Skins sign a punter, alienate a passer

The Washington Redskins signed punter Hunter Smith today to a one year contract. Smith was drafted in the 7th round in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts and is a ten year veteran who has made 3 Pro Bowls. Before you get too excited, though, remember that kicking in a dome, where the Colts play, is not the same thing as kicking outdoors in the NFC East. However, Smith is an accomplished holder for field goals and extra points, something that will come in handy. I’d be surprised if anyone can take this job from Smith in 2009.

Classy QB Jason Campbell has finally reached his limit. After the Redskins publicly shopped him around during their ill-fated quest for Jay Cutler, Campbell tried to remain above the fray. Now, however, the Redskins are quite openly attempting to trade what little draft they have left in order to move up and acquire USC QB Mark Sanchez. Campbell has let it be known that if Sanchez is drafted, he wants to be traded as soon as possible.

ESPN reports the Redskins are indeed serious about trying to get Mark Sanchez.

The Redskins have talked about a number of scenarios, especially this
one: trading from 13th to fourth and selecting Sanchez, then dealing
Campbell to another team, perhaps the Minnesota Vikings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Jets — to recoup lost picks.

Campbell’s second-half drop-off last season concerned the Redskins’
front office enough that it has stepped up its pursuit of Sanchez.
Campbell also is in a contract year and Washington would have to invest
franchise-type money to keep him for 2010 and beyond.

Why in God’s green Earth would Jason Campbell want to re-sign with Washington, no matter what happens?

Post beat writer Jason LaCanfora held an online chat about the Redskins and the draft earlier today. We bring you edited highlights:

D.C.: What are the chances Vinny is just bluffing with the whole
Sanchez and it is a smokescreen? Everyone made such a big deal about
the front office people taking Sacnchez to dinner, but they took Orakpo
too.

Jason La Canfora: The owner has been coveting this dude for a
long time. It’s not a smoke screen. Whether it happens or not, they are
investigating every way possible to get him.

…

Sterling, Va.: Sal Pal on ESPN said Campbell to Bucs, Jets, Vikes. We trade up for Sanchez with Seattle?

Jason La Canfora: They will try to deal Jason if they get
Sanchez in all likelihood, and I’d be stunned if Jason didn’t demand a
trade, anyway, if they did get him.

They have already offered Jason to two teams as it stands from
during the Cutler stuff, so no way would it makje sense for him to
stick around and “compete” with Sanchez for the job, as Sanchez told me
Snyder presented.

…

Auburn, Ala.: In your opinion, what pick would have the biggest (best) impact on this team from day 1?

Jason La Canfora: Getting a Jason Smith would be huge,
especially after failing to get any of the 8 tackles who went in the
first round again a year ago.

…

N.Y., N.Y.: What linemen are the Skins interested in? Do you
think they’d stay put at 13 and just take a Michael Oher if that’s how
the draft shakes out, or do you think it’s more likely they move down?

Jason La Canfora: Oher and Andre Smith had some potential to be
there early on, but as this thing has played out most agents and execs
I talk to are banking on all 4 of the top tackles being gone before 13.

So count them out.

As for trading down, if Sanchez and Orakpo are off the board then I think the Skins will be working hard to trade down.

Washington, D.C.: What is the update on the right tackle
situation? It certainly can’t be Jon Jansen’s dead body again? Does
Rhinehart have any chance of getting on the field this year?

Jason La Canfora: Heyer’s job to lose. He’ll come in as tops on
depth chart unless they find one in the draft. Rinehart will have
difficutly moving beyond reserve guard status I figure. No way he plays
tackle or you are looking at another Suggs v. Geiseinger situation (the
Geyser had no chance).

Tags: Hunter Smith, Jason Campbell, Mark Sanchez, NFL Draft, Punter, Quarterback, Washington Redskins