Redskins Trade Rumors

"The Washington Redskins' efforts to trade their first-round pick -- No. 21 overall -- in today's NFL draft are expected to continue as the selection process unfolds, and the Redskins could focus on defense if they fail to make a deal, league and team sources said yesterday."

"The Redskins have tried to trade their first-round pick, the 21st overall, for a top wide receiver, hoping to package the pick in a deal for Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals or another proven player at the position. Despite being rebuffed in their attempts to acquire Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin, Snyder and Cerrato are determined to provide another high-profile target for Campbell and still might try to trade for Roy Williams of the Detroit Lions, according to league sources."

"Washington was rebuffed in attempts to trade for Arizona's Anquan Boldin and still might try to acquire Roy Williams of Detroit, according to league sources."

"The Washington Redskins, who repeatedly have said they want to emphasize the draft over acquiring high-profile stars, continue to pursue trading their first-round pick for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, sources said yesterday."

"The Washington Redskins admitted yesterday they tried to trade for disgruntled Cincinnati receiver Chad Johnson — only to have the Bengals turn them down."

"For weeks now, the Bengals have said they won't give in to Chad Johnson's trade demand and deal the wide receiver. On Tuesday, they proved it. The Bengals turned down a confirmed offer from the Washington Redskins, who were willing to give up their first-round pick Saturday - the 21st overall - and a conditional third-round pick in 2009 that could have been elevated to a first-rounder based on Johnson's 2008 performance."

"Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called out Chad Johnson on Tuesday, April 22, daring the disgruntled wide receiver to sit out the 2008 NFL season. Johnson has spent the offseason saying he wants out of Cincinnati. He demanded a trade last week, claiming he won't show up for the club's mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July."

"How serious are the Cincinnati Bengals about not giving in to Chad Johnson's trade demands? Serious enough to swat away an offer from the Washington Redskins that could have netted the Bengals two first-round draft picks, team and league sources said. The Redskins offered its first-round pick, No. 21 overall, and a conditional third-rounder in 2009 that could escalate to a first rounder if Johnson and the Redskins hit certain performance levels, the sources said. "

"The Redskins could still re-sign Pierson Prioleau or Omar Stoutmire at some point, but it would be surprising if they did not draft a safety this weekend. Washington often has selected defensive backs high in the draft, but the elite cornerbacks are expected to be off the board when the Redskins pick at No. 21."

"With their preparation for the NFL draft completed, the Washington Redskins are among the teams considering making trades to change their draft position. The Redskins hold the 21st pick in the April 26-27 draft, and they are expected to discuss trading down if the top players on their draft board have been selected when they are scheduled to pick. How the draft unfolds will help to determine the Redskins' plan, and Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president of football operations, said he is always interested in making a good deal. "

"The Redskins hold the 21st pick in the April 26-27 draft, and they are expected to discuss trading down if the top players on their draft board have been selected when they are scheduled to pick. How the draft unfolds will help to determine the Redskins' plan, and Vinny Cerrato, executive vice president of football operations, said he is always interested in making a good deal."

"After hearing disturbing rumors earlier in the offseason about his status with the Washington Redskins, quarterback Jason Campbell figured it was time to speak with new coach Jim Zorn. There were rumblings Zorn was not committed to Campbell as the starter next season, and Campbell wanted to know where he stood."

"Veteran offensive lineman Jason Fabini plans to re-sign with the Washington Redskins, a league source said yesterday, and financial terms of the one-year contract were not immediately available. Fabini, a 10-year veteran, had a minimum salary of $720,000 last season, and players with 10 or more seasons in the NFL will have salaries of at least $830,000 next season."

"Punter Derrick Frost accepted a one-year minimum contract offer from the Washington Redskins and will have a salary of $605,000 next season, a league source said yesterday. The Redskins attempted to re-sign Frost before free agency began but he decided to test the market, hoping to receive a more lucrative offer."

"Free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett, who held a contract offer from Washington, reportedly accepted a two-year, $3.5 million contract from the Carolina Panthers. Now the Redskins are waiting for wide receiver Reche Caldwell to decide on their offer."

"If all goes well for the Carolina Panthers, there's a decent chance D.J. Hackett could be heading back to Charlotte today -- and this time to stay."

"The Washington Redskins are waiting for free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett to decide on their contract offer before pursuing other options at the position, a league source said yesterday, and the team still is in contact with the agent for wide receiver Reche Caldwell."

"Seattle free agent receiver D.J. Hackett declined to act on an offer Thursday from Washington because he wants to make his visits to Tampa Bay and Carolina, according to a source close to the situation. Hackett was due to arrive in Tampa Bay early Thursday evening to visit the Bucs. He's scheduled to arrive in Charlotte late today, with his visit here continuing into Saturday."

"The Carolina Panthers will host a visit Friday from free-agent receiver D.J. Hackett, formerly of Seattle. Hackett, 26, is considered by many experts to be one of the best two available receivers, along with Arizona's Bryant Johnson. There is competition; Hackett visited Washington on Wednesday and was to visit Tampa Bay today."

"Frost and safety Pierson Prioleau have not yet joined Rock Cartwright and Todd Collins as players who re-sign with Washington. But neither player has many options outside of returning to the Redskins."

"Free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett is scheduled to meet with the Washington Redskins on Thursday at Redskins Park."

"Receiver D.J. Hackett, who scored the touchdown for the Seattle Seahawks that knocked the Washington Redskins out of the playoffs in January, will become the first free agent to visit Redskin Park this offseason tomorrow night."

" Safety Will Demps likely will be the first free agent to meet with the Washington Redskins this year when he visits Redskin Park later this week."

"Miami is interested in signing right guard Jason Fabini, a league source said. Fabini, a converted tackle who filled in at guard when Thomas was injured, has strong ties to Bill Parcells, Miami's executive vice president of football operations."

"Some free agents did interest the Redskins, including wide receiver D.J. Hackett (Seattle) and cornerback Drayton Florence (San Diego), but only at value-based deals. Detroit was making a heavy immediate push for Florence, while Hackett was drawing interest from several clubs and lining up visits."

"The Redskins enter free agency today with no plans to make a splash in the market. They do expect some changes to the roster: Todd Collins, the backup quarterback who led the Redskins to the playoffs last season, likely will depart. The club probably will pursue a tall receiver and perhaps Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs."

"Snyder and Cerrato covet Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Johnson, but the Bengals remain steadfast they will not deal him. Washington also has interest in free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett of the Seattle Seahawks, league sources said, but only at the right price. The Patriots' Randy Moss is the biggest name eligible for free agency, but several league sources said they would be shocked if he did not re-sign with New England."

"Rock Cartwright has played for the Washington Redskins for six years, longer than all but three teammates. But that tenure could end as soon as tomorrow when the all-purpose back becomes an unrestricted free agent."

"With Phillip Daniels turning 35 next week, the Redskins need a young end to develop into a starter. Andre Carter is fine, but he applies inconsistent pressure. Demetric Evans is a solid backup. Top free agents » Justin Smith; Antwan Odom."

"Team officials have serious interest in trading for Cincinnati's Chad Johnson should be become available, sources said, while free agents Randy Moss and D.J. Hackett are possible targets as well."

"The Redskins will pursue another receiver in free agency or the draft. One possibility could be Seattle wideout D.J. Hackett, though his agent said the Redskins have not come up in their initial discussions about possible teams."

"The Redskins have told Rock Cartwright and Todd Collins the same thing. They want them to return. So far, however, all they’ve given them are words."

"Stage 1 of upgrading the offensive line begins Friday in free agency, although the Redskins aren't in the market for a starter and the only likely move would be re-signing Jason Fabini, who started 13 games last season. Mike Pucillo (who has a back injury) and Rick DeMulling also are free agents. Reserve tackle Todd Wade remains under contract."

" Believe the reports that the Redskins are going to try to pry receiver Chad Johnson from Cincinnati. Johnson has been vocal about his desire to be dealt but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis recently said the Pro Bowl player will not be traded. If Johnson isn't traded, the Redskins could turn their attention to Javon Walker, who, like Johnson, wants to be traded... Some in the league expect the Raiders to part ways with inconsistent kicker Sebastian Janikowski this offseason. . . . If Broncos kicker Jason Elam enters free agency, expect Atlanta to make a push for Elam, who has family in Georgia."

"Falcons coach Mike Smith said Saturday that he was disappointed that cornerback DeAngelo Hall feels the team has "betrayed" him by entertaining trade offers."

"A source said the Redskins don't believe the Cincinnati Bengals will trade Chad Johnson. One possibility on the roster is Brandon Lloyd, the former high-priced acquisition who fell into disfavor under former coach Joe Gibbs. Lloyd could be a candidate to be released, but Zorn said he'd like to speak to Lloyd first."

"The Redskins' wish list is a receiver with size, a young offensive lineman who can play guard and center, youth at defensive end and tackle and possible help at cornerback and safety:"

"Collins has to decide whether to pursue a chance where he could compete for a starting job in, for example, Atlanta or Miami, or return to the Redskins."

"Rosenhaus represents Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, and he'll have you believe Johnson is destined for the Washington Redskins in a trade, although the Bengals have strongly denied this."

"The Redskins lack the salary cap space to pursue big-time free agents. They also apparently lack the desire to go this route. With free agency starting Feb. 29, the Redskins will be bit players."

"Tennessee Titans assistant head coach-offense Sherman Smith began interviewing yesterday for the Redskins' offensive coordinator position."

"Tennessee Titans assistant head coach Sherman Smith probably will be the Washington Redskins' next offensive coordinator if he wants the job... The Redskins source downplayed rumors about the team's interest in trading for unhappy Cincinnati Bengals wideout Chad Johnson, though he didn't rule out the possibility."

"Titans assistant coach Sherman Smith didn't visit Washington to make a power play. If hired as offensive coordinator of the Redskins, Smith is ready to deal with one of the job's limitations: someone else will call the plays. New Coach Jim Zorn will handle those duties, Smith was told."

"Ocho Cinco may be coming to Washington? Dios mio. Redskins owner Dan Snyder is back in business with stacks of cash to spend and draft picks to swap. "

"The latest Chad Johnson trade rumor actually involves another team, the Washington Redskins. Redskins owner Daniel Snyder is interested in trading with the Bengals for the disgruntled Johnson, according to a report published Tuesday in the Washington Post."

"A Chad Johnson trade to the Washington Redskins? Cincinnati Bengals fans can only hope it works out and that the five-time Pro Bowler - and biggest self-promoter in the 40-year history of the franchise - achieves his goal of jumping to a bigger media market and higher-profile team that he can poison with his "me-first" mentality."

"Numerous league sources, including some with direct knowledge of conversations between Snyder, Cerrato and recent head coaching candidates, have affirmed that the Redskins have interest in trading for Cincinnati wide receiver Chad Johnson, with two league sources saying Johnson is eager to land a hefty new contract from Washington... The Redskins also are expected to again pursue Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs, another Rosenhaus client they attempted to trade for last offseason... New England is likely to put a franchise tag on Randy Moss, retaining his rights, while less-stellar wide receivers such as Jerry Porter (Oakland) and Javon Walker (Denver) could be possibilities."

"That means they might be better off trying to keep corner Shawn Springs rather than cut or trade him. Springs remains a valuable performer. With Carlos Rogers coming off an injury, losing Springs would be bad and his replacement would be costly."

"Sherman Smith is believed to be Zorn's top choice for offensive coordinator. Smith, the Tennessee Titans' assistant head coach-offense, and Zorn are close, league sources said. Zorn also remains interested in Seattle running backs coach Stump Mitchell, sources said."

"As first reported Sunday on Redskins 360 Blog, Zorn is hoping to convince Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher to give him permission to interview Titans assistant head coach-running backs coach Sherman Smith for the offensive coordinator vacancy. Because Smith has never called plays it would be a promotion of sorts."

"The Redskins on Monday officially asked the Titans for permission to speak to assistant coach Sherman Smith about their offensive coordinator's position, sources familiar with the situation said. Smith currently serves as assistant head coach/running backs for the Titans, where he's worked under Coach Jeff Fisher since the 1995 season."

"Numerous league sources expect Zorn to contact Tennessee for permission to interview their assistant head coach, Sherman Smith, for the offensive coordinator position (Smith and Zorn are former teammates and close friends), among others... Zorn is also interested in hiring Seattle running backs coach Stump Mitchell, who has spent nine seasons with the Seahawks, to fill the same position in Washington, league sources said."

"The Washington Redskins' search for a head coach continued into the weekend with former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel considered to be the front-runner among the known candidates for the job, league sources said, but the other candidates -- Steve Mariucci and Ron Meeks -- still are believed to be under consideration to replace Joe Gibbs."

"And certainly, Snyder's history would make anyone skeptical about the franchise's future under his direction and that of executive vice president Vinny Cerrato without Hall of Famer Gibbs as a counterweight. However, Fassel is a reasonable choice as the next coach."

"Steve Spagnuolo, who helped shut down the highest-scoring offense in N.F.L. history in the Super Bowl, will remain with the Giants as defensive coordinator after spending days being interviewed by the Washington Redskins for their head-coaching position. The Giants gave Spagnuolo a new three-year contract, worth roughly $2 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the N.F.L."

"New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Washington Redskins management continued to discuss the team's head coaching vacancy last night, his second day of meetings with owner Daniel Snyder. Spagnuolo spent Tuesday night and all of yesterday with Snyder and Vinny Cerrato, the executive vice president-football operations, and is a strong contender for the job, sources said."

"When Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder said Monday he wanted to dot every "i" and cross every "t" before deciding on a new coach, he wasn't kidding. Starting with seven to nine hours Tuesday night and continuing yesterday with an estimated 12-hour session, New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo became the seventh candidate to be interviewed by Snyder for the Redskins' coaching opening."

"Ever since Joe Gibbs retired on Jan. 8, the Redskins have been in the market for a new head coach. A process that has lasted five weeks - far longer than the norm - should be resolved shortly, and this is all of great interest to the Super Bowl champion Giants and their fans...Spagnuolo spent all day and night yesterday meeting with Snyder and Redskins officials after first speaking with Snyder Monday night for about 90 minutes."

"New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo began formally interviewing for the Redskins' head coaching vacancy with team owner Daniel Snyder last night after flying to Washington following a parade in New York honoring the Giants for their Super Bowl win."

"Steve Spagnuolo's whirlwind three days continued last night with a trip aboard Redskin One and the start of his interview with Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder for the team's coaching vacancy."

"Steve Spagnuolo’s day included a trip down Broadway, where he once again hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, standing next to the mayor of New York. And fans chanted, 'Spags must stay!' It ended in the Washington area, with one question remaining: will he be the next Redskins coach? "

"Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo didn't want to address his future after Big Blue's rally at Giants Stadium on Tuesday, but The Associated Press reported that Spagnuolo was set to fly to Washington on one of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder's planes right after the Giants' celebration."

"The last thing the Giants ands their fans want to see is their mastermind defensive genius skipping town after just one year and, horror of horror, getting hired as the new Redskins head coach. That very well could happen, much to the chagrin of the Giants, but to the victors go the spoils and Spagnuolo certainly played a huge role in the Giants' brilliant 17-14 upset of the Patriots."

"But Spagnuolo left Giants Stadium yesterday afternoon, hopped a private jet and went to Washington, where he was to meet with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder last night and this morning. Spagnuolo spoke by phone with Snyder for nearly 90 minutes Monday night after the Giants returned from Arizona."

"Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had a very long day Tuesday. After attending both of the Giants' Super Bowl celebrations, he was scheduled to meet with Washington owner Dan Snyder and executive vice president Vinny Cerrato regarding the Redskins' head coaching vacancy later in the evening."

"Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was believed to be speaking with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder last night and through this morning about the team's open head-coaching position. Spagnuolo also was supposed to speak with vice president Vinny Cerrato."