Redskins likely to release Coles?

[dragon_mikal]

Redskins Likely to Release Coles
Gibbs, Snyder Agree to Unhappy Wide Receiver's Request to Leave Team
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 21, 2005; Page D01


Washington Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles has had at least two extensive conversations with Coach Joe Gibbs since the season ended which are expected to lead to his release from the team, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Sources confirmed last night that Gibbs, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and Roosevelt Barnes, the agent for Coles, have reached an oral agreement that will likely lead to his release, making the 27-year-old wideout an unrestricted free agent.

Coles met privately with Gibbs at Redskins Park to express his unhappiness with the offense and a desire to leave the club.

Gibbs has acknowledged meeting twice with Coles, including earlier this month, but he turned reticent and cryptic when asked about the possibility of Coles's departure.

"We had a couple of good talks. That's the only statement I want to make," Gibbs said earlier this week. "Me and Laveranues talked, and we have a good understanding."

Coles caught a career-best 90 passes last season, the third-most in franchise history behind Art Monk. Yet the five-year veteran became frustrated by the lack of a deep passing game. The Redskins finished with the 30th-ranked offense in the league last season, and Gibbs's ball-control philosophy coupled with a 6-10 record made Coles miserable, said one person with knowledge of the situation.

Gibbs, who also serves as team president, intends to accommodate Coles's request instead of keeping a player who prefers to be elsewhere, said two other sources who requested anonymity.

Should Coles be released, one source said, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications. Tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are allowed to waive players.

Sources said that late this past season Coles requested a trade after meeting with Snyder and Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, since they were the two most responsible for acquiring him in 2003. But after discussions with Gibbs, a collective decision was made to likely waive Coles.

Coles, who has changed his cell phone number, could not be reached for comment. Barnes didn't return several calls last week to his Roanoke, Indiana office. Snyder, through spokesperson Karl Swanson, referred questions to Gibbs. Reached last night, Cerrato declined to comment.

The Redskins signed Coles as a restricted free agent from the New York Jets to a seven-year, $35 million deal. At the time, the $13 signing bonus was the richest in Redskins history, forcing the Jets to settle for Washington's first-round pick (No. 13 overall) instead of matching it. The Redskins had envisioned the 5-foot-11, 193-pound Coles using his combination of speed and quickness to stretch the field, allowing Rod Gardner to exploit single coverage. In Steve Spurrier's pass-happy offense, Coles responded with 82 catches for 1,204 and six touchdowns. He also made the Pro Bowl.

Gibbs's offense was geared toward tailback Clinton Portis, but the Redskins foresaw Coles posting big numbers because of the need to occasionally go downfield. According to Joe Bugel -- Washington's assistant head coach of offense -- Coles had the third-most passes in the NFL thrown in his direction.

"The offense was friendly to Laveranues Coles," Bugel said last week. "We fed him."

However, most of the throws were intermediate passes and screens designed for Coles to gain yards after the catch. Coles averaged a career-low 10.6 yards per catch. And his sole touchdown came on a halfback option pass from Clinton Portis.

Said offensive coordinator Don Breaux said: "I've been coaching in the NFL for 24 years, and receivers all want the ball more than they get it. And we want them to want the ball, and to score touchdowns. We would be foolish to not try to do everything we can to take advantage of [Coles]."

Gardner has been on the trading block after a "mutual" decision.

Although Gibbs said he doesn't intend to overhaul the roster, Coles's situation means Washington almost certainly will have two new starting wideouts. Reserve wideouts Taylor Jacobs and James Thrash are expected to have increased roles next season, but Gibbs plans to address the team's needs mainly through free agency.

Pittsburgh's Plaxico Burress and Oakland's Jerry Porter headline an unspectacular pool of wideouts. The group could be bolstered by possible salary-cap casualties such as St. Louis's Isaac Bruce, Carolina's Muhsin Muhammad and Tennessee's Derrick Mason. If released, Coles instantly would be one of the premier receivers available. And several teams -- including the Cowboys, Falcons and Ravens -- are expected to pursue wideouts.

The Redskins possess the ninth overall pick in April's NFL draft, providing an opportunity to select one of college's top two wideouts: Michigan's Braylon Edwards and USC's Mike Williams.

Last season, Gibbs was criticized for his conservative play-calling, with a passing unit that mustered only four completions of 40 yards or longer. (Coles caught one of them, for his season-high of 45 yards.) Following a four-day evaluation after the regular season, the Redskins plan to employ more of an attacking offense -- "Let it fly," Breaux said -- markedly increasing downfield passes.

Bugel conceded, "We didn't have enough 'explosion plays,' as we call 'em."

Nonetheless, the shift will not cause the club to try dissuading Coles, said two sources. Midway through the season, Coles stopped conducting interviews, apparently to avoid making any incendiary, public statements. But Coles's displeasure was a little-kept secret in the locker room.

"Sometimes it seemed like he missed Spurrier," a top Redskins player, who joined the club last season, said yesterday. "I love Laveranues because he's a warrior. No one plays harder. But if he doesn't want to be here, then it's best to find another team."

Despite Coles's request to depart, his coaches and teammates praised his competitiveness and professionalism. "I tip my hat to him," Breaux said.

Coles played with an ailing big right toe throughout the season and an injured middle finger for the final 14 games. Known for being one of the NFL's most sure-handed receivers -- he was plagued by dropped passes.

Last November, when a reporter told Coles he seemed disgruntled throughout the year, Coles responded sardonically: "You're very perceptive."

Never saw this one coming. :confused:

[Ken]

Wow!

I see a star in his future!

[SuspectCorner]

coles as a dallas cowboy? looks pretty good to me. instant depth at WR.

[Sitting Bull]

Amen. If he's healthy, this is a FA I can get excited about. Big heart.

[TheHustler]

Lets get either coles or gardner. both would be an upgrade/depth.

[dragon_mikal]

They're going nuts over at Extremeskins. I love it!! :D

:skins:

[CaptainAmerica]

Better check that toe out first. He doesn't seem like the same receiver since that injury 2 years ago.

But Parcells loves the kid.

[Dale]

Coles is going to cost a pretty penny.

Not to be a stick in the mud, but his toe concerns me if I were a potential buyer. His numbers decreased significantly last season as he was unable to plant and really excelerate due to the toe injuries he has had. If he can recover from them, he's a top-flight receiver. If not, he's just an above average type.

But, wow, I never saw him getting released. Some team will be chomping at the bits to get a guy they didn't see becoming available.

[Dale]

Better check that toe out first. He doesn't seem like the same receiver since that injury 2 years ago.

But Parcells loves the kid.

I'm an idiot. I forgot the coveted Parcells connection. He's a 'Boy. Might as well go ahead an order a jersey. RLMAO.

[Fan Since 77]

Coles would be an instant upgrade. Free agency is starting to look better.

[SuspectCorner]

Coles is going to cost a pretty penny.

Not to be a stick in the mud, but his toe concerns me if I were a potential buyer. His numbers decreased significantly last season as he was unable to plant and really excelerate due to the toe injuries he has had. If he can recover from them, he's a top-flight receiver. If not, he's just an above average type.

But, wow, I never saw him getting released. Some team will be chomping at the bits to get a guy they didn't see becoming available.
didn't he have a broken finger, too? that would cause some drops and a slight dropoff. if the toe and finger are fine - he is fine. unless it's that plantar flantiaitas (sp) thing. that could be a problem.

[Juke99]

Now this is a guy I could get psyched about....there aren't alot of "electric" names in FA this year...playmakers...Coles is one, indeed.

[CowboysNumeroUno]

Doesnt this all but assure that they will be drafting Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards at #9?

[Cbz40]

Forget Williams in the draft........He will not make it past the Redskins.

[Fan Since 77]

Doesnt this all but assure that they will be drafting Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards at #9?

good point. Mike Williams will be a Redskin...if he drops that far.

[dragon_mikal]

Doesnt this all but assure that they will be drafting Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards at #9?

They'll both be gone by then and the Redskins will be screwed. How sweet it is! :D

:skins:

[TruBlueCowboy]

It's amazing how many great receivers are going to be available this offseason.

I say forget Mike Williams now. There are too many quality wideouts available through free agency now. We can spend the draft picks at other positions or even Randy Moss, who is about as close as you'll ever get to the bonafide best receiver in the game.

[SuspectCorner]

Now this is a guy I could get psyched about....there aren't alot of "electric" names in FA this year...playmakers...Coles is one, indeed.
i just about broke a finger retyping his name for the google search. he must have a "thing" for vowels. i started with "laverneus".

[big dog cowboy]

If Coles is healthy.......I'd take him over Randy Moss any day of the week and twice on Sundays! :eek:

[Cbz40]

If Coles is healthy.......I'd take him over Randy Moss any day of the week and twice on Sundays! :eek:


You and me both.

[big dog cowboy]

OK who is starting the Coles bandwagon?????? :rolleyes:

[CowboysFan07]

OK who is starting the Coles bandwagon?????? :rolleyes:
Don't know who will start it, but I'll certainly jump on when it passes by.

[SuspectCorner]

i'll buy a "day pass" for that ride.

[ddh33]

Wow! That's great news to me...

I think you can probably safely say goodbye to any hope of Mike Williams. You can probably also say goodbye to any thoughts of getting Randy Moss either (and I don't think that was ever happening).

This, seems to me, has a real shot of possibly happening and makes a ton of sense. He's a F.O.B. and was once called one of Bill's best draft choices (along with Curtis Martin).

[2233boys]

If Coles is healthy.......I'd take him over Randy Moss any day of the week and twice on Sundays! :eek:


I wouldn't Moss is still the best wr in the league, bar none.

Problem is we don't have much of a QB to get him the ball...

Wouldn't mind Coles either, could a Coles signing spell the end of the Terry Glenn days as a Cowboy...

[DIAF]

Coles is a speed merchant. He'd be nice over on the other side of Keyshawn, but im not too excited about him being a 'boy. He's not a #1 reciever, more like a "1A" He doesnt catch a lot of TD passes, just has a lot of speed. He's joey galloway with better hands.

[DWAREZ]

Redskins Likely to Release Coles
Gibbs, Snyder Agree to Unhappy Wide Receiver's Request to Leave Team
By Nunyo Demasio
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 21, 2005; Page D01


Washington Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles has had at least two extensive conversations with Coach Joe Gibbs since the season ended which are expected to lead to his release from the team, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Sources confirmed last night that Gibbs, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and Roosevelt Barnes, the agent for Coles, have reached an oral agreement that will likely lead to his release, making the 27-year-old wideout an unrestricted free agent.

Coles met privately with Gibbs at Redskins Park to express his unhappiness with the offense and a desire to leave the club.

Gibbs has acknowledged meeting twice with Coles, including earlier this month, but he turned reticent and cryptic when asked about the possibility of Coles's departure.

"We had a couple of good talks. That's the only statement I want to make," Gibbs said earlier this week. "Me and Laveranues talked, and we have a good understanding."

Coles caught a career-best 90 passes last season, the third-most in franchise history behind Art Monk. Yet the five-year veteran became frustrated by the lack of a deep passing game. The Redskins finished with the 30th-ranked offense in the league last season, and Gibbs's ball-control philosophy coupled with a 6-10 record made Coles miserable, said one person with knowledge of the situation.

Gibbs, who also serves as team president, intends to accommodate Coles's request instead of keeping a player who prefers to be elsewhere, said two other sources who requested anonymity.

Should Coles be released, one source said, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications. Tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are allowed to waive players.

Sources said that late this past season Coles requested a trade after meeting with Snyder and Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato, since they were the two most responsible for acquiring him in 2003. But after discussions with Gibbs, a collective decision was made to likely waive Coles.

Coles, who has changed his cell phone number, could not be reached for comment. Barnes didn't return several calls last week to his Roanoke, Indiana office. Snyder, through spokesperson Karl Swanson, referred questions to Gibbs. Reached last night, Cerrato declined to comment.

The Redskins signed Coles as a restricted free agent from the New York Jets to a seven-year, $35 million deal. At the time, the $13 signing bonus was the richest in Redskins history, forcing the Jets to settle for Washington's first-round pick (No. 13 overall) instead of matching it. The Redskins had envisioned the 5-foot-11, 193-pound Coles using his combination of speed and quickness to stretch the field, allowing Rod Gardner to exploit single coverage. In Steve Spurrier's pass-happy offense, Coles responded with 82 catches for 1,204 and six touchdowns. He also made the Pro Bowl.

Gibbs's offense was geared toward tailback Clinton Portis, but the Redskins foresaw Coles posting big numbers because of the need to occasionally go downfield. According to Joe Bugel -- Washington's assistant head coach of offense -- Coles had the third-most passes in the NFL thrown in his direction.

"The offense was friendly to Laveranues Coles," Bugel said last week. "We fed him."

However, most of the throws were intermediate passes and screens designed for Coles to gain yards after the catch. Coles averaged a career-low 10.6 yards per catch. And his sole touchdown came on a halfback option pass from Clinton Portis.

Said offensive coordinator Don Breaux said: "I've been coaching in the NFL for 24 years, and receivers all want the ball more than they get it. And we want them to want the ball, and to score touchdowns. We would be foolish to not try to do everything we can to take advantage of [Coles]."

Gardner has been on the trading block after a "mutual" decision.

Although Gibbs said he doesn't intend to overhaul the roster, Coles's situation means Washington almost certainly will have two new starting wideouts. Reserve wideouts Taylor Jacobs and James Thrash are expected to have increased roles next season, but Gibbs plans to address the team's needs mainly through free agency.

Pittsburgh's Plaxico Burress and Oakland's Jerry Porter headline an unspectacular pool of wideouts. The group could be bolstered by possible salary-cap casualties such as St. Louis's Isaac Bruce, Carolina's Muhsin Muhammad and Tennessee's Derrick Mason. If released, Coles instantly would be one of the premier receivers available. And several teams -- including the Cowboys, Falcons and Ravens -- are expected to pursue wideouts.

The Redskins possess the ninth overall pick in April's NFL draft, providing an opportunity to select one of college's top two wideouts: Michigan's Braylon Edwards and USC's Mike Williams.

Last season, Gibbs was criticized for his conservative play-calling, with a passing unit that mustered only four completions of 40 yards or longer. (Coles caught one of them, for his season-high of 45 yards.) Following a four-day evaluation after the regular season, the Redskins plan to employ more of an attacking offense -- "Let it fly," Breaux said -- markedly increasing downfield passes.

Bugel conceded, "We didn't have enough 'explosion plays,' as we call 'em."

Nonetheless, the shift will not cause the club to try dissuading Coles, said two sources. Midway through the season, Coles stopped conducting interviews, apparently to avoid making any incendiary, public statements. But Coles's displeasure was a little-kept secret in the locker room.

"Sometimes it seemed like he missed Spurrier," a top Redskins player, who joined the club last season, said yesterday. "I love Laveranues because he's a warrior. No one plays harder. But if he doesn't want to be here, then it's best to find another team."

Despite Coles's request to depart, his coaches and teammates praised his competitiveness and professionalism. "I tip my hat to him," Breaux said.

Coles played with an ailing big right toe throughout the season and an injured middle finger for the final 14 games. Known for being one of the NFL's most sure-handed receivers -- he was plagued by dropped passes.

Last November, when a reporter told Coles he seemed disgruntled throughout the year, Coles responded sardonically: "You're very perceptive."

Never saw this one coming. :confused:
Guess who drafted him basically :)

[SuspectCorner]

Coles is a speed merchant. He'd be nice over on the other side of Keyshawn, but im not too excited about him being a 'boy. He's not a #1 reciever, more like a "1A" He doesnt catch a lot of TD passes, just has a lot of speed. He's joey galloway with better hands.
when he was healthy coles was pretty obviously the most dynamic player the redskins had on offense. the guy runs great routes and has hands of velcro. he'd be a definite boon to us. hunt him down and get a quote.

[DWAREZ]

Coles is going to cost a pretty penny.

Not to be a stick in the mud, but his toe concerns me if I were a potential buyer. His numbers decreased significantly last season as he was unable to plant and really excelerate due to the toe injuries he has had. If he can recover from them, he's a top-flight receiver. If not, he's just an above average type.

But, wow, I never saw him getting released. Some team will be chomping at the bits to get a guy they didn't see becoming available.
The toe is doubtful to be degenerative and Joe's offense was horrible!!

He is real good!!!

[HeHateMe]

The good?

They just lost their best WR by far and will basically be revamping thier whole WR corps.

The bad?

They will now focus on adding some quality WRs through the draft and FA.

Mike Williams? Braylon Edwards? Derrick Mason? Jerry Porter?

The ugly?

Dallas might make a strong push to sign this guy.

For the right price, Im all for it, but Im not ready to get into a bidding war for a guy who hasnt been at 100% in over a season and a half.

And a guy who refuses to get the necessary surgery for his toe that will put him back at 100%.

His toe injury is one that is not going away anytime soon, and Im not one for overpaying for injured goods.

Especially ones from the Skins. :skins:

[mwmilsted]

I'm an idiot. I forgot the coveted Parcells connection. He's a 'Boy. Might as well go ahead an order a jersey. RLMAO.


He is more likely to join the Eagles than the Cowboy's whether or not he is a Parcels' Boy.

[StreetPlayaRoss21]

im loving this, simply for the redskin irritation its causing :D

[StreetPlayaRoss21]

http://extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91890

[Chuck 54]

call me cynical...but I'm not buying this at all....what possible reason would the REdskins have for releasing Coles rather than working a trade for at least a 3rd or 4th round pick....outright release? total loss? Why?

[Tio]

call me cynical...but I'm not buying this at all....what possible reason would the REdskins have for releasing Coles rather than working a trade for at least a 3rd or 4th round pick....outright release? total loss? Why?Coles wants out. Go to extremeskins if you want more info...

[MichaelWinicki]

Coles wants out. Go to extremeskins if you want more info...


Yeah, I could see Coles in a Cowboy uniform.

[THEHEREAFTER]

Better check that toe out first. He doesn't seem like the same receiver since that injury 2 years ago.

But Parcells loves the kid.

precisely!... COLES HAS A SERIOUS TOE ISSUE WHICH IS SLOWING HIM DOWN! THE REASON HE HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE IS DUE TO THE POTENTIAL CAREER THREATINING RISK OFF SEASON SURGERY WOULD POSE!

[jterrell]

BP has stated Coles was among his best ever draft selections.

I think he is a Cowboy. Especially if we sign Bledsoe. That is a deep passing match made in heaven. Get sacked for 10 yard loss on 1st down, rinse and repeat on down 2 then toss the Hail Mary to Coles on 3rd down. LOL.

In all seriousness we could use Coles' speed which is tremendous.

[THEHEREAFTER]

Just say no to Coles! How many times did he burn us? His stock is going down!

[dbair1967]

people need to think things through here before going off the deep end....Joe Gibbs isnt a moron, why release a player like Coles when you know he has value? Answer is because something else is up...he's either alot more hurt than anyone is letting on (the toe thing) or perhaps the off field problems that caused him to drop in the draft a few yrs back (wasnt it drugs?) have cropped up again...

David

[dbair1967]

In all seriousness we could use Coles' speed which is tremendous.

Coles didnt flash much speed last yr...

buyer beware here

David

[Zaxor]

people need to think things through here before going off the deep end....Joe Gibbs isnt a moron, why release a player like Coles when you know he has value? Answer is because something else is up...he's either alot more hurt than anyone is letting on (the toe thing) or perhaps the off field problems that caused him to drop in the draft a few yrs back (wasnt it drugs?) have cropped up again...

David
Points noted

The benefits must outweigh the potential pitfalls...and as he is a risk If we were to sign him it better not be for much till we find out more

Zaxor

[MichaelWinicki]

people need to think things through here before going off the deep end....Joe Gibbs isnt a moron, why release a player like Coles when you know he has value? Answer is because something else is up...he's either alot more hurt than anyone is letting on (the toe thing) or perhaps the off field problems that caused him to drop in the draft a few yrs back (wasnt it drugs?) have cropped up again...

David


David, that is a good point.

[wileedog]

people need to think things through here before going off the deep end....Joe Gibbs isnt a moron, why release a player like Coles when you know he has value? Answer is because something else is up...he's either alot more hurt than anyone is letting on (the toe thing) or perhaps the off field problems that caused him to drop in the draft a few yrs back (wasnt it drugs?) have cropped up again...

David

Option number 3 is he's not tradeable with his contract in its current form. Without a massive restructring, the cap hit would be enormous if they dealt Coles, no matter what they got in return.

Coupled with that his trade value is low - the toe IS a question mark, and especially now its common knowledge Coles wants out badly. I'm sure NFL insiders have known that a lot longer than we have. Nobody is going to give much in trade for a injured receiver with a big time contract who's pushing to get himself released anyway.

I think the Skins did the best they could do - agree to release him if gives back his bonus and get some cap room back. With their cap situation and needs going forward, that's probably the 'best' outcome for them.

[VA Cowboy]

Why would we want Coles?

He's been a disappointment in Washington - is constantly injured - and has been owned by our very own Roy.
He doesn't look like a top flight WR these days, and not one who will be worthy of the money it'll take to sign him.

[Jarv]

"Should Coles be released, one source said, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications. Tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are allowed to waive players."

How does this work ? I've heard that the cap charge stands even if money is returned ? Adam, can you help out here ?

[jterrell]

"Should Coles be released, one source said, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications. Tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are allowed to waive players."

How does this work ? I've heard that the cap charge stands even if money is returned ? Adam, can you help out here ?
No the cap charge would NOT hold.

I am sure adam can quote the correct passage.

The NFL has a real salary cap about real dollars. All these 40 mil plus contracts dont hit the cap the actual amounts paid do.

[jterrell]

Coles didnt flash much speed last yr...

buyer beware here

David
Neither did TNew, you want to cut him?

Coles is a 4.25 guy. He has world class speed.

[Wheat]

quite a topic here. I thought this would be half a dozen replies and be lost in the shuffle.

[notherbob]

This off-season just gets interestinger and interestinger. I wonder if there's any truth to the Bledsoe rumors? If so, a WR who wants long balls and a QB who just wants to air it out could be an interesting combination. Wonder if Washington goes after Randy Moss or if they even have the cap room? Releasing Coles and getting some of their signing bonus back might help them a little.

It's gotta bite the big bone to lose your best WR to an attitude problem, as we well know, but at least they'll probably replace him with a more team-oriented player - that leaves out Moss or Bryant, although Bryant would probably love to go to Washington just so he could play against the Boys twice a year.

Coles is leaving not because he feels underpaid, but because he wants his personal stats to show longer gains. While I can understand his desire, it still seems a little too self-centered. Of course, now that he has had a couple of years as an insider, maybe he just doesn't think the Skins are going to the superbowl and just wants out. Who knows? At least he stayed silent and tried not to disrupt the team, that says something, too. If you're not happy where you're at, sometimes you just have to move on.

If BP stays true to his stated plan, he will bypass the big money boys and focus on solid team players who can be motivated.

This off-season is really good so far and it's only going to get better. We have the combine this week and free agency next week. Time to kick back, roast a few garlic and cheese stuffed Jalapenos in the fireplace (adds a nice mesquite flavor) and enjoy the show.

[Doomsday101]

Last 3 season for Coles 89, 82 and 90 catches on the season. I'd take that any day

[jterrell]

quite a topic here. I thought this would be half a dozen replies and be lost in the shuffle.
nice to see you around buff.

[lkelly]

people need to think things through here before going off the deep end....Joe Gibbs isnt a moron, why release a player like Coles when you know he has value? Answer is because something else is up...he's either alot more hurt than anyone is letting on (the toe thing) or perhaps the off field problems that caused him to drop in the draft a few yrs back (wasnt it drugs?) have cropped up again...

David

I'm not sure where you are getting your info...

Coles dropped in the draft because he was kicked off the Florida State team after participating in a scam with Peter Warrick where they received free/discounted merchandise from a friend who worked at Dillards. I'm pretty sure that Coles had a few other strikes against him (he must have - we're talking about Bobby Bowden here) that made the Dillards shopping spree the end of the line. I don't ever recall drugs being listed in the resume. All that said, I don't have any idea if he's in the first stages of the NFL substance abuse policy. After he was kicked off the team, he obviously couldn't play and only a pre-draft blistering 40 time got him picked on the first day.

The reason the Skins can't trade Coles is that they would take an enormous cap hit. Since he obviously doesn't want to be there, I guess they just want to cut their losses and Coles is willing to help take some of the sting out of the decision by giving back some of his signing bonus. He's essentially buying his freedom.

If Parcells or any other team feels he's physically fit, I'm sure Coles will land a decent deal somewhere else. When he signed with the Skins, he probably envisioned playing in the fun and gun offense under Spurrier (plus landing a contract which was far more than he would have ever gotten with the Jets). Now that he's playing in Gibbs' crap offense, I guess he wants out.

I can't imagine any Skins fan who was trumpeting the signing a few years ago thinks that Washington got anything close to full value. In many ways it mirrors the Galloway fiasco in Dallas. That thread someone linked at Extremeskins is 29 pages long and counting!

[Wheat]

thanks


On the topic.

I have no idea what's going on. I really don't.

But releasing him just seems weird to me.

Why wouldn't they try to trade him for something? anything? let him pick the team?

Honestly, if it were you guys....wouldn't you try sending him somewhere outside of your division? Both Philly and Dallas could jump on him?

If it were mean, I'd be willing to take more of the cap hit, and ship him to San Diego where they have the room and could use a WR....and ask for a #1 or a #2 back in return.

But still..... I haven't thought too much about the offseason yet. College and Pro Hoops have been on my mind.

Whatever they do is fine. I'm so numb with this team now, its not even funny.

[Wheat]

I'm not sure where you are getting your info...

Coles dropped in the draft because he was kicked off the Florida State team after participating in a scam with Peter Warrick where they received free/discounted merchandise from a friend who worked at Dillards. I'm pretty sure that Coles had a few other strikes against him (he must have - we're talking about Bobby Bowden here) that made the Dillards shopping spree the end of the line. I don't ever recall drugs being listed in the resume. All that said, I don't have any idea if he's in the first stages of the NFL substance abuse policy. After he was kicked off the team, he obviously couldn't play and only a pre-draft blistering 40 time got him picked on the first day.

The reason the Skins can't trade Coles is that they would take an enormous cap hit. Since he obviously doesn't want to be there, I guess they just want to cut their losses and Coles is willing to help take some of the sting out of the decision by giving back some of his signing bonus. He's essentially buying his freedom.

If Parcells or any other team feels he's physically fit, I'm sure Coles will land a decent deal somewhere else. When he signed with the Skins, he probably envisioned playing in the fun and gun offense under Spurrier (plus landing a contract which was far more than he would have ever gotten with the Jets). Now that he's playing in Gibbs' crap offense, I guess he wants out.

I can't imagine any Skins fan who was trumpeting the signing a few years ago thinks that Washington got anything close to full value. In many ways it mirrors the Galloway fiasco in Dallas. That thread someone linked at Extremeskins is 29 pages long and counting!


Its reported that he is giving back a huge chunk of his bonus to be released. Why wouldn't he do that to be traded to the team of his choice? I mean that team would get him under contract....and Washington could get something small in return? who knows? By floating that story, I bet teams are calling to see if they could trade for him.

[jterrell]

Last 3 season for Coles 89, 82 and 90 catches on the season. I'd take that any day
Exactly.
And the guy loves BP and vice versa. BP drafted him when lots of folks doubted him. He made BP look awfully good by achieving second tier WR status at the cost of a mere 3rd round pick.

He has never been a team wrecking type player at all and the people in Washington are praising him even tho he wants to leave because he has been professional and dedicated.

If he was hurt he wouldn't be offering to give back any signing bonus money thats for sure.

A little common sense tells you the guy just wants to play in a different offense. He is probably not all that fond of Portis and his 30 carries a game or the short yardage passing game.

Maybe he just dislikes the city, the commute, who knows.
What does matter is he is much less a head case than Moss or even Burress and is a much more likely fit here than either guy or Mike Williams who is an unproven soon to be rookie WR trapped in a TE body.

BP grabbed him once when folks doubted him and I'd love for him to do the same again provided the cost is right.

[jterrell]

Its reported that he is giving back a huge chunk of his bonus to be released. Why wouldn't he do that to be traded to the team of his choice? I mean that team would get him under contract....and Washington could get something small in return? who knows? By floating that story, I bet teams are calling to see if they could trade for him.
Because then he wouldnt get a signing bonus from the team he got traded to. The re-payment is to buy free agent status. A trade makes his value less is a team has to give up anything for him. Why would he lower his own value?

He's giving back the money to be totally free. Then he can get the max possible ont he free agent market and/or pick his team of choice.

[Bizwah]

Let's think about this.......

How often do teams get rid of playmaking WRs under the age of 30....especially those whose contracts aren't due for huge numbers?

I smell a rat.

Danny-boy, in the past, has worked through his star player's complaints (see Arrington). I can't imagine that he would just let Coles go if everything was fine.

Maybe Coles' injury is getting worse.....maybe he has other problems that haven't been publicized.....

I would be very wary to sign him. If we are interested, I hope we investigate everything......including a full medical diagnostic on that toe. I would definately not sign him to a big deal if the toe didn't check out 100%.

Something just doesn't smell right.........

[Wheat]

so, he could give up less and the team would recoup with an extra pick, or depth at another spot.

just by having this public now could change the dynamics.

Remember when Champ was going to the Jets for a few days? then Denver came into the picture.

[jterrell]

I'm not sure where you are getting your info...

Coles dropped in the draft because he was kicked off the Florida State team after participating in a scam with Peter Warrick where they received free/discounted merchandise from a friend who worked at Dillards. I'm pretty sure that Coles had a few other strikes against him (he must have - we're talking about Bobby Bowden here) that made the Dillards shopping spree the end of the line. I don't ever recall drugs being listed in the resume. All that said, I don't have any idea if he's in the first stages of the NFL substance abuse policy. After he was kicked off the team, he obviously couldn't play and only a pre-draft blistering 40 time got him picked on the first day.

The reason the Skins can't trade Coles is that they would take an enormous cap hit. Since he obviously doesn't want to be there, I guess they just want to cut their losses and Coles is willing to help take some of the sting out of the decision by giving back some of his signing bonus. He's essentially buying his freedom.

If Parcells or any other team feels he's physically fit, I'm sure Coles will land a decent deal somewhere else. When he signed with the Skins, he probably envisioned playing in the fun and gun offense under Spurrier (plus landing a contract which was far more than he would have ever gotten with the Jets). Now that he's playing in Gibbs' crap offense, I guess he wants out.

I can't imagine any Skins fan who was trumpeting the signing a few years ago thinks that Washington got anything close to full value. In many ways it mirrors the Galloway fiasco in Dallas. That thread someone linked at Extremeskins is 29 pages long and counting!


The Skins traded 1 1st rounder for a guy who caught about 85 passes per season over 3 years. Lets not try and reduce him to Joey Galloway status which would be like saying Emmitt Smith and Troy Hambrick were similar players. Galloway hit 60 passes once as a Cowboy.

Coles left FSU at least partly on his own because he felt FSU was siding with their star, Warrick, over him. He stated then he would be a better pro than Warrick and lo and behold, he was right. The only other trouble he had was a plane ticket purchased by an agent that he had to repay or prove came from a girlfriend.

[wileedog]

Let's think about this.......

How often do teams get rid of playmaking WRs under the age of 30....especially those whose contracts aren't due for huge numbers?



How often does a blazing fast WR catch 90 balls and not break 1000 yards?

As someone mentioned earlier before, Coles chose Washington because of Spurriers Fun-n-Gun, and wound up with Gibbs Run-n-Run. Its not inconceivable at all that he feels that Gibbs' offense is a poor fit for him.

As for trading him, even with a big restructure there will still be a cap hit. With Washington's cap situation the next few years, perhaps the best value they could get in return for Coles is some of that money back, and a little breathing room to resign guys like Smoot or chase a Mason or Porter.

Am I wary of the toe? You bet. But if that factor is priced into the contract, he'd look damn good with a star on his helmet....

[jterrell]

Let's think about this.......

How often do teams get rid of playmaking WRs under the age of 30....especially those whose contracts aren't due for huge numbers?

I smell a rat.

Danny-boy, in the past, has worked through his star player's complaints (see Arrington). I can't imagine that he would just let Coles go if everything was fine.

Maybe Coles' injury is getting worse.....maybe he has other problems that haven't been publicized.....

I would be very wary to sign him. If we are interested, I hope we investigate everything......including a full medical diagnostic on that toe. I would definately not sign him to a big deal if the toe didn't check out 100%.

Something just doesn't smell right.........


Yes, lets think it through logically.

Coles refused interviews the second half of the season to keep his complaints about the offense in house. But he played hurt and was clearly the Skins best WR. The offense however revolves around one of the mouthiest Miami Hurricanes in the league. A guy who didn't even show respect for former Cane Ray Lewis.

He was brought in by Vinny and Danny and has spoken with both of them voicing complaints about the offense and his role. He has met twice with Coach Gibbs for long periods to discuss an amicable parting of ways.

Gibbs pronounces 3 days ago that his team is hurting with cap space and whines his teams own free agents wont even talk to them about doing a deal before they test the market. He mentions that have 20 free agents of their own and while they would like to add alot of players they arent even sure they can keep their own. They are looking for a 3rd to trade Gardner but havent gotten any bites just yet.

Why would Gibbs want to allow Coles to walk? Perhaps because he is drafting a Wr round 1? Perhaps because he liked what James Thrash did and sees him an ideal value as a 2nd Wr? Perhaps to free up 4 million under the cap?

Coles would NOT buy out his own contract if he were not healthy. No team is going to sign him without him passing a physical and you dont offer to give back millions unless you know it will earn you even more.

Would Dallas not agree to release Wiley, Coakley, Larry Allen, and just about every other free agent they picked up from another teams active roster if those guys would pay back bonus money to mitigate the cap hit??

[Henry]

Coles is a good player and would be a nice upgrade for the Cowboys, for the right price. He's not the same player he was before the toe injury, and he refuses to have surgury, but he and Keyshawn would make a solid starting corps.

As a Redskin fan, I'm not thrilled by this news. Im not really bummed by it either. Our coach is figuring out who his guys are, and apparently Coles isn't one of them. If Gibbs knows what he's doing this is no big deal. If Gibbs doesn't know what he's doing, well, it won't matter anyway.

[jterrell]

so, he could give up less and the team would recoup with an extra pick, or depth at another spot.

just by having this public now could change the dynamics.

Remember when Champ was going to the Jets for a few days? then Denver came into the picture.
What you're missing is that it is in both sides interest to make a move immediately. Wash wants the cap space NOW and Coles wants tobe a free agent when all the guys looking to buy WRs hit the market.

Recall that he was never really a free agent. Wash stole him but had to pay a 1st rounder. What would Wash had paid extra to not have to kick in that 1st?

The Skins are going to have to start resigning their own guys quickly or they will lose good players. They already have the Gardner and Arrington deals hangning and need to free up immediate cap space.

This is a case where the best interest is served if he is released and gets himself off the Skins books by paying back bonus money.

[lkelly]

Its reported that he is giving back a huge chunk of his bonus to be released. Why wouldn't he do that to be traded to the team of his choice? I mean that team would get him under contract....and Washington could get something small in return? who knows? By floating that story, I bet teams are calling to see if they could trade for him.

What sort of upfront bonus money is Coles going to get in a trade? And why limit your options whatever teams want to trade for you? And finally, why would he have a burning desire to do anything possible to help the Redskins?

You're a sharp guy - you should know the answers to those questions. You're probably still shellshocked from the news. :)

[jterrell]

Coles is a good player and would be a nice upgrade for the Cowboys, for the right price. He's not the same player he was before the toe injury, and he refuses to have surgury, but he and Keyshawn would make a solid starting corps.

As a Redskin fan, I'm not thrilled by this news. Im not really bummed by it either. Our coach is figuring out who his guys are, and apparently Coles isn't one of them. If Gibbs knows what he's doing this is no big deal. If Gibbs doesn't know what he's doing, well, it won't matter anyway.
We are in the same boat here.

[dbair1967]

Neither did TNew, you want to cut him?

Coles is a 4.25 guy. He has world class speed.

T-New doesnt have a mysterious toe injury, which need I remind you one of our other former CB's did have and he was never the same afterwards

David

[Wheat]

What sort of upfront bonus money is Coles going to get in a trade? And why limit your options whatever teams want to trade for you? And finally, why would he have a burning desire to do anything possible to help the Redskins?

You're a sharp guy - you should know the answers to those questions. You're probably still shellshocked from the news. :)



Because 2 weeks ago, there was no plans we knew of with him leaving. So, he wouldn't sit out. We'd have a WR out there in whatever conditions he's in.

Trade and get something of value. Unless you've got a plan with the cap room you're going to get back from just letting him go.

WR with the 9th overall pick? Then another guy? who? Plaxico? Mason? Porter? Who?

Rod Gardner is gone also....so, you need 2 guys.

[Bizwah]

How often does a blazing fast WR catch 90 balls and not break 1000 yards?

As someone mentioned earlier before, Coles chose Washington because of Spurriers Fun-n-Gun, and wound up with Gibbs Run-n-Run. Its not inconceivable at all that he feels that Gibbs' offense is a poor fit for him.

As for trading him, even with a big restructure there will still be a cap hit. With Washington's cap situation the next few years, perhaps the best value they could get in return for Coles is some of that money back, and a little breathing room to resign guys like Smoot or chase a Mason or Porter.

Am I wary of the toe? You bet. But if that factor is priced into the contract, he'd look damn good with a star on his helmet....

I had no idea that he didn't break 1000 yards.

There's still a bunch to be worried about. I like Coles at a bargain price. I would be all for it..........but I seriously doubt that he would be willing to come cheaply. I think he would try to get one more HUGE payday (and rightfully so).

Now, I'm not saying he wouldn't agree to a reasonable deal. If he's willing to pay back part of his signing bonus......that's a pretty good indication that he's not someone absorbed with money. But it's atypical for a player coming off a HUGE deal, to go get one that's a great deal smaller.

Always be nervous about a player's third deal.

Again......if he comes at a reasonable price......I'm all for it....I just doubt it will happen.

[lkelly]

The Skins traded 1 1st rounder for a guy who caught about 85 passes per season over 3 years. Lets not try and reduce him to Joey Galloway status which would be like saying Emmitt Smith and Troy Hambrick were similar players. Galloway hit 60 passes once as a Cowboy.


I'm not saying the two situations were identical, but both players didn't live up to expectations. Coles essentially had one good season for the Skins, and that year he tailed off in the second half. I'm not sure if you were implying that Coles played 3 years for the Skins - he only played two. They invested a lot financially and draft pick-wise in him, and have nothing to show for it now if he's indeed released.

Dallas lost Galloway to injury for a whole year, and saw diminished production after he returned. I believe they did get SOMETHING for him in the end when they traded him for Keyshawn.

Neither move was good for the franchises at all. I guess one other big difference is that the Galloway trade was one many saw coming a mile away, while the Coles release is one that is blindsiding the Redskins' fans. Sort of like dying a slow death from cancer vs. getting hit by a truck. Each situation leaves the surviving family feeling miserable.

[ghst187]

Ole Snyder's house built on sand hears rumblings of a tsunami....

For Coles to put up those kind of numbers with the horrible HORRIBLE QB play Wash had this past year....well that's pretty impressive to me.
Coles entices me far more than any other WR out there in FA. Granted, I'd still prefer to have Mike Williams in the draft because of his redzone terrorizing ways but I think Coles, Key, Glenn, Copper/Crayton would be a great WR corps. Morgan should be cut.

I'm all for bringing in Coles...A) if he doesn't break the bank and B) he gets his toe fixed. and C) he's healthy

[Wheat]

he should of had his toe fixed the week after the reg season ended.

Its almost too late now to do it this year.

[Avery]

To those who wouldn't want Coles: who do we have on our team that is better?

Coles + Keyshawn + Glenn + Witten = Receiving options > Current wideouts

Sorry, I was channeling the everlasting spirit of Nors there.

As far as the Redskins go, I'd expect them to make a run at Porter or Burress and pray that either BE or MW falls to #9. Trading up for them may not be out of the question depending upon how combine/pro day goes.

Interesting to see how this plays out.

[wileedog]

I had no idea that he didn't break 1000 yards.

There's still a bunch to be worried about. I like Coles at a bargain price. I would be all for it..........but I seriously doubt that he would be willing to come cheaply. I think he would try to get one more HUGE payday (and rightfully so).

Now, I'm not saying he wouldn't agree to a reasonable deal. If he's willing to pay back part of his signing bonus......that's a pretty good indication that he's not someone absorbed with money. But it's atypical for a player coming off a HUGE deal, to go get one that's a great deal smaller.

Always be nervous about a player's third deal.

Again......if he comes at a reasonable price......I'm all for it....I just doubt it will happen.

I have no idea the medical implications involved with his toe, but supposedly he got a cortisone shot later in the season and finished out the year strong (which is why they opted against the surgery).

If he passes a physical, pay him. He's worth it. Its not often you find a package of talent and work attitude like his, and adding him to Key, Glenn and Witten is an opposing DC nightmare.

At 27 he can be a go to guy for Henson for years to come....

[lkelly]

Because 2 weeks ago, there was no plans we knew of with him leaving. So, he wouldn't sit out. We'd have a WR out there in whatever conditions he's in.

Trade and get something of value. Unless you've got a plan with the cap room you're going to get back from just letting him go.

WR with the 9th overall pick? Then another guy? who? Plaxico? Mason? Porter? Who?

Rod Gardner is gone also....so, you need 2 guys.

Can the Skins simply trade him if he's going to count $9 million or so against the cap? Probably not easily.

I agree that under an ideal scenario the Skins would want to get something for him. Giving him that big bonus and then trying to move him after only 2 years makes that really tough. Coles gets no big bonus money right now if he's traded, and odds are he doesn't get to pick the team he plays for.

Should be yet another interesting offseason in Washington. I'm sure the wizard Snyder will emerge from May with everyone talking up the Spring Champions. It happens every year. He gets his ticket sales and merchandise revenue from hyped up fans and then he can sit back and work on his swear word vocabulary for the upcoming season of disappointment.

[chicago JK]

The toe is a legit concern. Coles does not want the surgery and even if he does have the surgery there it is not certain if he will ever be the same player. Very tricky injury.

If Coles would come with a reasonable contract I would be very interested.

I envision a offense that has three Wide receivers with Witten and Julius. Is a fullback really needed with Julius? Campbell will get his snaps in two tight end formations, but I would like to see more three wr sets this year...sorta what NE does.

[ravidubey]

Should Coles be released, one source said, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications. Tomorrow is the first day that NFL teams are allowed to waive players.


What? I thought once a bonus is paid you can't discount it from the cap, even if it's paid back. That's one of the reasons Barry Sanders couldn't leave Detroit and ultimately chose to retire.

[Waffle]

BP has stated Coles was among his best ever draft selections.

I think he is a Cowboy. Especially if we sign Bledsoe. That is a deep passing match made in heaven. Get sacked for 10 yard loss on 1st down, rinse and repeat on down 2 then toss the Hail Mary to Coles on 3rd down. LOL.

In all seriousness we could use Coles' speed which is tremendous.
In my view, I'd rather sign Coles without Bledsoe. Coles is only 27 and if healthy, would be a great addition. I believe I've my stance is clear on what I think of the deteriorating Drew Bledsoe

However, like Wayne Motley said, I was wondering why they aren't trying to trade Coles and get something in return? Some of you seem to think his toe injury from 2 years ago is worse than anyone is letting on. That toe needs to be throughly investigated. The last thing we need to do is pay big money for another "ninetoed" one. ;)

[ghettogandhi]

Coles is a tremendous competitior - in the Micheal Irvin MOld- he hates to lose and he works his off to get in good shape every offseason

Coles is a precise route runner and also makes spectacular catches - especially deep-

Last year his lack of yards was mainly a product of the offense- the redskins ran more wr screens and slants than I had seen in many years- as a result the other teams - including us brought everyone within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage to stop Portis first and to flood the short passing game with defenders-

Coles played the entire season with a very painful toe injury and with a broken finger suffered early in the year- I believe it happened in our first meeting-

PLus

COles was drafted by Parcells and has a good relationship with him- Parcells has always loved the kid- he is fiery, great worker and smart guy- very intense

Minus- THe skins will be very active in wr free agency- I really believe they will be targeting Plaxico BUrress and mike Williams- that would be a very dangerous duo-

COles has been shortwinded with a lot of his answers this past season- primarily because he was upset with the way he was being used -but he didnt want to sound off at the coaching staff- very honorable of him- we all watched the skins pathetic offense last year- with Portis- coles that offense should have been better

Give COles- 5 years- 35 million and sign him on day one-

LETS HOPE WE ARE MORE ACTIVE IN FREE AGENCY THIS YEAR-last year was disheartening- and the results speak for itself

[chicago JK]

One more thing on the Coles situation. I am sure before Coles agreed to pay back a large portion of the bonus that he agent called a few teams and asked what he would be worth on the open market. I am sure he got some positive answers or he wouldn't have agreed to pay back a salary. I wonder if Parcells was one of the guys his agent called?

[HeHateMe]

Last 3 season for Coles 89, 82 and 90 catches on the season. I'd take that any day

And one whopping touchdown.

That was caught on a trick HB option play from Portis.

Against the hapless Lions.

I'll pass on that production for the money he is going to want.

[BrAinPaiNt]

The guy is a hard worker, he has skills and fits a need of a Deep Threat we have been needing.

Plus he knows bill, bill thinks he is a heck of a player and if the deal could be done I would be all for it.

Now I do not know about this toe injury, that would have to be checked out, but if it works then he is a heck of a player who would make sense for this team.

[dragon_mikal]

And one whopping touchdown.

That was caught on a trick HB option play from Portis.

Against the hapless Lions.

I'll pass on that production for the money he is going to want.

That is not Coles' fault. The offense he plays on used him incorrectly which is why he wants out.

[InmanRoshi]

Here's the latest ... the Redskins are trying to trade him (with that salary? good luck).

But it does bring up an interesting situation if he had the option to be traded to a team he really wants to go to, if he would be willing to redo his contract the way Glenn and Keyshawn did.

ESPN.com news services

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1996404



After having two extensive conservations with Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs, receiver Laveranues Coles will be released, sources told The Washington Post.


The paper reports Gibbs, owner Daniel Snyder and Coles agent Roosevelt Barnes met Sunday, reaching an oral agreement to make the 27-year-old receiver an unrestricted free agent.

Should Coles be released, one source told the Post, he would return part of his $13 million signing bonus to minimize salary cap ramifications.

Sources close to Coles told ESPN.com on Monday morning, however, that the Redskins were "trying to back off" their agreement to release the wide receiver and that they were tryng to trade him before making such a drastic move. A trade would be difficult, though, since the Redskins would absorb a salary cap hit in excess of $9 million.

"They can't have it both ways," said one source. "If he's going to repay part of [his signing bonus], it's because he can be a free agent, and choose where he continues his career, not to have them trade him. Honestly, it's a mess right now."

Gibbs has admitted to meeting with Coles twice but was vague as to what they discussed.

"We had a couple of good talks. That's the only statement I want to make," Gibbs told the paper last week. "Me and Laveranues talked, and we have a good understanding."

Despite catching a career-high 90 passes last season, Coles was frustrated with the offense and the lack of a deep-passing game.

Gibbs, who also serves as team president, intends to accommodate Coles's request instead of keeping a player who prefers to be elsewhere, two other sources who requested anonymity told the paper.

The Redskins signed Coles to a seven-year, $35 million deal as a restricted free agent from the New York Jets. At the time, the $13 million signing bonus was the richest in Redskins history, forcing the Jets to settle for Washington's first-round pick (No. 13 overall) instead of matching it.

ESPN.com senior writer Len Pasquarelli contributed to this report.

[boysfanindc]

T-New doesnt have a mysterious toe injury, which need I remind you one of our other former CB's did have and he was never the same afterwards

David

Coles has had issues with the toe for almost 2 years. Yet he put up a 1,200 yard season and a 90 catch season for a team for the first half of the year never threw the ball more then 5 yards.

He does not miss games and is still productive.

[InmanRoshi]

Coles has had issues with the toe for almost 2 years. Yet he put up a 1,200 yard season and a 90 catch season for a team for the first half of the year never threw the ball more then 5 yards.

He does not miss games and is still productive.

That's kind of my feeling with the toe. He's been playing with it. It would be one thing he was obviously crippled out there, but he's been a very productive WR on some very bad offenses.

[THEHEREAFTER]

That's kind of my feeling with the toe. He's been playing with it. It would be one thing he was obviously crippled out there, but he's been a very productive WR on some very bad offenses.

Yeah.. but numbers don't always tell the story.. most of his catches were of the dink and dunk variety.. wr screens etc... he had numbers but his IMPACT was minimal to nothing.. no big runs after catches.. no TD's thrown by a QB.. he did not change games this year......(10.6) avg.-- lowest of his career...... same as Portis... good numbers but low impact... I think Portis only had like 2 or 3 20+ yard Runs and like 4-5 TD's.. Coles was basically a posession receiver.. if that's what you're looking for

[InmanRoshi]

Yeah.. but numbers don't always tell the story.. most of his catches were of the dink and dunk variety.. wr screens etc... he had numbers but his IMPACT was minimal to nothing.. no big runs after catches.. no TD's thrown by a QB.. he did not change games this year......(10.6) avg.-- lowest of his career...... same as Portis... good numbers but low impact... I think Portis only had like 2 or 3 20+ yard Runs and like 4-5 TD's.. Coles was basically a posession receiver.. if that's what you're looking for


Agreed, and I'm not looking to sign him for nearly what he signed for with the Redskins signed him for. However, how much of that was due to Gibbs, self-admitedly, conservative playcalling and 3/4 a season with a QB who can't throw the ball downfield? You're not going to pad your YAC with the safeties in this division. He also battled through the toe injury in 2003 putting up 1200 yards, did he not?

[boysfanindc]

Yeah.. but numbers don't always tell the story.. most of his catches were of the dink and dunk variety.. wr screens etc... he had numbers but his IMPACT was minimal to nothing.. no big runs after catches.. no TD's thrown by a QB.. he did not change games this year......(10.6) avg.-- lowest of his career...... same as Portis... good numbers but low impact... I think Portis only had like 2 or 3 20+ yard Runs and like 4-5 TD's.. Coles was basically a posession receiver.. if that's what you're looking for

Coles had the problem 2 years ago and had 1,200 yards.

The gibbs offense was why his numbers were down this year. The offense was designed to be a 5 to 7 yard passing attack.

The fans would go nuts in DC, because not only did they not throw down field, the offense had no down field routes.

He actually had more catches this year, his average was totally tied to the offense they ran. They guy is 195lbs and they designed his routes as 5 to 7 yards over the middle. That is really taking advantage of his speed.

[jterrell]

T-New doesnt have a mysterious toe injury, which need I remind you one of our other former CB's did have and he was never the same afterwards

David

Actually TNew did have a mystery injury which robbed him of effectiveness in the first half of the season.

During which part of Coles career high in catches season was he so bad?
He's complaining because those passes were so short not saying he was limited to that by injury.

The guy will flat out have to pass a physical before any team pays him the first check obviously so you are really not saying much here.

[kmd24]

I believe the injury began as a stress fracture. It is now being described as an arthritic toe. Apparently the surgery would require the removal of the offending bone from the toe.

The surgery has been described as optional. It sounds like it was treated last year with a cortisone shot, after which Coles showed improved performance.

I agree that Coles must think he'll be fine, otherwise he wouldn't be offering to return half of his signing bonus. I also think that the spin that the Redskins want to release him because the injury has gotten worse or because he refused to have surgery won't wash for the same reason. Coles wants out and thinks he can play somewhere else.

If Coles is truly not well enough to be productive, he and his agent must be the dumbest businessmen to walk the planet.

[jterrell]

Yeah.. but numbers don't always tell the story.. most of his catches were of the dink and dunk variety.. wr screens etc... he had numbers but his IMPACT was minimal to nothing.. no big runs after catches.. no TD's thrown by a QB.. he did not change games this year......(10.6) avg.-- lowest of his career...... same as Portis... good numbers but low impact... I think Portis only had like 2 or 3 20+ yard Runs and like 4-5 TD's.. Coles was basically a posession receiver.. if that's what you're looking for

And neither Portis or Coles suck. They are in an offense that was trying to win games 10-7. You outta recognize it because we ran it under Quincy Carter here to make the playoffs. It was about moving the chains and dominating on defense.


Coles got open and made 90 catches, nuff said.
Michael Irvin didn't exactly rack up the TDs most seasons either.

[THEHEREAFTER]

Coles had the problem 2 years ago and had 1,200 yards.

The gibbs offense was why his numbers were down this year. The offense was designed to be a 5 to 7 yard passing attack.

The fans would go nuts in DC, because not only did they not throw down field, the offense had no down field routes.

He actually had more catches this year, his average was totally tied to the offense they ran. They guy is 195lbs and they designed his routes as 5 to 7 yards over the middle. That is really taking advantage of his speed.


Yeah.. I know about the offense.. and no doubt that was part of his issue... just saying that I personally would not be excited about LC right now.. He came out of the gates on fire in DC for his first 3 games.. and hasn't been the same receiver since.. even in the Spurrier offense.. a lingering toe problem just worries me..

[SuspectCorner]

If Coles is truly not well enough to be productive, he and his agent must be the dumbest businessmen to walk the planet.

actually, i believe they'd have to get in line BEHIND matt leinart.

[THEHEREAFTER]

And neither Portis or Coles suck. They are in an offense that was trying to win games 10-7. You outta recognize it because we ran it under Quincy Carter here to make the playoffs. It was about moving the chains and dominating on defense.


Coles got open and made 90 catches, nuff said.
Michael Irvin didn't exactly rack up the TDs most seasons either.

No they.. don't suck.. it's just that everyone's throwing around numbers.. just seperating number vs. impact.. our offense in under Quincy/BP was far better IMO.. :o

[Maikeru-sama]

I'll pass on Laveranues Coles. I think we need to start building this team through the draft and grooming our playermakers at the skills position from the draft. He is probably going to want a sizable paycheck and this team still doesn't have a quarterback that is the true starter. I really see Laveranues Coles being frustrated if he comes here because of the lack of direction in the quarterback department.

Let's draft a wide reciever, groom him, bring him up in the system and ensure his most productive years are when this team is ready to contend for a title or go deep into the playoffs.

Also, I dont want to see this team go too heavy towards the offensive side of the ball. If anything, I would prefer it to be vice versa.

Build do the draft and pass on high priced Free Agents until we need 1-3 to put us in the hunt for that ever elusive 6th Lombardi Trophy.

- Mike G.

[boysfanindc]

Yeah.. I know about the offense.. and no doubt that was part of his issue... just saying that I personally would not be excited about LC right now.. He came out of the gates on fire in DC for his first 3 games.. and hasn't been the same receiver since.. even in the Spurrier offense.. a lingering toe problem just worries me..

If he passes a pyhsical I will take a guy who has averaged 86 cathces and 1,100 yards the last 2 years.

He is a warrior and his team mates love him and he is only 27.

Again if passes pyhsical I would be interested.

[InmanRoshi]

Let's draft a wide reciever, groom him, bring him up in the system and ensure his most productive years are when this team is ready to contend for a title or go deep into the playoffs.

Signing Coles does not prevent you from doing that.

What it prevents you from feeling that you HAVE to draft a WR ... which leads to drafting for need and not value.

I do agree that I wouldn't sign him unless he brings somewhat of a moderate value. We'll see if Coles is only interested in the big $$$, or if other factors are more important. If he was only interested in the $$$, its unlikely that he'll find a contract better than the one he's returning in Washington. After playing for two cap friendly years at near a minimum base, He's just now getting to the backloaded salary years. It seems strange how a WR who only wants the biggest payday possible could walk away from that.

[Maikeru-sama]

Signing Coles does not prevent you from doing that.

What it prevents you from feeling that you HAVE to draft a WR ... which leads to drafting for need and not value.

I just dont want let's see here Ward, Keyshawn, Glenn and maybe now Coles. Compared to Morgan, Crayton and Copper, which are young guys, and besides Morgan, the others are very green and have even had trouble getting on the field to gain some experience.

When exactly is that playmaker you draft suppose to hit the field with aging veterans like the 4 I just named on the roster along with Morgan, Crayton, and Copper who also need work?

I say we draft a receiver, keep most of the ones we got and get younger and more experienced.

I dont want a receiving core full of Free Agents on the roster.

Let's start developing some young talent or possibly spending all that cash on the defensive side of the ball. Lately, the team with the superior defense has been going home with the Prom Queen (NE,Tampa Bay, Ravens etc etc)

The article sounded like Coles was unhappy about the number of deep passes in the Gibbs' playbook. I really dont see that changing here.

- Mike G.

[InmanRoshi]

I highly doubt Dedric Ward will be on the team next year, and I believe Terry Glenn is in his final year of the contract. Keyshawn's contract is essentially a 3 year contract as well. Its a better than zero chance that either Glenn or Key suffer serious injury at somepoint next year with their age and wear, which will lead to a lot of snaps for someone.

WR's are maybe the most notorious position, outside of maybe QB, of needing the longest adjustment period into the league. As it stands, I see no problem for any WR drafted for us this year getting considerable playing time his first 24 months a Cowboys.

Can you explain to me the benefits of the Cowboys drafting for need in a draft that's ridiculously thin at the WR position? The release of Coles almost assures that the Redskins will look hard at WR with the #9 pick. What's your gameplan when Mike Williams and Braylon Edwards are off the board by #11? Are you comfortable reaching for a WR when there are better players available who also fill need positions?

[Maikeru-sama]

Yeah, im going by the present. Right now, I see a very aging receiving core who has young talent that has trouble getting on the field for whatever reason.

As far as developing a young wide receiver, I always thought it was tougher for a youngster to learn the position if he was making a position switch. You may be right, but I have not really heard that guys that played Wideout throughout college and highschool have had a tough time adjusting.

I wouldnt be totally disappointed if Coles were brought in, I just dont like spending that type of money at that position especially when this team has no clear starter at quarterback and so many holes on the defensive side of the ball. If we are going to spend money, I am a defensive minded person and would like it used on the defense. After watching this season, I just felt I would be opposed to bringing any new receivers in unless they were from the draft are very young.

I dont see this team making a run at this point in time and I would hate for Mr. Coles to waste his prime years in mediocrity.

- Mike G.

[boysfanindc]

I just dont want let's see here Ward, Keyshawn, Glenn and maybe now Coles. Compared to Morgan, Crayton and Copper, which are young guys, and besides Morgan, the others are very green and have even had trouble getting on the field to gain some experience.

When exactly is that playmaker you draft suppose to hit the field with aging veterans like the 4 I just named on the roster along with Morgan, Crayton, and Copper who also need work?

I say we draft a receiver, keep most of the ones we got and get younger and more experienced.

I dont want a receiving core full of Free Agents on the roster.

Let's start developing some young talent or possibly spending all that cash on the defensive side of the ball. Lately, the team with the superior defense has been going home with the Prom Queen (NE,Tampa Bay, Ravens etc etc)

The article sounded like Coles was unhappy about the number of deep passes in the Gibbs' playbook. I really dont see that changing here.

- Mike G.

I think I mostly agree.

I don't see the urgent need to bring in a WR that a lot of others seem to have. I see on some people's priority list it is number 2 or 3.

I think we have far more issues on the other side of the ball.

DT, DE, CB, FS, LB, RT seem to me to be far more pressing needs then the WR position.

KJ should be ready to go, Glenn when healthy is still very productive. Call me crazy and some will, I still have some hope Morgan with some coaching and a camp can be a productive 2 or 3 WR.

And as you noted who knows what we have in Crayton and Copper.

Having said that Coles is the only WR (potentially) out there that intrigues me some. He is still young at 27, he team mates love him because he is a warrior and a leader and is very very productive.

If healthy you don't run across guys very often that have his combination of talent, production, leadership and desire to win.

That's why I believe he is at least a look, would I also be ok if we spent all our money and picks on the above areas's of need. Yes, I would but Coles is a interesting player at least a look IMO.

[InmanRoshi]

I dont see this team making a run at this point in time and I would hate for Mr. Coles to waste his prime years in mediocrity.

Coles is 27 years old. If that mindset is true, than its a waste to even draft a WR highly .... we won't even be able to properly evaluate him in, mired in this mediocrity, to determine if he's worth resigning after his rookie contract.

Again, I just can't see the benefit of the Cowboys having tunnel vision drafting for need at the WR position in a thin WR draft class. If you're worried about resource allocation .... we have plenty cap space to spare .. what we don't have to spare is draft picks.

[Maikeru-sama]

Can you explain to me the benefits of the Cowboys drafting for need in a draft that's ridiculously thin at the WR position? The release of Coles almost assures that the Redskins will look hard at WR with the #9 pick. What's your gameplan when Mike Williams and Braylon Edwards are off the board by #11? Are you comfortable reaching for a WR when there are better players available who also fill need positions?

Well, that is just it need.

You cannot re-build a team, as the Cowboys most surely need to do in 1-2 drafts. For instance, this team probably needs a quarterback, but I dont think this is a strong draft for quarterback, so you scratch that little position off of your "to-do" list and move on to the next biggest need.

I am no draft expert and I really dont even follow the draft. But I always felt we should go into this draft looking for:
Defensive Tackle - 1
Defensive End -1
Wide Receiver - 2

Now the jury is still out on our "re-vamped" scouting department, so I cant say I totally trust the scouting and it's ability to find maybe a gifted player at wideout in the later rounds.

As I said, if you cant get that Tackle, then you get that End, if you cant get those, you get your Wideout, if you cant get them, you get your Corner, so forth and so forth.

Let's keep the money on the defensive side of the ball, until we have a decent enough defense and/or we get the all important quarterback position decided.

- Mike G.

[Maikeru-sama]

Coles is 27 years old. If that mindset is true, than its a waste to even draft a WR highly .... we won't even be able to properly evaluate him in, mired in this mediocrity, to determine if he's worth resigning after his rookie contract.

My point is, the guy would possibly be 28-30 years of age, depending on what type of contract he signs and when this team starts getting some type of identity.

Are we a smash mouth team?

A defensive team?

A offensive team?

When you dont have a clear cut quarterback, you do this:
1. You get him playing time in the wanning minutes of blowouts,which we didnt do.

2. You get him a big bodied receiver that can help his development, "clap" we did that with Keyshawn.

3. After you have evaluated your young gun, you now go get him a lexus and a bentley at the other skill positions such as TE, HB, WR etc etc.


I think Coles would probably not like it here because the QB situation is so up in the air. Now if the plan is the get Bledsoe, well, I think the passing game would possibly benefit but...........






at the expense of the future of the franchise.

Let's get the young quarterbacks some experience. Shorten the field, pound with Jones, short passes to Witten and Keyshawn and some deep routes every now and then with Terry Glenn until we can get "_________(fill in the blank)" some experience.

We'll get that Mercedes at Wideout once we get the driver (quarterback) all nice and tucked in.

- Mike G.

[Maikeru-sama]

Coles is 27 years old. If that mindset is true, than its a waste to even draft a WR highly .... we won't even be able to properly evaluate him in, mired in this mediocrity, to determine if he's worth resigning after his rookie contract.

Again, I just can't see the benefit of the Cowboys having tunnel vision drafting for need at the WR position in a thin WR draft class. If you're worried about resource allocation .... we have plenty cap space to spare .. what we don't have to spare is draft picks.

I just explained that you cannot always find what you need in 1 Draft Class. I wont repeat myself.

I would just say we will have to agree to disagree. Quite frankley, we both win anyway. If Coles comes here, there is no question that provides an upgrade (although the same could be said for Mr. Testeverde). If he doesnt, that is just more cash laying around to be used elsewhere.

Agree to disagree.

- Mike G.

[The30YardSlant]

As much as Id hate us to get Moss, Id kill someone if we get Coles :banghead:

[dcdallaschick]

So after all that, read up on extremeskins about their newest Coles-related freak-out: apparently Gibbs had a PC late today and denounced the article in the Washington Post that started all this talk. WP beat reporter got on the local sports radio to respond. ?

http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=92005

[KINGBRICE_28]

So after all that, read up on extremeskins about their newest Coles-related freak-out: apparently Gibbs had a PC late today and denounced the article in the Washington Post that started all this talk. WP beat reporter got on the local sports radio to respond. ?

http://www.extremeskins.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=92005

Ahh ya beat me to it......

[Fletch]

good point. Mike Williams will be a Redskin...if he drops that far.

Good, because then we could go out and get Derrick Johnson. If he falls that far. :p:

[HeHateMe]

That is not Coles' fault. The offense he plays on used him incorrectly which is why he wants out.

Regardless.

Until he gets that toe fixed, I want no part of him.