The Washington Redskins officially announced the release of veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall, the re-signing of four restricted free agents (tendered one) and one unrestricted free agent. The Redskins also made official the signing of offensive tackle Tony Pashos.
Washington has an $18 million cap hit that will force them to make tough decisions in the coming days. Bruce Allen addressed the media today in a joint presser with coach Mike Shanahan and called the cap penalty “a travesty of fairness.” Allen believes the significant cap room in 2012 and the RG3 trade prompted teams to penalize them. On continuing to fight the penalty, Allen said “we will always fight for the Washington Redskins – as we learn more – we will continue to consider our options.” Allen also said the team never considered a lawsuit, but believes there are still other ways they can fight to get the money back. However, he would not elaborate on how they can do that.
In the meantime, free agency starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Mike Shanahan has work to do. “We were dealt a certain hand, our players will adjust, we’ll adjust and it’s full-speed ahead.” Shanahan said he was hopeful to get money back until a few hours before the 4:30 presser on Monday, but noted that they “have to have a game-plan for everything.” The team is talking to a few players on possibly restructuring their contracts like defensive end Adam Carriker did Monday afternoon. However, Shanahan cautioned, “if you get too creative — it can come back to haunt you.” The Redskins will not approach London Fletcher and attempt to get him to restructure, Shanahan said. As for Santana Moss, who was reportedly working out something to get his cap hit number reduced, is not a restructure candidate as well. At least “not at this time,” according to Shanahan.
Washington’s first major cut officially happened Monday when the team released their top corner. DeAngelo Hall, 29, was one of the more polarizing sports figures in Washington. The Chesapeake, Virginia native is known as a defensive play maker who gives up a ton of big plays. In 2012, however, Hall had an underrated season — proving himself to be the Redskins top coverage corner. Hall was a big factor in Washington’s streak to a division championship and playoff berth — consistently covering team’s top receivers. His biggest statement game(s) came against the Dallas Cowboys. In both games, Hall went neck-to-neck with Cowboys’ receiver Dez Bryant — limiting Bryant from making game-changing plays.
Washington re-signed four restricted free agents, which is important, as Shanahan said “those are guys you want to keep — reward.” Tight End Logan Paulsen was the first to sign a 3 year, $4.1 million deal with a $1 million signing bonus. Paulsen is the team’s top blocking tight end who proved his value last season when Fred Davis went down with a season ending Achilles injury. Paulsen expects the team to bring back the impending unrestricted free agent Fred Davis. “They [Redskins] said they want to bring Fred [Davis] back,” Paulsen told the Washington Times. “Their goal is to have him be the starter.”
Fullback Darrel Young cashed in signing a 3 year deal worth up to $6.2 million and a $1 million signing bonus. Retaining this restricted free agent was crucial, as he’s proven to be one of the league’s top young fullbacks. In a league that’s prominently pass first, Young has gone about his business lead blocking for Washington’s running backs, helping in the receiving game and even toting the rock himself. His presence helped orchestrate the league’s most prolific running game with running back Alfred Morris.
Linebacker Rob Jackson signed a 1 year deal (terms unknown) after filling in for leading pass rusher Brian Orakpo who suffered a season ending pectoral injury early in the season. Jackson did a fine job replacing Orakpo, especially in pass coverage. His return helps keep depth in the defense’s front 7.
Washington made it a point to help keep QB Robert Griffin III’s body-guards in tack by re-signing Kory Lichtensteiger late Saturday night. The left guard signed a 5 year deal (terms unknown) that reportedly will not void after two seasons. Therefore, keeping him a Redskin for the foreseeable future.
- Long Snapper Nick Sundberg agreed to terms on a 4 year contract Sunday.
- Nose Tackle Chris Baker was tendered Monday to a 1 year $1.3 million “right-of-first-refusal deal which allows him to still talk to other teams and go elsewhere if he receives a larger deal.
- Brandon Banks will not be tendered or re-signed as a restricted free agent. Therefore, he will become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday. The Redskins are allowing him to walk.
Press Release on Tony Pashos:
Pashos (PAH-shos) was originally drafted out of Illinois by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (173rd overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 92 career games with 70 starts. From 2003-06, he played in 38 games with 23 starts at right tackle for Baltimore. In 2006, he helped Baltimore allow 17 sacks, second-fewest in the NFL.
Pashos signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 2, 2007. He started 15 games at right tackle in 2007, helping Jacksonville rank first in the AFC in rushing (2,391 yards). In 2008, he did not miss an offensive snap for Jacksonville, starting all 16 games and two postseason contests.
Pashos was released by Jacksonville on Sept. 6, 2009, before signing with the San Francisco 49ers a day later. In 2009, with San Francisco, Pashos appeared in five games before being placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Oct. 26. On March 7, 2010, he signed with the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent, appearing in 18 games with 15 starts at right tackle for Cleveland during the 2010-11 seasons.
Pashos, 32, played collegiately at Illinois where he started in 47 games at right tackle and was named first-team All-Big Ten twice.
Pashos was born on Aug. 3, 1980, in Palos Heights, Ill. He attended Lockport (Ill.) H.S. and was a second-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune.
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