been,” Randle El said. “Al [Saunders] did a great job with some stuff and in [2008] in the first six or eight games with Jim [Zorn] things were cool. I was making plays. But they brought in Malcolm and Devin … I knew they had to put those guys in.”
Thomas said he was mildly surprised. He was at Redskins Park for Chris Samuels’ retirement, yet was told over the phone later in the day.
“Just the timing of it, when me and my agent were in the same building. I was just sitting there with Chris … It’ll be a memorable day to me,” Thomas said. “But it’s a business and when you don’t stay on the field, you got to make a change. I couldn’t stay healthy and that’s what led to the decision.”
