"In March of 2008, the Redskins renegotiated Clinton Portis's contract.

During the 2008 season, Portis rushed for 1,262 yards (with a 3.9-yard average) and scored 11 touchdowns. He also established personal bests with 47 receptions for 389 yards, playing a key role down the stretch as the team earned a playoff berth.

The Redskins gave Portis a signing bonus of more than $9.3 million. He had low base salaries of $605,000 in 2008 and $745,000 in 2009.

This season, however, Portis's base increased to almost $7.2 million, of which $6.4 million was guaranteed regardless of whether he made the 53-man roster (the remainder became guaranteed when Portis was with the team on opening day). In addition, the Redskins on Aug. 31 paid Portis a $500,000 bonus.

It was surprising that the Redskins paid Portis so much money in the final guaranteed season of his contract. Many in the organization were well aware of Portis's lack of commitment to offseason conditioning for most of his first six seasons with Washington, and some privately expressed concern that the team would not receive good value for its major reinvestment in him.

History also indicates that running backs who have carried heavy workloads suffer major drop-offs in production after 30. Portis, in football terms, is an old 29 because of the number of carries he's had and how hard he has run and blocked throughout his nine-year career. And Portis had a history of injuries at the time of the extension.

He was placed on season-ending injured reserve in 2006 because of a hand injury, missing the final seven games. He suffered a concussion in Week 9 last season and again was placed on injured reserve.

Of course, even players who are committed to working hard in the offseason and during practice could suffer concussions. And Portis often has played through pain from other injuries that have not sidelined him. Teammates have never questioned his commitment during games."