UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Shefter reports the Washington Redskins did inquire about signing free agent TB Reggie Bush. If true, that's preposterous.

Washinton Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, the reigning NFL Rookie of the Year, wants his team to sign free agent TB Reggie Bush. 

This doesn't make much sense because Bush wants to be a starting tailback and it is difficult to see the Redskins benching Alfred Morris, a top-5 rookie of the year candidate last year who set the franchise record for rushing yards in a season and rushing touchdowns for a rookie. 

Beyond that, Bush will want a lot of money and the Redskins are about $3 million under the salary cap right now, much of which must be spent on signing 2013 draft picks. Even if the Redskins manage to clear enough space to fit Reggie Bush under their cap, it would entail ignoring far bigger priorities like upgrading the secondary and the right tackle position. 

Thanks for the thoughts, RG3, but... No.

UPDATE: It appears the "restructuring" of the Santana Moss and Adam Carriker contracts are a bit unusual. Rather than kicking money down the road, which is normal, but unwise in these situations, the money has been converted into incentive bonuses. In other words, both players lost guaranteed money -- $2 million in the case of Moss. They can still get that money back, but will have to meet performance incentives to do so. Obviously, those are very favorable terms for the Redskins and I assume they obtained them by threatening to cut the players outright. In other words, the Redskins got the salary cap space they needed this year without creating a "dead money" issue in the years to come. Nicely done.

David Elfin is reporting Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss has restructured his contract, allowing him to remain with the team in 2013 and slice another $2 million off Washington's cap figure, as the team struggles to get as far under the salary cap as possible. 

Moss,33, signed a 3-year/$15 million contract in 2011 and has given the team almost 1700 yards and 10 TD receptions in that time. He is now strictly a backup and a slot receiver, but after a poor and injury-filled 2011, Moss thrived in his new role in 2012, catching 7 touchdowns and becoming  a key third down, short-yardage threat for rookie QB Robert Griffin III. 

The Redskins have been correctly reluctant to restructure contracts during the Allen-Shanahan era, understanding that pushing paydays off into the future creates "dead money" problems and loads a team up with aging veterans who should be enjoying their retirement. It appears the Redskins have made an exception for Moss because he's still a productive player and they think he can help the team for at least one more season. In addition, the Redskins needed to reduce Moss' cap figure this year to be able to sign their own draft picks and maybe a new free agent or two. 

Moss has been a popular figure in Washington since coming to the team from the New York Jets in a 2005 trade that sent Laveranues Coles out of town. If I were a betting man -- which I'm not -- I'd wager most Redskins fans are happy to have Moss back for at least one more season. 

The USA Today is reporting the Washington Redskins are interested in CB Aqib Talib, most recently of the New England Patriots after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shipped him out of town in the middle of last season. 

The links between Talib and the Redskins are obvious. Redskins GM Bruce Allen drafted Talib [20th overall in 2008] in Tampa Bay and Talib's former head coach, Raheem Morris, is the secondary coach of the Redskins. 

However, I'm not sure how the Redskins can afford Talib unless they plan to do some real clear-cutting in the extremely near future. [As in, the next few hours.] The Buccaneers traded Talib last November largely because they believed Talib would want a huge payday and they didn't want to pay it to him. 

And who can blame them? Talib is a terrific talent who can be a true #1 cornerback in the NFL -- something the Redskins defense needs badly. However, he comes with a ton of baggage. 

But shots echoed through the area on March 21, 2011, as a family dispute escalated into violence. Garland Police charged Aqib Talib with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities believe Talib fired a Ruger .380 handgun at his sister’s live-in boyfriend, Shannon Billings, and attempted to pistol-whip Billings with a Springfield 9mm semiautomatic handgun.

Did I write that Talib comes with a ton of baggage? Make that two tons.

After GM Bruce Allen said his piece about the $36 million penalty the NFL dropped on the Washington Redskins last year, Head Coach Mike Shanahan took the lectern for today's unusual press conference at Redskins Park. Unlike Allen, Shanahan focused on the roster and the recent free agent moves that the team has made. Shanahan made only two direct comments about the penalty. The first: "I have a lot of hope we can get money back. We did nothing wrong. You never know what can happen." And the second: "If you took $36 million off other teams, you'd see some of their best players gone."

On CB DeAngelo Hall, who was released earlier today, Shanahan said "DeAngelo has done everything we asked. He got better each year and did a lot of the little things... As I told DHall, he was graceful and understood the position we were in. " When questioned about the possibility of negotiating a pay cut for Hall to fit him more comfortably under the salary cap, Shanahan said "He deserves a fair chance of open market value. I want to take care of the players who take care of us. We'll see how it goes." Shanahan did say he "definitely" would have Hall back on the team if the price is right and the defensive back receives no stronger offers on the open market. 

On WR Santana Moss, Shanahan said the Skins were "not restructuring Moss at this time" but indicated it could still happen. 

To a subject many Redskins fans are obsessed with, Shanahan said QB Robert Griffin III, recovering and rehabbing his injured knee, Shanahan said: "Robert is doing well. Working out six to seven hours a day. He's ahead of schedule, which means his muscles are stronger. Will he start week 1? I have no idea...I'll know in July."

Shanahan said injured OLB Brian Orakpo "is feeling great and will be ready to go" [for the start of the season]. "He's working out in Austin with Keenan Robinson." Regarding another Redskins linebacker, ILB London Fletcher, Shanahan said: "He is not a guy I'd talk to about taking a pay cut. He's full speed ahead he plays at a very high level. I'm excited he's getting himself ready. I'm looking forward to him leading our team on defense."

About Fred Davis, Shanahan said: "He's not ready yet, but will be ready for the season." The coach gave no indication if the Redskins would re-sign Davis. 

Shanahan confirmed the Redskins are now $1 million under the salary cap and said the Redskins re-signed five of their six restricted free agents [all but WR/RS Brandon Banks] because the team wanted to take care of players who had taken care of the team. 

Washington Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen ripped the NFL and the NFL Players Association at a 4.30 press conference today, calling the $36 million salary cap penalty levied against the Redskins a year ago a "travesty of fairness." However, Allen said the team does not plan to file a lawsuit to halt free agency and denied that had ever been their intention. While Allen said the team remains committed to getting all or some of the $36 million returned, he gave no indication of how that might happen. 

Allen began by saying he wanted to address the NFL's decision and the NFLPA's acquiecense to that decision and end certain speculation about the intentions of the Washington Redskins going forward. 

Allen said "We've never contemplated a lot of the creative ideas I've been reading" regarding the $36 million penalty, adding "we never contemplated a lawsuit." 

Regarding the penalty, Allen said "there was no trial. There was no hearing... We learned about the penalty from agents and the media." He said the Redskins were never warned they'd be punished by the NFL and noted that "every contract we submitted to the NFL and NFLPA was reviewed and approved by both the [league] and players association."

Allen added: "we did violate any rule or regulation. We were never warned."

Clearly annoyed and eager to get a few things off his chest, Allen lashed out at the process leading to the penalty, denying the Redskins ever violated any rules during the cap-free season of 2010. In addition, Allen said the team was never informed that the NFL and NFLPA would reach an agreement to punish the Redskins after a new collective bargaining agreement was reached. "We don't feel we were fairly represented in this case," Allen said.

What's more, Allen said he had no idea how the NFL and NFLPA agreed on the sum of $36 million for the cap penalty and has still never been informed about that process. 

While the justification for the penalty was maintaining the competitive balance the NFL is so famous for, Allen caustically noted that several NFL teams will  have more than $100 million in cap space in excess of what the Redskins will have during the next three years. "I don't want to hear about competitive balance," Allen sneered. 

As to why the NFL would inflict this penalty on the Redskins, Allen indicated Washington's considerable 2012 cap room and the trade made to move up to draft Robert Griffin III were strong motivating factors. At the time of the penalty the Redskins had the 18th-most cap room in the NFL and had just traded for the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Allen said "we will always fight for the Washington Redskins ... as we learn more ... we will continue to consider our options." However, he did not indicate what those options would be and without a lawsuit, it is difficult to understand how the Redskins plan to recoup the money. "I don't know if there's anything to overturn. This is an agreement between the NFL and NFLPA. All teams have to abide by it."

When asked if he thought the NFL engaged in illegal collusion during the uncapped 2010 season, Allen smirked and said "No. No." His smile fooled no one in the room. 

It seems to me that Allen said what the Redskins ought to have said a year ago and I don't understand why they've waited so long to say what had to be said. Perhaps they held off in the hopes that they could get the money back if they held their tongues. If so, their gamble did not pay off and the NFL seems determined to punish the Redskins for refusing to abide by the rules of the league's illegal collusion during the uncapped year of 2010. 

It seemed to me Allen was justifiably angry about the penalty and decided to unburden himself of these opinions since it is now clear the NFL will go forward in its plan to punish the Redskins. This was not a team confident of getting justice. This was the GM of a team speaking out of justifiable frustration and anger at a process that has been unfair, but will go on nonetheless. 

The Washington Redskins have signed agreed on a contract with RT Tony Pashos, a right tackle out of the University of Illinois who has played with the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns. 

Pashos, a 5th-round selection in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Ravens, will be 33 during training camp this upcoming season, so he's not a long-term solution at the position, more of a stopgap while the Redskins work to manage their cap under the weight of the unjust $36 million penalty handed down by the NFL. 

Pashos was cut by the Cleveland Browns almost exactly one year ago and spent the entire 2012 season recuperating from torn ligaments in his left foot. In other words, Pashos has not played since 2011, but he has played in 92 NFL games, starting 76 of them.

We don't know the size of the contract yet, but considering the injury and the total lack of play in 2012, odds are good the contract is rather small. Therefore, we cannot yet know if the team regards Pashos as a potential starter at right tackle or a replacement for backup Jordan Black, who is an unrestricted free agent. 

Pashos was an outspoken supporter of former Republican Congressman Ron Paul during the 2012 Republican presidential primaries. 

The Washington Redskins have cut CB DeAngelo Hall as part of the team's effort to get  under the NFL salary cap before the start of the free agency season tomorrow. 

This news comes as a surprise to precisely no one, since cutting Hall and  his $8 million cap figure allows the Redskins to, at one stroke, get under the 2013 NFL salary cap, which is $123 million for most teams, but only $105 million for the Redskins, as a result of the $36 million cap penalty levied by the league. That penalty came about because the Redskins used the 2010 uncapped season to "dump" money from the contracts of Hall and former Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.

Hall is a 29-year-old former 8th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Atlanta falcons, who eventually traded him to the Oakland Raiders for a second round draft pick in 2008. Hall was a disaster in Oakland after signing a huge contract. Unable or unwilling to adapt to the Raiders' defense, Hall was cut in November after being paid $8 million for 8 games and picked up by a desperate Redskins team, which soon inserted him into the starting lineup.  Hall intercepted a pass in his first game with the Redskins and after the season received a 6-year contract with $23 million in guaranteed money. 

The high point of Hall's career in Washington came against the Chicago Bears in 2010, when he intercepted four Jay Cutler passes in one half, returning one for a touchdown. The performance, which tied an NFL record for picks in a half, earned Hall Defensive Player of the Week recognition. Hall went on to the Pro Bowl at the end of the 2010 season, where he earned Pro Bowl MVP honors. 

The low point for Hall with the Redskins, at least before today, came during a week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, when Hall erupted in a confrontation with an NFL referee. The fracas cost Hall $30,000 and an admonishment from the league office. 

It is not clear who will take over the starting job in place of Hall, but it could very well be someone who is not currently on the roster. I'm fine with releasing Hall since it was clearly necessary from a cap standpoint and he isn't nearly productive enough to justify such an expense. 

Hall played very well twice against the Cowboys last year and also did a fine job in the win over Tampa Bay. However, he had other games, such as the aforementioned loss to the Steelers, as well as wins over Minnesota and Baltimore, where Hall was arguably the worst player on the defense. 

I think Hall is a very effective blitzer, but as a cover cornerback, which is where all cornerbacks must make their bones, he was normally mediocre or worse. He gave up 374 yards after the catch last season, third-worst among all NFL cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. What's more, opposing quarterbacks completed 67% of passes on Hall, a terrible figure. That probably explains why he was targeted so frequently -- 112 times in 2012 -- tied for second-most in the entire league.

The Redskins don't have much at the cornerback position right now. With Hall gone, that leaves only fellow starter Josh Wilson, the best cover man on the team, to go with Richard Crawford, a 7th round draft pick in 2012 who saw most of his action on special teams. Cedric Griffin and Jerome Murphy are both free agents.

The Redskins are methodically going about their business in free agency. First order of business? The restricted free agents and five of the six are being brought back. As we proceed into the unrestricted portion, the team will need to clear some cap space. Thanks to the ridiculous penalty imposed by the NFL, the Skins are playing catchup before the race even starts. Fortunately, the new regime of Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan have not made the splashy free agent signings in recent years and have done a much better job utilizing the draft. In other words, it could be a lot worst.

Prior to the signings over the weekend, the Redskins were approximately $3 million dollars over the 2013 cap. The Redskins began the reduction by releasing cornerback DeAngelo Hall and with it $8 million in savings, but more needs to be done. The team may also opt to restructure contracts, as they did today with defensive end Adam Carriker. Linebacker Brian Orakpo and cornerback Josh Wilson remain restructure targets, each with a number exceeding $5 million dollars for 2013. In all, the Redskins need to trim anywhere from $15-20 million dollars to have enough cash to not only fill out their depth chart, but sign draft picks and a practice squad.

Before we take a look at where we are going forward, here are more potential cap savings of over one million dollars.

Santana Moss WR   $4,500,000.00

London Fletcher LB   $3,500,000.00

Reed Doughty DB   $1,375,000.00

Brandon Meriweather DB   $1,300,000.00

TOTAL   $10,675,000.00

A way too early look at the roster heading into the 2013 season follows. The number of projected players at each position in indicated in parenthesis. Remaining  unrestricted free agents and other notes are added, along with veteran on the roster entering OTA's. Some positions will be filled through free agency, others through the draft, most through a combination of both. We have already seen the team add veteran offensive tackle Tony Pashos and defensive linemen Ron Brace and Phillip Merling, they probably give a good indication at what many of the free agent acquisitions may look like. Talent that was taken fairly high in the draft, but has failed to develop for one reason or another.

OFFENSE

Quarterback (3)

Returning: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins

Free Agent: Rex Grossman

Obviously, the biggest wildcard on the team is the health of RG3. As he goes through rehab, Cousins gets a great opportunity to run with the first team. With former Redskin Jason Campbell arguably the top veteran free agent at the position, look for Grossman to be retained. If Kyle Shanahan opts to go with a rookie as his third signal caller, Matt Scott of Arizona is a nice fit for the Redskins scheme.

Running Back (3)

Returning: Alfred Morris, Roy Helu Jr., Evan Royster, Keiland Williams

Can Morris do it again? It will be interesting to see how the reduced role RG3 has in the running game will impact his effectiveness, if at all. The Skins need a speed back if they plan on continuing to run the option. Last season, they were forced to do so with wide receiver  types, a return to health of Helu would be a huge plus. Local product Royster is an excellent alternative if Morris should be slowed by injury. Shanahan always drafts a back with Utah State's Kerwynn Williams a possibility if Helu can't return. New England's Danny Woodhead has been mentioned as a possible veteran option, with Pittsburgh's Chris Rainey a big time speed back also available.

Fullback (1)

Returning: Darrel Young

The Redskins moved quickly in ensuring that Young remained a Redskin for the foreseeable future. Young is a well rounded fullback, capable of contributing in every phase of the offense. The Skins may bring a veteran into camp and/or an undrafted free agent. Fairfax County product by way of West Virginia, Owen Schmitt is an overachiever with an old school style. Ohio State rookie Zach Boren may be a target after the draft

Wide Receiver (5)

Returning: Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson, Aldrick Robinson, Dezmon Briscoe, Josh Morgan, Santana Moss

Was Brandon Banks' fate sealed with the departure of special teams coach Danny Smith? Moss seems a likely target for cap savings as his $4.5 million would go a long way. Dezmon Briscoe seems to be a popular choice to be let go, I'd like to see him get more opportunities between now and September with his combination of size and speed. New England's Julian Edelman has been rumored as a possible replacement in the slot, should Moss be released. Edelman has many similarities to Wes Welker. Giants receiver Ramses Barden is a huge target looking for a chance. Virginia Tech's Marcus Davis has unusual speed and size. Denard Robinson might be a nice utility player, wide out, quarterback and kick returner.

Tight End (3)

Returning: Logan Paulsen, Niles Paul

Free Agent: Fred Davis, Chris Cooley

The Browns have expressed interest in Davis, but it appears he may end up back in Burgundy and Gold on a one year deal. The free agent tight end market isn't very deep with Tennessee's Jared Cook the only potential marquee talent. If Davis doesn't return, could Cooley have one more year left? San Diego State's Gavin Escobar could be a real bargain in the draft, my favorite is Stanford's Levine Toilolo (6'8" 265).

Center (2)

Returning: Will Montgomery

The Skins will soon need to think about Montgomery's eventual replacement and may have plans to move either LeRibeus or Gettis to the position when the time comes. A veteran free agent is unlikely, but an undrafted free agent like Clemson's Dalton Freeman makes sense.

Guard (4)

Returning: Kory Lichtensteiger, Josh LeRibeus, Maurice Hurt, Adam Gettis, Chris Chester

Was the re-signing of Lichtensteiger a down vote for LeRibeus? You would hope that a third round guard would have the ability to challenge for a starting job by his second season. Chester has been reliable and durable. If Hurt gets time on the outside at tackle, we may finally see what Gettis has to offer. A veteran free agency is unlikely with Lichtensteiger's return, look for the Skins to give James Madison guard Earl Watford a look if he is available in later rounds. 

Tackle (4)

Returning: Trent Williams, Tom Compton, Tony Pashos (FA)

Free Agent: Tyler Polumbus, Jordan Black

Jammal Brown is finally gone, along with 3.3 million in wasted cap space. The acquisition of Pashos was more than a rumor, he is joining the battle at right tackle. I am alone, but I really like Polumbus and hope he is brought back, even if he ends up in a reserve role. In my opinion, Compton remains a long term project. The "experts" believe Ryan Harris is going to be the big free agent pickup, he has ties to Shanny in Denver and the offensive scheme in Houston. Eric Winston is an  elite tackle, but may be too expensive. Will Terron Armstead's combine move his stock up too high? I still like North Carolina's Brennan Williams.

CONTINUE READING FOR DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

Per Grant Paulsen, NT Chris Baker signed a one-year deal on a right of first refusal tender offer for $1.3 million. Meanwhile, John Keim confirms that RS/WR Brandon Banks will not be offered a contract by the Redskins, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any NFL team that wants him. 

Baker can negotiate with other teams for a better deal than $1.3 million for one year and if he receives a better offer, can leave Washington if the Redskins refuse to match the better offer. That's unlikely to happen, though and the most likely scenario is that Baker returns to Washington for at least one more season. 

None of this should come as a surprise. Baker showed real promise as a nose tackle during preseason last year and filled in adequately for starter Barry Cofield during the regular season.

In addition, Baker has played at defensive end in Washington's 3-4 defense, so  he would add some depth and versatility if the team has to cut DE Adam Carriker to get under the salary cap by tomorrow.

Banks, on the other hand, has never been able to turn his incredible speed and agility into production on the field and the kickoff rules change that eliminated about half or more of all kick returns, means Banks' skills as a returner are less valuable than before. Banks was eventually replaced by TE Niles Paul on kickoffs and rookie CB Richard Crawford on punts and it has been apparent since before Christmas 2012 that Banks would not be in Washington in 2013. 

The Redskins have now brought back five of their six restricted free agents [RFA]. The only one who has not been signed? Brandon Banks. As noted above, that's not going to happen.

The Washington Nationals are clearly the favorite to win the National League East.  In fact, as you have read here often, expectations are even much higher.  As they work on managing those expectations, the Nats have hit a rough patch in the Grapefruit League, dropping 4 out of their last 5 and dropping to 6-7 with 2 ties overall for the spring season.   

The Nats dropped a 2-1 decision to the Detroit Tigers yesterday. The Nats offense went silent against Detroit pitcghing, managing just 4 hits on the day.  Bryce Harper, Chad Tracy, Tyler Moore, and Matthew Skole provided the only singles of the game for the Nats.  Skole drove in the only run on the day. 

Dan Haren (0-2) took the loss aloowing 5 hits and 2 runs over 4 innings of work.  Drew Storen, Yunesky Maya, Ryan Matheus, and Cole Kimball combined for four shutout innings of relief. 

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

For the World Baseball Classic, both Gio Gonzalez and ARoss Detwiler have departed to join Team USA.  Roger Bernadina, playing for Team Netherlands, was hit by a pitch in the wrist.  Not what you want to hear as a Nats fan.  However, x-rays were negative and Bernadina appears to be fine.  Overall, Bernadina has struggled at the plate, batting .111, collecting just 2 hits in 18 plate appearances. 

Gio Gonzalez departed Nats camp for Team USA and is schedule to make his first start on Teusday.  Meanwhile, the Nats' fifith starter, Ross Detwiler, picked up a svae for Team USA, tossing 4 shutout innings from the bullpen to help lift Team USA to a 6-2 win over Italy on Saturday.  In 4 iunnings, Detwiler only permitted 1 hit and 1 walk, while fanning 3 batters to earn the save. 

NATS SPRING LEADERS

Here are your Washington Nationals Grapefruit League leaders:

Doubles:  Chris Marrero, Anthony Rendon, Carlos Rivera, and Chad Tracy, 3

Triples: Corey Brown, Bryce Harper, 1

Homers: Anthony Rendon, 3

AVG: Ryan Zimmerman, .500 (12 at bats), Bryce Harper, .448 (29 at bats)

Runs: Chris Marrero, 7

RBI: Carlos Rivero, Anthonmy Rendon, 8

Stolen Bases: Will Rhymes, 3

Innings: Dan Haren, 9

Strikeouts: Stephen Strasburg, 13

Wins: Fernando Abad, Gio Gonzalez, 2

Games:  Cole Kimball, 6