Cooley contract???

But we do that, then everyone else on the Skins starts wanting extensions.

Cooley is a great player for the Skins and I would not want to lose him, but his production will drop, with us having other options to throw to. I still see 600-700 yards and 8-10 TDs on maybe 40-50 receptions for '06.

Honestly, I see more TDs than last year but way fewer yards. I really see him as our red zone option.

Next year at this time, I think he will land a big money deal. The problem is Washington would have to backload the contract no matter when they did it, and they really dont want to put any more money than they have to into 2008 and 2009. By waiting a year, Cooley gets his big bonus, and doesn't start counting 4+ mil against the cap until 2010.

His production won't drop off, IMO. I think Moss may lose some catches, but should have a higher YPC average. Cooley has a great rep with Brunell, and is always an option in the passing game. I would expect very similar numbers in 2006.

But then I worry about whether or not there are enough balls to go around.

Honestly, I don't think there are. But we have some class WRs so I don't think it will be much of a problem.

I don't think Randle El will be a problem, but Lloyd MIGHT. Even though I was really REALLY impressed that he showed up to workouts without his contract and seemed to be an overall good guy.

I guess that's what happens when you come to a winning program.

jjl does have a point. I think back to Frank Wycheck. He was an emerging player with the Skins and then became a Pro Bowler with the Oilers/Titans. Cooley and Wycheck are essentially cut from the same mold. I'd hate to think about losing such a productive H-B/TE again.

Danged redundant posting.

The problem with signing Cooley long-term is you risk alienating Sean Taylor - who also deserves a long-term deal (based on his on-field behavior), but isn't likely to get one until his off-field troubles are behind him.

Compare the situation with the Eagles of last year (loathe as I am to praise them). While Owens was demanding a new deal, no contract extensions were signed. Once he was taken off the board, Westbrook and Akers both got extensions. Signing either of those players while Owens was making waves would have caused problems. Once he wasn't an issue, the signings were rapidly completed.