saint5221

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2003Jul18.html

If the Skins were to let Wilkinson go I'm not sure there fat bastard DT is any better than ours. Both are pretty good run stuffers but Grady can have a better pass rush. I hope Jackson has some semblance of pride and gets his fat ass into shape ,we could really use him to solidify the line and he can be a player when he wants it. .There just are not any other more attractive options out there. I am very interested to see if Kenny Smith is for real this year or just more of Haslett's public subterfuge.

Redskins Look for Wilkinson to Take Cut

Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 19, 2003; Page D10


Washington Redskins officials have told veteran defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson that he could be released if he refuses to take a cut in his team-high $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season, sources close to the situation said, but it was unclear yesterday how seriously the Redskins would consider such a move.

The matter could be resolved next week. Redskins players are scheduled to report to training camp in eight days, and the team would risk losing its leverage in the deliberations if the issue is not settled by the time Wilkinson steps on the practice field. If Wilkinson were to suffer an injury during camp, NFL rules would prohibit the Redskins from releasing him until he's healed, barring a financial settlement.

Redskins officials have had several conversations in recent months with Wilkinson's Bethesda-based agent, George Mavrikes, and indicated they would like to rework Wilkinson's contract, sources said. According to sources, Mavrikes proposed restructuring the deal in a way that would not cost Wilkinson any income. Under that scenario, Wilkinson would agree to reduce his salary but would receive the difference as, in effect, a new signing bonus that the Redskins could prorate over the remainder of Wilkinson's contract to clear some salary cap space for this season.

The Redskins declined and indicated they would like Wilkinson to accept a pay cut instead, sources said. Mavrikes and Wilkinson said they weren't interested, and club officials warned that could put Wilkinson in jeopardy of being cut. Sources said yesterday the Redskins have not decided what they will do if Wilkinson doesn't relent. Team officials declined to comment publicly, as did Mavrikes.

The club would save $3.5 million of salary cap room by releasing Wilkinson but would have to find a new starter at the position. There are few, if any, attractive free agents available and a trade could be costly, given the lack of depth at the spot around the league.

The Redskins do not have an immediate need to clear salary cap space. They have about $2 million of available cap room and have a league-low three draft choices to sign. The club intensified negotiations yesterday with quarterback Gibran Hamdan, its seventh-round pick, and could sign him by early next week. The Redskins plan to pick up the pace of talks with wide receiver Taylor Jacobs, their second-round selection, and guard Derrick Dockery, their third-round choice, next week.

Wilkinson, 30, was credited with a career-low 17 tackles last season and struggled with injuries for the first time in his five seasons with the Redskins. He was hindered by a wrist injury for much of the year, and a torn calf muscle during the Thanksgiving day loss at Dallas ended his season.