Arrington Exits Redskins’ Circle

By Hugo Guzman  |   Tuesday, March 07, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Washington Redskins
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
As the first weekend of March approached, the Washington Redskins appeared to have an "All for One and One for All" attitude. Despite the uncertainty of labor negotiations between team owners and the NFL Players Association, a number of veterans showed good faith in an effort to get the team under the salary cap. But by late Sunday, one player stole the spotlight from all the rest, with an agreement that terminated an often tumultuous relationship.

In an interesting maneuver, the Redskins bid farewell to linebacker LaVar Arrington, whose last two seasons were marred by injury and controversy. Feeling unwanted and underutilized, Arrington agreed to forgo $4.4 million, so he could test the free agent market. He was originally scheduled to become a free agent in 2007.

"Under the current situation, I don't see how it would be productive for me or for the Redskins for me to be there," Arrington told reporters on Monday. "I think it's obvious. Some people feel I'm full of drama. Some people feel the Redskins are like that. Who knows who's wrong? It just seems we got to our current position in terms of me and the Redskins. It didn't seem like a comfortable fit."
According to the Washington Post, a source close to Arrington said the decision was not really something he wanted to do. "He loved the area, the fans and his teammates. But at this point, it made sense for LaVar."

The $4.4 million was part of a $5.7 million amount that was owed to Arrington in bonus payments for the next two years. Arrington will instead receive $1.3 million next month, while the Redskins catch a break on what could have been an enormous cap hit. If the team had kept Arrington, the former second overall pick (2000) would have carried a $12 million cap figure for 2006.

"It's going to be best for the Redskins and I hope it's going to be best for LaVar," said Redskins head coach, Joe Gibbs. "I think it gives him a chance for a fresh start."

Arrington's release coincided with the NFL's decision to extend the labor deadline for a second time. The new deadline is Thursday, March 9th at 12:01 am. On Monday night, the league agreed to pass along the latest NFLPA proposal for the owners to vote on. If approval is given by at least 24 of the league's 32 owners, the salary cap for next season will increase from $94.5 million to as much as $108 million per team.

The latest on-again, off-again bargaining sessions have left teams in disarray. Those over the cap remained proactive, by cutting a number of star players with potentially huge cap figures. But aside from Arrington, the Redskins found other ways to shave off what was once a $17 million dollar over-the-cap figure.

Last Tuesday, quarterback Mark Brunell saved the team $1.8 million, when he volunteered to restructure his contract. Then on Thursday, running back Clinton Portis followed suit, by reworking a deal that was scheduled to run through 2011. Reportedly, Portis will receive increased payments in 2007 and 2008, with the opportunity for free agency after the 2008 season.

Other Redskins making sacrifices included cornerback Shawn Springs, guard Randy Thomas and defensive end Renaldo Wynn. Players who are rumored to be on the verge of restructuring contracts include linebacker Marcus Washington and offensive linemen John Jansen and Chris Samuels.

In Arrington's case, the Redskins were not able to cut him outright because he would have counted $12 million against the cap. But while the Redskins finances improved, the separation will likely be bittersweet for Number 56.

Originally marketed as the face of the Redskins, Arrington earned a large legion of fans, on his way to three Pro Bowl appearances. But his learning curve suffered, as the Redskins shuffled through five defensive coordinators in five seasons. When Gibbs returned to coach the team in 2004, Arrington played well in four games, but his season was cut short by a knee injury. He then underwent two operations before returning for the 2005 season.

Unfortunately for Arrington, he was not welcomed back with open arms. A contract dispute with owner Daniel Snyder was partly to blame. But he also became aggravated by the team's reluctance to play him. Some reports indicated that Arrington needed more time to heal, while others pointed to a freelancing style that did not fit the Redskins' plans.

Nevertheless, Arrington showed progress in the latter stages of 2005. In his last four games, the former Penn State All-American recorded 20 tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception. He also helped lead the Redskins to their first playoff appearance in six seasons. At the age of 27, Arrington is still considered a young linebacker. If his knee checks out, he should draw free agent interest from teams who can afford him.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report