In a stunning move that certainly grabbed the attention of league general managers on an otherwise serene Friday afternoon, the Washington Redskins have granted star cornerback Champ Bailey permission to initiate trade discussions with other franchises, ESPN.com has learned.
Several teams confirmed that agent Jack Reale faxed them notification of the surprising move. Reale did not immediately return phone messages on Friday but a Washington source confirmed that Redskins owner Dan Snyder agreed on Thursday night that Bailey can speak with other clubs.
Bailey, 25, just finished the final season of his original NFL contract and technically is eligible for unrestricted free agency, although the Redskins could limit his options.
The move could signal an impasse in negotiations, aimed at extending the contract of the five-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer, or it might reflect any number of potential scenarios. Among them: The team could attempt to obtain draft choices to use in acquiring quarterback Mark Brunell from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Or, having recently signed strong-side linebacker LaVar Arrington to a blockbuster contract, the Redskins may have decided they cannot afford to have two such highly paid defenders.
Several teams confirmed that agent Jack Reale faxed them notification of the surprising move. Reale did not immediately return phone messages on Friday but a Washington source confirmed that Redskins owner Dan Snyder agreed on Thursday night that Bailey can speak with other clubs.
Bailey, 25, just finished the final season of his original NFL contract and technically is eligible for unrestricted free agency, although the Redskins could limit his options.
The move could signal an impasse in negotiations, aimed at extending the contract of the five-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl performer, or it might reflect any number of potential scenarios. Among them: The team could attempt to obtain draft choices to use in acquiring quarterback Mark Brunell from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Or, having recently signed strong-side linebacker LaVar Arrington to a blockbuster contract, the Redskins may have decided they cannot afford to have two such highly paid defenders.
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