Post by ConqueringWolf on Feb 13, 2004 20:12:09 GMT -5
In a stunning move that certainly grabbed the attention of league general managers on an otherwise serene Friday afternoon, the Washington Redskins have granted star cornerback Champ Bailey permission to initiate trade discussions with other franchises, ESPN.com has learned.
Several teams confirmed that agent Jack Reale faxed them notification of the surprising move. Reale did not immediately return phone messages on Friday but a Washington source confirmed that Redskins owner Dan Snyder agreed on Thursday night that Bailey can speak with other clubs.
Bailey, 25, just finished the final season of his original NFL contract and technically is eligible for unrestricted free agency, although the Redskins could limit his options.
The move could signal an impasse in negotiations, aimed at extending the contract of the five-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer, or it might reflect any number of potential scenarios. Among them: The team could attempt to obtain draft choices to use in acquiring quarterback Mark Brunell from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Or, having recently signed strong-side linebacker LaVar Arrington to a blockbuster contract, the Redskins may have decided they cannot afford to have two such highly paid defenders.
"My first reaction," said one AFC general manager, "was that it was a joke. Once I found out it was [legitimate], I mean, how could I ignore it? The guy is only 25 years old, is a bona fide star in the league, and plays a 'must have' position. You've got to at least find out the price of doing business."
Snyder already had raised the possibility with other NFL owners of trading his star cornerback. He casually mentioned to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, for instance, that Bailey might be available for the right price.
So, the question is...exactly how much is Bailey worth? Do the Cowboys give up the draft picks they will need to to get Bailey and have 2 shutdown corners or is the price too steep(IMO it is too high) and do they just go back to using their draft picks to get the best players they can?
Several teams confirmed that agent Jack Reale faxed them notification of the surprising move. Reale did not immediately return phone messages on Friday but a Washington source confirmed that Redskins owner Dan Snyder agreed on Thursday night that Bailey can speak with other clubs.
Bailey, 25, just finished the final season of his original NFL contract and technically is eligible for unrestricted free agency, although the Redskins could limit his options.
The move could signal an impasse in negotiations, aimed at extending the contract of the five-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer, or it might reflect any number of potential scenarios. Among them: The team could attempt to obtain draft choices to use in acquiring quarterback Mark Brunell from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Or, having recently signed strong-side linebacker LaVar Arrington to a blockbuster contract, the Redskins may have decided they cannot afford to have two such highly paid defenders.
"My first reaction," said one AFC general manager, "was that it was a joke. Once I found out it was [legitimate], I mean, how could I ignore it? The guy is only 25 years old, is a bona fide star in the league, and plays a 'must have' position. You've got to at least find out the price of doing business."
Snyder already had raised the possibility with other NFL owners of trading his star cornerback. He casually mentioned to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, for instance, that Bailey might be available for the right price.
So, the question is...exactly how much is Bailey worth? Do the Cowboys give up the draft picks they will need to to get Bailey and have 2 shutdown corners or is the price too steep(IMO it is too high) and do they just go back to using their draft picks to get the best players they can?
