(merged) Pastabelly: Gardner is a hot commodity

[Dirk Diggler]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2007815

With the pool of unrestricted wide receivers drained of much of its talent only one week into the signing period, the most coveted player available at the position might not be the enigmatic Plaxico Burress of Pittsburgh, but rather a player who isn't even a free agent.

Indeed, as Burress struggles to drum up interest leaguewide, Redskins four-year veteran Rod Gardner, who Washington will trade, maybe by the end of the week, has experienced no problem in locating viable suitors. The active wide receiver market, which has moved at warp speed in the opening week of free agency, has certainly stoked the trade flames for Gardner, and at least three teams are interested in acquiring him.

All three of those teams -- Minnesota, Cleveland and Seattle -- have spoken to agent Joel Segal about his client. Segal was granted written permission by Redskins officials three weeks ago to speak directly to other teams about possible trade scenarios.

"Let's just say," acknowledged Segal early Tuesday, "that things are heating up."

Despite the pending swap of Laveranues Coles to the New York Jets, which will become official when the wide receiver passes a Wednesday physical examination, Washington is intent on trading away its No. 2 wideout as well. And franchises interested in Gardner seem willing to match the asking price, a middle-round draft choice, if they can agree to a contract extension with the former first-rounder.

Gardner, 27, has one season remaining, at a base salary of $2.097 million, on the original five-year contract he signed with Washington in 2001.

The former Clemson star, the 15th player chosen overall in the '01 draft, has never missed a game and started all but two of his 64 career appearances. Gardner has 227 receptions for 2,997 yards and 22 touchdowns. In four seasons, his average numbers -- 56.8 catches, 749.3 yards and 5.5 touchdowns -- certainly are comparable to those of Burress.

Over five years, Burress has averaged 52.2 catches, 833.2 yards and four touchdowns.

Burress is arguably regarded as a more explosive playmaker but some teams feel Gardner is a steadier player, even with some stretches of inconsistency in 2004, who will seek a far more palatable contract.

Gardner's best year came in 2002, when he registered 71 receptions for 1,006 yards and eight touchdowns. In the two seasons since, he has only 110 catches and 10 touchdowns. But he is seen more as a complementary wideout, while Burress seems to want to escape the shadow of former Steelers teammate Hines Ward, and become a "lead" receiver.

But where Burress will get the opportunity to assume that role remains unresolved. He missed a Monday visit with New York Giants officials because of the flu and is now said to be scheduled for a Wednesday meeting. But the Giants have suggested contract figures -- six years for $21 million, with a signing bonus of $4 million -- that might not satisfy his desires. Minnesota officials, while in pursuit of Gardner, remain interested in Burress, but only if his financial expectations are lowered.


Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here .

[ntotoro]

Burress is arguably regarded as a more explosive playmaker but some teams feel Gardner is a steadier player...

Hunhhrnnghhh.... ? :dunce:

[Dirk Diggler]

If we could get a first day pick, I would do the windmill:

:dance:

[Phat Hog]

Middle round draft choice? I hope we can get a little higher than that..like a 2nd or early 3rd.

[illone]

Like I've been saying, we'll get a 2nd for him.

Simple supply and demand here folks.

[Yusuf06]

I went sour on 50/50 season before last. Since then I've been hoping we could get a third rounder for him. If we manage to move him for a mid to late second I'd dance a jig like Walter Huston in Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

[Nighthawk]

Before we get two or more threads about this, change the title of the thread to match the title of the article.

[Blue Collar Skins]

Originally posted by Yusuf06
I went sour on 50/50 season before last. Since then I've been hoping we could get a third rounder for him. If we manage to move him for a mid to late second I'd dance a jig like Walter Huston in Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Ok, make sure you post the video of you doing that on here!!

[bubba9497]

2nd rounder

[FLSKINSFAN]

But the Giants have suggested contract figures -- six years for $21 million, with a signing bonus of $4 million

No way Burress signs for that.

[Yusuf06]

Originally posted by Blue Collar Skins
Ok, make sure you post the video of you doing that on here!!

OK, but it won't be pretty. I can promise you that :)

[MCnDaHouse]

A 2nd round pick would work for me! After the scarity of picks last season an extra 2nd rounder would be great!

MC:cool:

[goldenster95]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2007815

Updated: Mar. 8, 2005, 11:51 AM ET

Redskins prepared to dump top two receivers
By Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

With the pool of unrestricted wide receivers drained of much of its talent only one week into the signing period, the most coveted player available at the position might not be the enigmatic Plaxico Burress of Pittsburgh, but rather a player who isn't even a free agent.

Indeed, as Burress struggles to drum up interest leaguewide, Redskins four-year veteran Rod Gardner, who Washington will trade, maybe by the end of the week, has experienced no problem in locating viable suitors. The active wide receiver market, which has moved at warp speed in the opening week of free agency, has certainly stoked the trade flames for Gardner, and at least three teams are interested in acquiring him.

All three of those teams -- Minnesota, Cleveland and Seattle -- have spoken to agent Joel Segal about his client. Segal was granted written permission by Redskins officials three weeks ago to speak directly to other teams about possible trade scenarios.

"Let's just say," acknowledged Segal early Tuesday, "that things are heating up."

Despite the pending swap of Laveranues Coles to the New York Jets, which will become official when the wide receiver passes a Wednesday physical examination, Washington is intent on trading away its No. 2 wideout as well. And franchises interested in Gardner seem willing to match the asking price, a middle-round draft choice, if they can agree to a contract extension with the former first-rounder.

Gardner, 27, has one season remaining, at a base salary of $2.097 million, on the original five-year contract he signed with Washington in 2001.

The former Clemson star, the 15th player chosen overall in the '01 draft, has never missed a game and started all but two of his 64 career appearances. Gardner has 227 receptions for 2,997 yards and 22 touchdowns. In four seasons, his average numbers -- 56.8 catches, 749.3 yards and 5.5 touchdowns -- certainly are comparable to those of Burress.

Over five years, Burress has averaged 52.2 catches, 833.2 yards and four touchdowns.

Burress is arguably regarded as a more explosive playmaker but some teams feel Gardner is a steadier player, even with some stretches of inconsistency in 2004, who will seek a far more palatable contract.

Gardner's best year came in 2002, when he registered 71 receptions for 1,006 yards and eight touchdowns. In the two seasons since, he has only 110 catches and 10 touchdowns. But he is seen more as a complementary wideout, while Burress seems to want to escape the shadow of former Steelers teammate Hines Ward, and become a "lead" receiver.

But where Burress will get the opportunity to assume that role remains unresolved. He missed a Monday visit with New York Giants officials because of the flu and is now said to be scheduled for a Wednesday meeting. But the Giants have suggested contract figures -- six years for $21 million, with a signing bonus of $4 million -- that might not satisfy his desires. Minnesota officials, while in pursuit of Gardner, remain interested in Burress, but only if his financial expectations are lowered.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

[Fatty P For The Pulitzer]

He would be perfect in Seattle. They could corner the market on 50-50 receivers!

[Brown 43]

We should get more than a Mid-round pick for him?

[bird_1972]

If things are heating up that much, any chance we can hoodwink someone into giving up a late 1st for him?





Just a thought.:D

[Neophyte]

Wonder how many of those teams would part with something above a " middle-round draft choice" for Gardner in order to get him. Since we have at least 3 teams looking at him, that would seem to indicate a higher market value.

I would love to see a 2nd or 3rd for him.

[Henry]

If three teams are bidding for him I dont think a 2nd rounder is out of the question.

[Dead Money]

Originally posted by bird_1972
If things are heating up that much, any chance we can hoodwink someone into giving up a late 1st for him?
Just a thought.:D

As David Spade would put it....
NO! Niet! Nonca!

Mid to High second would be stretching it.. Thats probably why it hasn't been done yet.

[bubba9497]

Originally posted by Henry
If three teams are bidding for him I dont think a 2nd rounder is out of the question.

5 interested, 3 have made direct inquires. ;)

actually Cleveland is a new team to the list

[Oldskool]

another example of the old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure".

[bird_1972]

Originally posted by Kevin B.


As David Spade would put it....
NO! Niet! Nonca!

Mid to High second would be stretching it.. Thats probably why it hasn't been done yet.

Hey, I can dream, can't I?

[STaylorLayintheWOOD]

yeah i think there is a possibility of getting a 2nd for him although i feel we will get a pretty good 3rd rounder for him in the end

[Fatty P For The Pulitzer]

The media has been saying mid-round pick for weeks now. That could be a 3rd or a 5th, who knows? Fatty P is just saying that to hopefully drive Gardner's trade value down. I'm surprised he didn't put more dirt about Gardner in there. I don't think a 2nd rounder is out of the question at all with multiple teams contacting him.

[DUSTINMFOX]

Please!!! Second Rounder!!!

It's funny, Lenny seems to be unknowingly helping us by drumming up interest for Gardnder, despite his comment:

"And franchises interested in Gardner seem willing to match the asking price, a middle-round draft choice, if they can agree to a contract extension with the former first-rounder"

Like others said...if there are three teams really interested he'll command a second or third rounder

[Dirk Diggler]

I recall Mike Holmgren was very interested in Gardner back in 2001. Supposedly it was a very difficult call between him and Koren Robinson. So now he has the chance to put BOTH underachievers on the field together. Good plan Mike :rolleyes:

[Fifty Gut]

Originally posted by Dirk Diggler
If we could get a first day pick, I would do the windmill:

:dance:

:laugh: @ the windmill.

Second round pick please!!! :D

[MrSilverMaC]

We'll get a mid 2nd rounder for him.

[authentic]

[i]
All three of those teams -- Minnesota, Cleveland and Seattle -- have spoken to agent Joel Segal about his client. Segal was granted written permission by Redskins officials three weeks ago to speak directly to other teams about possible trade scenarios.
[/B]:2drunks: happy days are here again!!!!!!!!!!

[inmate running the asylum]

Originally posted by illone
Like I've been saying, we'll get a 2nd for him.

Simple supply and demand here folks.

This has nothing to do with economics. Big eyes is doing the negotiation. :laugh:

[GangstaSkinz]

Let the bidding begin!

[skin_finatic]

Originally posted by ntotoro


Hunhhrnnghhh.... ? :dunce:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[ECU-ALUM]

no less than a 3rd rounder...2nd rounder and I would swear Christmas came early this year.

[CrazyZeb]

I remember certain opposing fans saying we'd be lucky to get a 7th. :rolleyes:

[krausko2]

hey guys, i am new to the board..why is Gardner called 50/50? Thanks in advance.

[manichispanic]

50/50 chance of him catching the ball. Bruce SMith called him out with that nickname in practice a few years back

[skinzfan4life]

Man this is great...i never thought we'd get anything above a 4th...but a 3rd is awesome and the possiblility of a 2nd is amazing....come on 2nd!!!!!

[tvan]

A #2 would be so so sweet but I not holding my breath. A 3 is more realistic.

[DonMagicJuan]

do i hear a 2nd round pick? hmmm

[big z]

i thought 4th as well....if our FO gets a 2nd for Rod and signs smooty, i'll nut myself...

[jrockster21]

Originally posted by bubba9497


5 interested, 3 have made direct inquires. ;)

actually Cleveland is a new team to the list


I would think Cleveland is the most likely to part with a 2nd round draft pick, as their receiving corps is pretty average already, and their front office seems to be mostly retards anyway. With Cleveland, a 1st round pick isn't out of the question! They'd just waste it on a bust anyway.

[riggins44]

This works in our favor. The more teams interested, the higher the pick or multiple picks we'll get.

[fdarugar]

Hell yea, looks like we can get a 2nd rounder outta Rod...Justin Tuck, Elton Brown? The 2nd round is deep with talent. Plax's contract seems to be pretty decent, maybe if we loose out on Smoot, we can target Plax and take a DL or CB in the draft but I'm not sold on Plax at all.

[wvufootball1976]

Originally posted by jrockster77



I would think Cleveland is the most likely to part with a 2nd round draft pick, as their receiving corps is pretty average already, and their front office seems to be mostly retards anyway. With Cleveland, a 1st round pick isn't out of the question! They'd just waste it on a bust anyway.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: So true my friend, so true. I live about an hour west of that hellhole so I hear tons of Brownie talk around here. I havent talked to a fan of theirs in the last year that have any glimmer of hope for that team for the next couple seasons.

[GIBBS LIVES]

I want to keep Gardner. I think he would flourish if he were the # 1 WR again. Look at his numbers before Coles got here. Pretty decent.

[tr1]

Yeah, he's worth a high number 2....yea, or a low number 1.....

Bid him up! Sorry to see him go. And, did I say he's got great hands and speed. Maybe worth a mid number 1. And, he's a team guy... Two picks? Yea, sure.






:puke:

[Shotgunner]

Oh god, a second rounder would save our draft day.:notworthy

[wvufootball1976]

I never minded Gardner either. Always thought he made some good catches when the ball came to him accurately. But at the same time we dont need 15 WR's on the team either. And I'd rather keep McCants and Jacobs than Gardner.

[Newera]

Cleveland is under new management with Savage running things -- the former player personnel director with the Ravens.

Cleveland is trying to follow the New England system and style of management. Picked up Dilfer cheaply. Probably plan to go defense with first pick. Gardener for their second could be a possibility, but I see it more then likely being for a third rounder.

[jrfriedm]

Originally posted by illone
Like I've been saying, we'll get a 2nd for him.

Simple supply and demand here folks.

I actually think that because of demand we could even maybe trade minn Gardner and our the #7 overall, and they give up their #5, and a third rounder. That would be an awesome deal in my opinion.

[KTrainSkinsFan]

I wish Gardner the best. I hope he shows a lot of you guys what happens when you continually devalue your own home-grown talent.

I think Gardner is much better than a lot of you guys think but because of an unfair bad rap (the 50/50 nickname was started by Michael Westbrook, by the way) any mistake he made was amplified x10.

[BigDaddyShoo]

Originally posted by jrfriedm


I actually think that because of demand we could even maybe trade minn Gardner and our the #7 overall, and they give up their #5, and a third rounder. That would be an awesome deal in my opinion.
don't we have #9 overall and the vikes have #7?

[SittingBull]

Isnt a 2nd round pick this draft comparable to a 4th round pick last draft?

[Lowghost]

Rod keep driving up the asking price.:)

I am one of the people who likes RG, only problem is, he doesn't want to be a Redskin.

I hope we can get a 2nd round pick for him.

[The President]

2nd round works for me.

[TheSteve]

I'm am glad some of you guys aren't the General Manager. Here's how the conversation would have gone if you were:

Red McCombs: Hey, I'm interested in Gardner as a cheap one year fill in for Randy until I sell the team, he seems pretty good. What are y'all lookin' at for him?

Redskins Fan GM: Aw heck, ya know he can't catch to save his life Red. We call him 50/50. (Cackle). (Pause). Yeah, and you know I really can't in good conscience ask for that much for him, just a little, you know, something in return to make it worthwhile. But he's really a bust, had one good year...

Red McCombs: Well, what do you want for him? As you said he is pretty inconsistent...I don't think we can offer that much..

Redskins Fan GM: Yeah, Yeah, like I said my conscience won't allow you to overspend on a WR of as poor of quality as he. A middle round draft pick..maybe a 3rd..

Red McCombs: A 3rd? For a two-bit bust draft WR who has one good game a year? I dunno...

Redskins Fan GM: Yeah, Yeah, you're right! He sucks. A low middle rounder..a 4th!

Red McCombs: A 5th and it's a deal.

Redskins Fan GM: (Cackles)(Mutters to self about getting a steal). Fax it Red.

[TheSteve]

The funny thing is about Seattle being interested is that their WR's were more inconsistent than Gardner this past year. They were worse in fact because they dropped passes in clutch. Gardner dropped passes when there was no pressure on him.