ATTNER: 'Skins still throwing money away

[CowboysUK]

ATTNER: 'Skins still throwing money away

Paul Attner


At least Joe Gibbs knows first hand now what it means to work for Dan Snyder, the free spender. Give him a wish list of players, stand aside and watch Snyder unload dollars and draft picks as if both were endless. What's shocking is that Gibbs' enormous presence has not brought more sanity to what is happening in Washington.

The Redskins, notorious overpayers for talent, have done it again. The contracts for Clinton Portis and Mark Brunell are way over-market, to the point where the team seems to be bidding against itself needlessly. And to toss in a second-round draft choice to accompany Champ Bailey to the Broncos is beyond anything rational.

Cornerbacks of Bailey's talent are rare, much rarer than even a runner of Portis' qualities. This easily could have been a straight player-for-player deal. But the Broncos don't need Christmas; they've already gotten their No. 1 gift with that second-round pick.

Nor does rewarding Brunell with his impressive contract represent a wise use of the salary cap. Many league personnel directors question whether Brunell still has starting quarterback abilities. Ever since his serious knee injury, he's never regained his former quality of play, particularly his mobility. They think he is incapable of winning consistently anymore if he is limited to being a pocket passer.

Yet the Redskins rewarded him with a most generous contract, worthy of a quarterback nearing or in his prime, not on the downside of his career.

Gibbs is more secure now with a veteran quarterback on his roster as a starting alternative. But it is risky to think Brunell fulfills his needs. But Gibbs, so long absent from the NFL, can't possibly know league personnel well enough yet to make proper evaluations.

He has to rely on the Redskins' personnel department, headed by Vinny Cerrato, for significant advice, just as he once relied on Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly. Considering Washington's mediocre talent decisions during the Snyder regime, Gibbs may regret a lot of what is happening with this latest remake of the team's roster.


Senior writer Paul Attner covers the NFL for Sporting News. Email him at attner@sportingnews.com.

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