Gunzlingr
03-01-2005, 08:05 AM
A trade involving Washington Redskins wide receiver Laveranues Coles just might be back on. The New York Jets, the most likely partner, seemed to breathe life back into the potential deal yesterday by signaling some willingness to work with the respective parties on a swap.
Although details of the Jets' step forward weren't clear, the fact they apparently were ready to talk wasn't unexpected. The Redskins, Jets and Coles have been playing a high-stakes game of liar's poker for about a week now, and the only certainty in their respective bargaining positions was that Washington wouldn't let Coles walk away as a free agent.
Under terms previously discussed, the Redskins would receive speedy wideout Santana Moss in exchange for Coles. Moss then would receive a new contract from Washington.
However, the specifics of Coles' financial prospects remain uncertain. The Jets could give Coles a new pact as part of the deal, or they could pick up part or all of the $5 million Washington is due to pay Coles on April 1. That $5 million represents the final installment on Coles' original $13 million signing bonus.
In either scenario, Washington likely would have more salary cap room to pursue free agents in a market that opens tomorrow. The Redskins are on the verge of signing offensive tackle Chris Samuels to a new contract, and until yesterday it appeared the spending room created by Samuels' deal simply would be used to absorb the cap "acceleration" of Coles' trade.
link (http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20050228-114756-3482r.htm)
Although details of the Jets' step forward weren't clear, the fact they apparently were ready to talk wasn't unexpected. The Redskins, Jets and Coles have been playing a high-stakes game of liar's poker for about a week now, and the only certainty in their respective bargaining positions was that Washington wouldn't let Coles walk away as a free agent.
Under terms previously discussed, the Redskins would receive speedy wideout Santana Moss in exchange for Coles. Moss then would receive a new contract from Washington.
However, the specifics of Coles' financial prospects remain uncertain. The Jets could give Coles a new pact as part of the deal, or they could pick up part or all of the $5 million Washington is due to pay Coles on April 1. That $5 million represents the final installment on Coles' original $13 million signing bonus.
In either scenario, Washington likely would have more salary cap room to pursue free agents in a market that opens tomorrow. The Redskins are on the verge of signing offensive tackle Chris Samuels to a new contract, and until yesterday it appeared the spending room created by Samuels' deal simply would be used to absorb the cap "acceleration" of Coles' trade.
link (http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20050228-114756-3482r.htm)