From the Washingtonpost.com.
Skins aren't interested in L Sheppard, so they say.
Posted at 4:23 PM ET, 03/ 2/2008
Lito Sheppard/Other Stuff
I mentioned Lito Sheppard a few days ago as a possibility and indeed it was. Despite the fact the Eagles are in the NFC East, Philadelphia has contacted Washington several times about Sheppard in recent weeks - more or less since the combine - knowing the Commanders have a need at CB.
The Commanders rebuffed Philly, however, league sources said. They do not want to do a huge contract right now, they have concerns about Sheppard's ability to stay healthy and they are not inclined to give up high draft picks right now. Philly was probing around on Shawn Springs, hoping to pry him, sources said, with the Eagles believing he could be highly effective at corner as well as safety with them already honing in on Asante Samuel quite some time ago. (The Commanders, meantime, had a lengthy dinner with agent Peter Schaffer during the combine - Schaffer is a big-time guy and Sheppard happens to be a client of his. While I do not know specifically if Sheppard's name came up during that meeting, several parties who happened to be in the same Indy restaurant that night believe it did. Regardless, the Skins have shown no desire to deal for him at this time and the Eagles continue to shop Sheppard).
Greg Blache, Jerry Gray and Jim Zorn are intent on keeping Springs, and have said as much during staff meetings, sources said, especially with Carlos Rogers's status up in the air (they aim for an October return but that's far from certain). To this point the Commanders have told Spring's agent they do not need to redo his contract for cap purposes, sources said, and have given every indication to this point that eh will be a big part of the 2008 season as is.
However, Springs is also the rare player to have clashed with owner Daniel Snyder - during last year's renegotiation talks - and stick around. Often when there are differences in such meetings - see: Bailey, Arrington, Coles, Pierce - said player does not stick around for long. A year ago the Skins were shopping Springs around, but given the club's corner situation and his strong season (he was outstanding in the second half in particular despite the heavy pressure placed on corners in man coverage in this system). He is someone they need right now.
Otherwise it's all quiet. Skins waiting to see if guys like Cartwright, Fabini and Prioleau come back to them should the free agent waters be still on their end (Fabini is drawing interest from Miami), and watching the WR market with particular attention. They don't want to break the bank but should the price on a guy like DJ Hackett fall, they could perhaps make a play. (The Skins have never been real players in the Javon Walker hunt, by the way, despite what you might read).
The draft continues to be a point of emphasis within the front office, and rightfully so. Defensive tackle is the top need in regard to amateur players (most veteran DTs have already been shopped and the Skins have expressed no interest in Dewayne Robertson to this point and are not expected to, sources said). The Skins could address either WR or CB in the high rounds as well, but I strongly believe they will sign an established WR or CB before then, because you can't count on finding immediate impact at DT, WR and CB in one draft, especially picking 21st each round.
Posted by Jason La Canfora | Permalink | Comments (8)
