Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[URL="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2009/02/t_ray_willis_-_another_free_ag.html"]Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target - Redskins Insider[/URL]

Ray Willis, the young Seattle tackle, could be the solution to Washington's right tackle problems, and is someone the team is looking at as free agency looms, according to a league source. Willis, 26, did not play much in his first three years in Seattle - he was drafted while Skins coaches Jim Zorn and Stump Mitchell were on the staff - but when injuries hit the Seahawks' line last year, he started 10 games and fared well.

He is still a bit raw, but has great size at 6-feet-6, 315 pounds. Some executives in the league believe him to be Washington's top tackle option, and he will not be too expensive to land. With Derrick Dockery released and now someone younger who could be plugged in at guard, the Skins have some decent options. As we have previously reported, the Skins have given no indications that they will be making a play for the more expensive young offensive linemen like Jason Brown or Chris Kemoeatu.

If the Skins can't land someone like Willis or Dockery, then older players coming off injuries would fit the value role. These are guys we have already discussed this week like Jeff Saturday, Mark Tauscher and Stacy Andrews.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Alrightythen... been wondering about this kid for a few weeks at least. Buges will have to coach him up cuz he tends to miss blocks but when he finds his target the sh%t hits the fan.

... 53 where did you post that link on Willis?

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

I'm all for it. Glad to see that Vinny was serious about revamping the teams front lines. On top of that it'll also allow us to go BPA and possibly pickup a guy like Maluga come draft time. Though I still wouldn't wind another young OL prospect.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Keep in mind most of this seems to be based on his outlook going into training camp last year as a backup.

Also on a side note the Seahawks two leading rushers combined for 1,272 yards with a 4.3 average.

[COLOR=darkred]Burgundy = Good[/COLOR]
[COLOR=navy]Dark Blue = Bad[/COLOR]

[B]Grade:[/B] 54 | [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/scouts/news/story?id=2996209"][COLOR=#000000]Key[/COLOR][/URL]
[B]Alert:[/B] None
[B]Comment:[/B][COLOR=darkred]Willis is a massive tackle[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]who has been a backup for the Seahawks the past three years.[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred]He has excellent size and strength for the position, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]but is somewhat-limited in his lateral range and agility in space.[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred]He has strong hands and is able to shock opponents as he engages. He can create movement at the point of attack and create run lanes,[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkslateblue]but does not do a great job of bringing his feet with him,[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkslateblue]which causes him to fall off blocks more than you'd like.[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred]He will show above-average initial quickness and can kickstep for the short set,[/COLOR] [COLOR=navy]but lacks the lateral range to get out with some of the better speed rushers[/COLOR]. [COLOR=darkred]He will struggle in space when he has to react and right himself versus counter moves.[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred]He has some tools to work with, [/COLOR][COLOR=navy]but badly needs more experience and more technique work with his footwork and hand use[/COLOR]

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

GTripp mentioned him a few days ago. I like the idea. He knows our offense, he's young, huge, and inexpensive. Buges can get a lot out of him I'm sure. I'm all for this and Dockery.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=The Goat;530472]Alrightythen... been wondering about this kid for a few weeks at least. Buges will have to coach him up cuz he tends to miss blocks but when he finds his target the sh%t hits the fan.

... 53 where did you post that link on Willis?[/quote]

Thread: If Nothing Changes On Draft Day, Who Would You Draft? Post-87

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=GMScud;530480]GTripp mentioned him a few days ago. I like the idea. He knows our offense, he's young, huge, and inexpensive. Buges can get a lot out of him I'm sure. I'm all for this and Dockery.[/quote]

Gosh if this happens and we address the d-line in FA... what will we do in the draft.

... i got it. A CB, RB, WR, TE :silly:

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=53Fan;530485]Thread: If Nothing Changes On Draft Day, Who Would You Draft? Post-87[/quote]

Nice work...

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Gas up REDSKIN 1 baby this could is gonna be a late night for me! This could be a good move, Ray Willis that is!

Saturday is off the market!

COLTS KEEP SATURDAY
Posted by Mike Florio on February 26, 2009, 7:21 p.m.

Possibly buoyed by that extra $4 million in cap space that every team picked up on Wednesday, the Colts have agreed to terms with center Jeff Saturday, according to the Indianapolis Star.

It’s a three-year deal.

The Colts have been having serious salary cap problems of late. Earlier this week, they released receiver Marvin Harrison after he balked at a request to reduce his $9 million base salary.

But the Colts reportedly will allow seven other teams players on the team to become unrestricted free agents: running back Dominic Rhodes, punter Hunter Smith, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, defensive tackle Darrell Reid, defensive end Josh Thomas, cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, and safety Matt Giordano.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=GMScud;530480]GTripp mentioned him a few days ago. I like the idea. He knows our offense, he's young, huge, and inexpensive. Buges can get a lot out of him I'm sure. I'm all for this and Dockery.[/quote]

For what it is worth, here is what Adam Schefter said about Willis today: [B]Ray Willis[/B], Seahawks (T) — Pay attention to his name; the contract he lands is going to be eye opening.

[url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/26/your-quick-look-free-agent-guide/]NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Your quick-look free-agent guide «[/url]

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

I mean he's an option but I'd prefer dockery first as an oline option, and then getting a T in the draft but if this guys cheap then yes get him

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Ok here ya'll go...

[url=http://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/2/9/754190/2008-season-retrospective]2008 Season Retrospective: Ray Willis - Field Gulls[/url]

... he sounds mean. I likey.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Hmmm this Free Agent period is starting sound interesting

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

our line is so bad right now that upgrades won't be hard to find. if he can do that (and cheaply) then i'm all for it.

not pittsburg bad or vintage texans bad... but for our standards, terrible.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=The Goat;530486]Gosh if this happens and we address the d-line in FA... what will we do in the draft.

... i got it. A CB, RB, WR, TE :silly:[/quote]

Depending on how things shake out over these next few days, I would not be surprised at all if we start hearing Malcolm Jenkins or Vontae Davis mentioned

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=SmootSmack;530520]Depending on how things shake out over these next few days, I would not be surprised at all if we start hearing Malcolm Jenkins or Vontae Davis mentioned[/quote]

I was starting to wonder about Jenkins just as I posted that. Hall isn't staying in DC is he SS...

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Is there any possiblity the Skins restructured other players with out the media knowing so as to throw off all the other teams as to how much money we actually do have. I know they have to send the paperwork to league officials but it doesn't have to be media known. right?

also I presume they have several plans ready to go. Try for Haynesworth and if the deal falls through try for Canty. Try for DD and if it falls through go after Ray Willis. Try to get Hall signed and if he agrees to a resonable number let Springs go. So on and so forth.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

There's been talk of Jenkins switching to safety in the NFL. I believe Davis is becoming the #1 CB prospect.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=The Goat;530521]I was starting to wonder about Jenkins just as I posted that. Hall isn't staying in DC is he SS...[/quote]

I think the whole negotiating process has been painful. Skins are dealing with an agent they're not too familiar with and they're kind of out of their comfort zone with him it seems. And I think certain events the past couple of days have made him a bit less of a priority

But my gut says he's staying

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

I got a question for you SS when teams negotiate with a player like us with hall, do we say to him "alright how bout a 6 year 60 million deal with a 15 million signing bonus"... And if the player doesn't like it does he say no and that's the end of discussions for the day or do they constantly negotiate?? Because it sounds like they just do what I just explained... I just don't get y it takes so long to negotiate...

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Here's a pretty good read Nick

[url=http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/02/free-agent-strategies/]The National Football Post | Free Agent Strategies[/url]

It is a constant negotiation really

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Really good read, thanks Smoot.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=SBXVII;530526]Is there any possiblity the Skins restructured other players with out the media knowing so as to throw off all the other teams as to how much money we actually do have. I know they have to send the paperwork to league officials but it doesn't have to be media known. right?

also I presume they have several plans ready to go. Try for Haynesworth and if the deal falls through try for Canty. Try for DD and if it falls through go after Ray Willis. Try to get Hall signed and if he agrees to a resonable number let Springs go. So on and so forth.[/quote]

it all has to run through the league office, so while you can use weird accounting tricks, there's really not a lot of
stealth possible. we have 12 mill... taylor and springs can be cut at any time for 15mill more if needed. we could cut some minor guys or restructure to scrap 2-4mill if really necessary, but it'd be hard work.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Even if we're letting Hall walk away, which would disappoint the hell out of me, why have we not cut Springs? I don't get it, i really don't. For $8.5 mill we can do much better and besides this is a guy who's adamantly refused to restructure in a way that would help the team for several years in a row. Keeping him doesn't "hide our cards" either from what I can tell even wrt the Hall negotiations. Springs should be a goner for sure and then we deal w/ Hall... if he's too pricey ok we move onto other FA prospects and then even the draft as SS hinted.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=The Goat;530550]Even if we're letting Hall walk away, which would disappoint the hell out of me, why have we not cut Springs? I don't get it, i really don't. For $8.5 mill we can do much better and besides this is a guy who's adamantly refused to restructure in a way that would help the team for several years in a row. Keeping him doesn't "hide our cards" either from what I can tell even wrt the Hall negotiations. Springs should be a goner for sure and then we deal w/ Hall... if he's too pricey ok we move onto other FA prospects and then even the draft as SS hinted.[/quote]

well we still have the option to try and trade him for something small or play him (he's still a good CB). there's no reason to cut him unless we absolutely need his money for something else, and hall's contract isn't going to surpass the 12mill we've got right now, so why bother? we might still need him.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=That Guy;530552]well we still have the option to try and trade him for something small or play him (he's still a good CB). there's no reason to cut him unless we absolutely need his money for something else, and hall's contract isn't going to surpass the 12mill we've got right now, so why bother? we might still need him.[/quote]

Look i'm sorry but paying a guy probably double what any other team in the league would pay him just can't be justified. Springs has #1 corner talent and ability but no competitive team would pay him #1 corner money because your #1 corner also has to have #1 reliability. Ok so we want to keep him... cut him save a pile of money and then look to resign him as reality sets in and he realizes he's not worth the absurd fortune he thinks he is today.

... Springs is the least team-oriented guy on defense and maybe on the whole roster IMO... and we can do just as well at CB, maybe better, for less money.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=The Goat;530556]Look i'm sorry but paying a guy probably double what any other team in the league would pay him just can't be justified. Springs has #1 corner talent and ability but no competitive team would pay him #1 corner money because your #1 corner also has to have #1 reliability. Ok so we want to keep him... cut him save a pile of money and then look to resign him as reality sets in and he realizes he's not worth the absurd fortune he thinks he is today.

... Springs is the least team-oriented guy on defense and maybe on the whole roster IMO... and we can do just as well at CB, maybe better, for less money.[/quote]

if you're afraid of losing hall, cutting springs (and losing him too) might leave you without a corner. and he can probably get 5mill from a couple different teams, so you wouldn't be saving much for the risk (and oh yeah, he won't want to come back after being cut to go around his contract).

that's just a lose-lose all around. once we have a corner and need money, he can be cut, but doing it just to do it can only result in bad things... which mean it doesn't sound like a very good idea.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

Why would you cut Springs now with Hall still a question mark to re-sign? That would be plain dumb.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

I approached the off-season w/ the mindset Springs should be replaced no matter what. We all have our favorites and not-so-favorites anyway, and Hall appeared to be the perfect replacement for an older corner who is oft injured and not a team guy from what I can tell. Also, there's a consensus that corner talent is very deep in FA this year so regardless of the Hall sitz it is the [I]perfect[/I] time to offload Springs.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

so whats the harm in waiting till your sure you've got a guy to replace him? hall isn't under contract and he might not be coming back.

prayer and hope don't seem like better options here.

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

I concur on Springs, hes been healthy for about 6 games per season, and thats not

worth 8 million per season..We should cut bait already and look to a FA corner thats

healthy or to draft a corner in rounds 1-3. This guy has freakin had us over a barrell for

yrs now

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=Mattyk72;530471][URL="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2009/02/t_ray_willis_-_another_free_ag.html"]Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target - Redskins Insider[/URL]

Ray Willis, the young Seattle tackle, could be the solution to Washington's right tackle problems, and is someone the team is looking at as free agency looms, according to a league source. Willis, 26, did not play much in his first three years in Seattle - he was drafted while Skins coaches Jim Zorn and Stump Mitchell were on the staff - but when injuries hit the Seahawks' line last year, he started 10 games and fared well.

He is still a bit raw, but has great size at 6-feet-6, 315 pounds. Some executives in the league believe him to be Washington's top tackle option, and he will not be too expensive to land. With Derrick Dockery released and now someone younger who could be plugged in at guard, the Skins have some decent options. As we have previously reported, the Skins have given no indications that they will be making a play for the more expensive young offensive linemen like Jason Brown or Chris Kemoeatu.

If the Skins can't land someone like Willis or Dockery, then older players coming off injuries would fit the value role. These are guys we have already discussed this week like Jeff Saturday, Mark Tauscher and Stacy Andrews.[/quote]

I like Willis as well as Brown[Balt] but what about another Seattle player....Rocky Bernard DT? Good pass rush and is good against the run. He is 6-3 303. Coud get for much less and be as good as Candy? Now I would love Big Al but I can't see the money thing working out. As for Candy he is younger at five seasons and 6-7 300 but plays softed and moving inside maynot be a good idea! Like J.Taylor not playing on the side he loves!

Re: Ray Willis Is Another Free Agent Target
 

[quote=RedskinPete;530880]I like Willis as well as Brown[Balt] but what about another Seattle player....Rocky Bernard DT? Good pass rush and is good against the run. He is 6-3 303. Coud get for much less and be as good as Candy? Now I would love Big Al but I can't see the money thing working out. As for Candy he is younger at five seasons and 6-7 300 but plays softed and moving inside maynot be a good idea! Like J.Taylor not playing on the side he loves![/quote]

i like rocky, and he'd be cheap.. but it's canty ;) still, rocky would only have made real sense if we ditched griff or got a depth DT traded.