Skins nervous about slicing cap Washington could have problems signing its own free agents, not to mention other free agents. BY MICHAEL C. WRIGHT 247-4759 February 26, 2006 INDIANAPOLIS -- The Washington Redskins are running out of time. The club has six days to snip about $20 million off its salary cap, but it could be tricky given the status of negotiations regarding an extension of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Without an extension, the Redskins have to renegotiate several contracts to fit under the salary cap by Friday, which marks the official start of free agency. Coach Joe Gibbs says the club has several contingency plans. He addressed the club's uncertainty regarding the CBA and the status of backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey on Saturday at the Indiana Convention Center during the NFL scouting combine. "Right now, everybody is nervous," Gibbs said. "Certainly we're one of those teams. We have a worst-case scenario that we have been working on for several weeks, and we have a best-case and everything in between. "We know what we're going to do and have our game plan ready." Understandably, Gibbs didn't go into details about Washington's plans. The Redskins have about $114 million dedicated to salaries for 2006, and league officials expect the salary cap to be set at about $95 million per team. Gibbs has given permission for Ramsey to seek a trade, but still hasn't held in-depth discussions with linebacker LaVar Arrington - who could count as much as $12 million against the cap - about renegotiating his deal. Ramsey's situation could be difficult since the market for quarterbacks will be saturated once free agency starts. San Diego quarterback Drew Brees is a free agent. So are Detroit's Jeff Garcia and Cincinnati's Jon Kitna, among others. "We've got a lot invested in Patrick, so (a trade is) going to have to make good sense to both sides," Gibbs said. "We're trying to gain information (and we're) letting them talk and visit (other teams). We'll see if there's a fit there." Washington also could seek to restructure quarterback Mark Brunell's deal, along with those of tackle Jon Jansen and guard Randy Johnson. Their base salaries are all at least $3.5 million. Gibbs says the club has met with many of the players and their agents, and is optimistic they'd be receptive to restructuring. "Last year we re-did quite a few deals, and those were great team guys," Gibbs said. NFL and players' union representatives have met in Indianapolis this week to reach an agreement on an extension of the collective bargaining agreement. Without an extension, several complicated provisions kick in that will hinder the club's ability to sign its own free agents, like tight end Robert Royal, safety Ryan Clark and defensive end Demetric Evans, not to mention free agents from other teams. But Washington's situation isn't unique. Most of the league faces the same issues, but the Redskins' problems are more severe because of how far they are over the cap. "It affects everyone," New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "It's not a comfortable feeling right now for any club, I would speculate. If you're making decisions and evaluating players in terms of looking at your needs, you're frustrated because you can't nail down or get a solid answer for those financial questions until something happens." Washington could save about $7 million in cap space by releasing defensive backs Walt Harris and Matt Bowen, along with linemen Brandon Noble and center Cory Raymer. Because of a severe staph infection in his leg, Noble may be forced to retire. Gibbs said the two have discussed that possibility. Because of the difficulty in negotiations between the NFL and the union, many speculate that the deadline for a new CBA will be extended. That's what Gibbs would like to see in the short term. In the long term, for the sake of league-wide stability, Gibbs would like to see a new CBA. "It's hugely important for all of us," he said. "We're just holding our breath. Let me say this: There's going to be some scurrying. There's going to be some plane flights, some contracts getting redone, a bunch of stuff for a lot of teams and a lot of players in the league (if the NFL and the players' union can't agree on a new CBA). "I'd hate to go into free agency without something done," he added. "The other thing I'm hoping is for the date to be extended."
