Redskins could be after Chad Johnson as rumors and articles are a flutter as seen in a Washington Post article. Giving up a 1st and 3rd or two 2nds in a time when the team has more needs than just one position to solve all problems to win a Super Bowl. Is Ocho Cinco one of the best receivers in the NFL? Yes, without questions he's one of the top receivers but as he approaches 30 how effective can he be two and three years from now? Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison (who's on the decline), and TO are the only great receivers still producing huge numbers in their career well into their early and mid 30s so taking on a most likely long term contract for a player that could have his decline in DC rather risky. The three receivers listed appear to be the execption and not the rule of thumb for great receivers in their 30s.
Again the Redskins appear to be interested in the big name for a big splash and quick thrill than assembling a team for the long term to contend every year and build a dynasty. The team lacks true pass rushers and has missed a legitimate threat in this regard since the early 90s. Wilson appears ready, but will the skins finally give him more time? Dexter Manly started as a pass rush specialist but was so effective despite his lack of discipline on 1st downs stopping the run that the team couldn't keep him off the field. Wilson needs to get to the point where he forces the team to play him more.
Besides the need for a bona fide pass rush specialist, the Redskins need help along the offensive line. As the OL starts to see 30 far in the rear view mirror the team needs to invest more heavily along both sides of the line. The Giants showed just how important a pass rush is and to win the team also needs to run block better and stay healthy to keep the pressure off of Campbell.
What's disheartening to hear is the speculation that the team could even think about cutting Jansen if not for the salary cap hit. Jansen is one of the leaders on the team and has actually been more steady then Samuels and is one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. Jansen's injuries have all been freak ones at that and may even prolong his career. Why might this actually help Jansen because his knees have not been problem. He's had thumb, shoulder, ankle, and achilles issues. Its knees that usually cut a players career short. Would Snyder have cut Joe Jacoby when he had elbow and hand issues around the time he was 30?
With the Redskins it's always about churning and trading up never being truly satisfied and always looking for the more sexy and attractive move rather than the ones that position the "team" for the long term. Drafting an offensive lineman and defensive lineman with the first two picks should be the primary focus.
The Briggs trade is also a topic of discussion with the Redskins name mentioned in a Washington Post article. Despite the possibility of McIntosh's possible chronic knee problems the possible trade and what is impacted in the future is not the wise trade. Unless it's a trade for an injured Rocky and low draft pick for Briggs this would be disastrous. Giving up critical draft choices will haunt the team over the next couple of years and well into the long term.
The team continues to miss the big picture. How does getting a healthy LB a few years older bring the trophy home? It doesn't - plain and simple. A consistent pass rush from the front four makes everyone look better from the LB's to the secondary. Likewise a strong OL makes everyone look better in both the running and passing game. It's not sexy but taking care of these needs strengthens the team in the long run. It's finding the receivers, linebackers and cover corners in the second round and later if lineman aren't available that the Redskins haven't been able to accomplish other than HB Blades.
Let's hope reason and logic in the upcoming draft and that the Redskins "choose wisely" as the knight said in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
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With all that the Redskins need, it's a question of what to do first. Granted, going with C Johnson or Briggs might not be the best "first step".
Johnson could help immensely in the West Coast offense. Maybe it's that thought of score early and score often. As much as Gibbs has meant to the organization, v 2.0 was never accussed of scoring often and some games, not early either. I think the bigger thought is how will Campbell play in the West Coast? His 3 step drop seemingly takes 10 minutes. Johnson and/or Moss could be 60 yards downfield before Campbell is set to pass.
There of course are consequences. Given the salary cap situation, the Redskins will not have enough money to pony up for 3 or 4 decent free agents. Snyder is going for gold on one or two marqee players. That seems interesting, consider in all other pro sports, going for an attention getter helps draw more fans to attend the games. The Redskins do not have that problem. Except for the Joe Gibbs Super Duper Extra Special Premium Outerspace Box seats with "free" pre-game tailgate (an $80 retail value) that don't count toward sellouts.
It doesn't matter what kind of moves the team makes.
The disaster has already happened with the hiring of Zorn. -- this is an overstatement on my part but the odds of Zorn being a great head coach are less than 50-50.
I also heard the reason Joe Gibbs didn't push harder for Greg Williams to become coach is that he is still shocked by the Ritchie Pettibon disaster.