Samari Rolle??

[MTK]

Mention of the Rolle rumor in the WP:

Meanwhile, sources said the Redskins have a strong interest in acquiring cornerback Samari Rolle, who was released last week by the Tennessee Titans in a salary cap purge. Vice President Vinny Cerrato last night denied the Redskins were in serious negotiations with Rolle. Rolle's agent, Peter Schaffer, declined to comment.

Acquiring the 6-foot, 175-pound Rolle would almost certainly end cornerback Fred Smoot's career in Washington. Late last season, talks for an extension reached an impasse after Smoot declined Washington's offer that included a $10 million bonus. Smoot's camp countered with a $14 million bonus. One NFL source said Rolle, who was coached by assistant head coach of defense Gregg Williams when both were in Tennessee, has requested a signing bonus of at least $12 million.

"He's not quite the cover guy that Smoot is, but he would be one of the top three cornerbacks available" in free agency, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Sunday at a hotel where his team officials, including Coach Bill Parcells, are staying. "He can still play."

Last season, Rolle appeared in 12 games, finishing with one interception and 28 tackles, before undergoing left knee surgery. The seven-year veteran's best season was in 2000; Rolle made the Pro Bowl after making seven interceptions for the Titans.

Saturday, Gibbs said the Redskins still hoped to re-sign Smoot and noted the cornerback was at Redskins Park last week for a meeting that included owner Daniel Snyder.

Although the Redskins have emphasized character players, Rolle is scheduled for an April 6 court hearing for allegedly hitting his wife on Valentine's Day. Rolle turned himself in to police the next day on one misdemeanor charge of assault. He faces probation or up to one year in jail.