Updated: Redskins Make Major Roster Cuts

Hey, it's that cap armageddon that everyone has been talking about for 8 years! We just had to wait until the cap was gone to enjoy it!

Redskins Insider - Redskins to release Randy Thomas, Randle El (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/free-agency/redskins-to-release-randy-thom.html#more)

Randle El and Randy Thomas-Annnnnnd there GONE!!

Nooooooo. I can't think of anyone who traveled a longer distance on punt returns then ARE. Sure it wasn't always North-South but it's a record that will stand the test of time.

Looks like Rock finally got cut. It's amazing he lasted so long, kudos to him. From 7th round fullback to special teams ace.

Just got a text from WaPo saying Randy Thomas, Rock, Betts, Randle El, and Smoot all released.

Also Ladell Betts and Fred Smoot

Redskins Insider - Redskins release Betts, Smoot (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/free-agency/redskins-to-release-betts-smoo.html)

It's definately worth saying: none of the cuts have been any guys who had any guaranteed money in their 2010 salaries. That's probably good news for Griffin, Portis, Moss. Samuels is the exception to the rule, for obvious reasons.

The one cut I am expecting that hasn't come yet is Mike Sellers.

Then there's Andre Carter. The Redskins declined to pick up the contract option on Randle El, opting instead for a severance package. They could do the same thing with Carter, but I have to imagine that they will be picking up the next few years of his contract (through 2013? 14?).Doesn't AC have a $ 7M or so roster bonus this year? If so, he might not make it.

Griffin, turns out, did not make it. He will be getting that 2010 salary though.

Twitter / Rick Maese: DT Cornellius Griffin has ... (http://twitter.com/RickMaese/status/9992838450)

wasn't expecting that one

Doesn't AC have a $ 7M or so roster bonus this year? If so, he might not make it.Yeah, it's structured like a new contract though if picked up, so it would be something like $7 million to pick it up, but it would also put him under contract for 5 or so more years. So that $7 million is a good investment if he's going to play three more seasons here, and probably a tough pill to swallow if it's just going to be 2010.

In other words, we kind of have to make a decision on his role in future seasons, not just coming off a strong 2009. He's instantly one of the prizes of free agency if we release him though.

I think we have to pay him like $2 or $3 million regardless though, even if we don't pick up the $7 mil. Same with Randle El, which has already been decided.

I'm tempted to say I love this, but at the same time a lot of classy guys are getting let go. ARE, Griff, and Betts will be missed.

RickMaese

By my count, the Redskins have shaved 54 years of experience from the roster and more than $12 million in 2010 payroll