LaVar Arrington No Longer A Redskin

[Franklinnoble]

Sunday, March 5, 2006
Arrington pays 'Skins to become free agent
ESPN.com news services


LaVar Arrington will become a free agent after agreeing Sunday night to pay the Washington Redskins over $4 million in cash to get out of his contract with the team. As part of the deal, the Redskins have placed Arrington on waivers.

A team source said that the move would have been made irrespective of any delay in the waiver deadline Sunday evening.

Over the last few days, the Redskins have asked several veterans to restructure their contracts so that the team could get under the salary cap. Arrington was the only Redskins player who refused to rework his deal, The Associated Press reported.

Arrington had a $12.045 million cap number and was due a $6.5 million roster bonus. By taking the money, the Redskins will save approximately $4.2 million with his release. They entered Sunday $17.7 million over the salary cap.

In January, the NFL Players Association filed a formal complaint seeking disciplinary action against Carl Poston, Arrington's agent, for "neglect" in negotiating Arrington's contract near the end of the 2003 season, union and league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The "neglect" had to do with Arrington's $6.5 million bonus.

Arrington did not see much playing time early in the 2005 season as he worked his way back from offseason knee surgery. The former Penn State standout became disgruntled over his diminished role, though it is unclear whether those feelings have played a part in the current negotiations. The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker regained his starting job against Philadelphia on Nov. 6.

Arrington played in 11 regular season games for Washington in 2005, recording 47 tackles. He also played in the team's two postseason games, and had 12 tackles.

Information from ESPN. com senior NFL writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

[DaddyTorgo]

he could come play with Rosie in New England

[Hurst2112]

players are bitching about money and yet a guy can pay 4 million out of his own pocket to be 'set free'.

bullshit.

[Franklinnoble]

It'll be my luck that he'll end up in the NFC East.

Although the smart money is on Minnesota. They need a LB, and they have cap space.

[SackAttack]

I wonder what kind of a barrel Washington had over him to get him to do that. THEY needed the cap space, and he had a $6.5m roster bonus coming.

Instead, it's like "Pay us $4m, and we'll cut you and not pay you that $6.5m roster bonus."

Curious.

[stevew]

I wonder what kind of a barrel Washington had over him to get him to do that. THEY needed the cap space, and he had a $6.5m roster bonus coming.

Instead, it's like "Pay us $4m, and we'll cut you and not pay you that $6.5m roster bonus."

Curious.


Probably cause he knows that if he can get free in the early part of FA, he can get a lot more money than if he waits until the bonus point(where he gets cut). Teams usually look to spend their money quickly. I'm not sure when the bonus actually gets paid.

[ice4277]

In January, the NFL Players Association filed a formal complaint seeking disciplinary action against Carl Poston, Arrington's agent, for "neglect" in negotiating Arrington's contract near the end of the 2003 season, union and league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The "neglect" had to do with Arrington's $6.5 million bonus.

I'm not familiar with the specifics of this case, but from everything I have heard, this Poston guy (along with his brother) is the biggest douchebag agent involved with the NFL. Not surprising to see his name pop up.

[stevew]

Basically, from what I gather, the Postons thought there were 2 roster bonus's in this years deal, but instead there were only one. And they pretty much neglected to read the contract before he signed it. Also, if his 6.5m bonus had been due in the early part of march, he would have gotten released freely, but because of the fact that it isnt payable for awhile, he's screwed.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

And that's beyond doubt. The Postons actually admitted they did not read the contract before Arrington signed it.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Also, the buyout might have went a little differently than people think. Even with their cap situation, it's possible the Skins weren't going to cut him because of the cap hit -- that the accelerated bonus would be worse than his salary was taking up (even with the roster bonus coming). There was no way Arrington was staying, so he did want he needed to do to get out of there. Hey, if it makes you happy. This is just a hypothesis. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to make sense for the player to do that.

[MIJB#19]

Maybe the $4M comes from the $6.5M bonus, in effect the 'skins paying only $2.5M to Arrington? I know, given the wording it doesn't make sense, but at least that would make a bit more sense than paying $4M to not get a $6.5M bonus, I think.

[wade moore]

Also, the buyout might have went a little differently than people think. Even with their cap situation, it's possible the Skins weren't going to cut him because of the cap hit -- that the accelerated bonus would be worse than his salary was taking up (even with the roster bonus coming). There was no way Arrington was staying, so he did want he needed to do to get out of there. Hey, if it makes you happy. This is just a hypothesis. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to make sense for the player to do that.
This is pretty much my take on it... the Redskins said they were cutting him, but I think it was posturing.. it cost them WAY more to cut him than just keep him and treat him like the red-headed stepchild for another season.

My opinion is LaVar was VERY upset about how he was treated last year, and I happen to agree at least to an extent. So, he wanted to go somewhere that he felt he could get respect.

[Bee]

They would have cut him in June. That would have taken the $12 million dollar cap hit down to $5 million this year and $7 million next year. His $6.5 million dollar bonus was coming in July, so he wasn't going to see that either way. This agreement is good for both sides. The Redskins get cap space now and Lavar gets into free agency now.

[duckman]

It'll be my luck that he'll end up in the NFC East. He'll make a fine linebacker for the Cowboys. :D

[Qwikshot]

He'll make a fine linebacker for the Cowboys. :D

or the Eagles who actually /have/ cap space.

[duckman]

or the Eagles who actually /have/ cap space.
They have plenty of cap space as well.


BIDDING WAR!!!!

[Qwikshot]

They have plenty of cap space as well.


BIDDING WAR!!!!

Under the salary cap
Team Cap status (under)
Minnesota Vikings $26.5 million
Arizona Cardinals $24.3 million
Cleveland Browns $24 million
Green Bay Packers $23.5 million
San Francisco 49ers $19.9 million
San Diego Chargers $19.6 million
Jacksonville Jaguars $16.7 million
Philadelphia Eagles $16.7 million
Baltimore Ravens $14.4 million
Detroit Lions $13.1 million
St. Louis Rams $13.1 million
Seattle Seahawks $12 million
Cincinnati Bengals $11.5 million
Buffalo Bills $11.05 million
New Orleans Saints $10.7 million
Chicago Bears $10.3 million
Houston Texans $8.3 million
New York Giants $5.8 million
New England Patriots $4 million
Dallas Cowboys $1.3 million
Denver Broncos $1 million


cough, cough...it's okay though...Andy Reid hates good linebackers playing for his team. ;)

[Izulde]

And the Dolphins are in cap hell *sighs* Sam Madison, how we'll miss you.

[Qwikshot]

I believe though that if there is an agreement, all cuts can be rescinded.

[duckman]

Who cares about the Dolphins? They're....well, the Dolphins. :D

[Subby]

I love Lavar and am really going to miss him.

But...

If Gregg Williams has proven anything so far, it's that he can take previously unheard of linebackers and turn them into highly productive players. The only real question is why the 'Skins would give an outside linebacker that kind of money in the first place...

[jeff061]

And the Dolphins are in cap hell *sighs* Sam Madison, how we'll miss you.And how the Pats will love him.

I hope.

[Cuckoo]

Under the salary cap
Team Cap status (under)
Minnesota Vikings $26.5 million
Arizona Cardinals $24.3 million
Cleveland Browns $24 million
Green Bay Packers $23.5 million
San Francisco 49ers $19.9 million
San Diego Chargers $19.6 million
Jacksonville Jaguars $16.7 million
Philadelphia Eagles $16.7 million
Baltimore Ravens $14.4 million
Detroit Lions $13.1 million
St. Louis Rams $13.1 million
Seattle Seahawks $12 million
Cincinnati Bengals $11.5 million
Buffalo Bills $11.05 million
New Orleans Saints $10.7 million
Chicago Bears $10.3 million
Houston Texans $8.3 million
New York Giants $5.8 million
New England Patriots $4 million
Dallas Cowboys $1.3 million
Denver Broncos $1 million


cough, cough...it's okay though...Andy Reid hates good linebackers playing for his team. ;)


I just want to say that this is flat out wrong. Reports out of Dallas and many other sources are that the Cowboys have nearly $15 million in free cap space without even adding any potential raise in the cap with a new CBA.

[Subby]

And how the Pats will love him.

I hope.I'd be suprised if the Pats signed him, I think he wants one more huge contract and it seems like Belichik's m.o. is to get value guys...

[Qwikshot]

I just want to say that this is flat out wrong. Reports out of Dallas and many other sources are that the Cowboys have nearly $15 million in free cap space without even adding any potential raise in the cap with a new CBA.


I got this off of ESPN and it may be outdated...if that is the case than the Eagles would have a better cap too once they cut T.O.

[Bee]

I got this off of ESPN and it may be outdated...if that is the case than the Eagles would have a better cap too once they cut T.O.

The Cowboys have made a couple moves since that list was up on ESPN, so I'm guessing most of those numbers will be adjusted by various degrees.

[Cuckoo]

I got this off of ESPN and it may be outdated...if that is the case than the Eagles would have a better cap too once they cut T.O.

Yeah, someone asked the question about ESPN's figure on DallasCowboys.com, and they essentially said that ESPN doesn't know what they're talking about. :)

Even before the Cowboys cut Glover and Nguyen retired, they had significantly more than that, I believe.

I think most sports outlets are saying Dallas will be one of the more active teams in Free Agency this year, with all of the following as possible and/or likely targets: Kicker, Linebacker, Free Safety, Tackle and Guard.

Edit: I should add that I think Arrington's a problem waiting to happen. Dallas should look at other options at linebacker, notably Peterson.

[Subby]

Edit: I should add that I think Arrington's a problem waiting to happen. Dallas should look at other options at linebacker, notably Peterson.That's not an uncommon perception of him around the league and I have always wondered why it exists. The guy played hard and hurt while he was here and there were never any moments (to my knowledge) of insubordination or selfishness.

[stevew]

I think Arrington is the type of guy that teams should stay away from. Not cause of his attitude or anything like that, but because while he's good, he will likely get paid a premium salary on name recognition alone. I don't know how much of a difference maker he is anymore. For what he will end up getting, your team could likely get 2 solid starters IMO.

[cthomer5000]

I think Arrington is the type of guy that teams should stay away from. Not cause of his attitude or anything like that, but because while he's good, he will likely get paid a premium salary on name recognition alone. I don't know how much of a difference maker he is anymore. For what he will end up getting, your team could likely get 2 solid starters IMO.I largely agree.

[WSUCougar]

Rams would be a good fit, too.

[wade moore]

I agree with both Chris and stevew... the reason to stay away from him is not because of some problem that may come up... he has heart, is dedicated to the team, puts on a GREAT public face, etc...

The problem is that he probably will not perform up to expectations. As much as I love LaVar, he never quite could "play by the rules". Now, I think this aspect was WAY exaggerated last season. He is not consistently out of position, etc - but I would say that I notice a couple of plays a game where he is out of position, and I'm no expert.

That being said he is an incredible athlete and seemingly a great person, so he should succeed in the NFL - just not necessarily live up to the salary he will command.

[Daimyo]

I think there are two reasons the perception exists. First of all the guy is obviously a talent and yet the Redskins held him out of several games this season. Maybe there were extenuating circumstances, but to an outsider that it a huge red flag. Secondly to a non-Skins follower his style of play seems very "freestyle"... He's obviously good at what he does and will makes plays that no one else can make, but for a lot of defenses you'd rather have a guy who played within the system than a guy who could freestyle and make huge plays.

[SFL Cat]

I agree with both Chris and stevew... the reason to stay away from him is not because of some problem that may come up... he has heart, is dedicated to the team, puts on a GREAT public face, etc...

The problem is that he probably will not perform up to expectations. As much as I love LaVar, he never quite could "play by the rules". Now, I think this aspect was WAY exaggerated last season. He is not consistently out of position, etc - but I would say that I notice a couple of plays a game where he is out of position, and I'm no expert.

That being said he is an incredible athlete and seemingly a great person, so he should succeed in the NFL - just not necessarily live up to the salary he will command.

Well, as great as he was in his prime, you could say the same thing about Junior Seau. You could count on the guy giving up a few big plays because he often wasn't where he was supposed to be; you just hoped he made up for it with the big plays he made BECAUSE he was freelancing.

[wade moore]

Well, as great as he was in his prime, you could say the same thing about Junior Seau. You could count on the guy giving up a few big plays because he often wasn't where he was supposed to be; you just hoped he made up for it with the big plays he made BECAUSE he was freelancing. Yup. And pre-Gregg Williams, this was enough for Redskins fans and apparently management. But now that we see what can be done with less "spectacular" (read: expensive) LB's....

[Cuckoo]

I think there are two reasons the perception exists. First of all the guy is obviously a talent and yet the Redskins held him out of several games this season. Maybe there were extenuating circumstances, but to an outsider that it a huge red flag. Secondly to a non-Skins follower his style of play seems very "freestyle"... He's obviously good at what he does and will makes plays that no one else can make, but for a lot of defenses you'd rather have a guy who played within the system than a guy who could freestyle and make huge plays.

Yep, these two reasons are what I was referring to when I made my post earlier. Now, whether he'd actually cause a problem or not, I don't know. I tend to fall in the better safe than sorry camp.

[JPhillips]

He'll be a Pro Bowl player in the right system. He is never going to be the stay-at-home type that the Williams defense needs. Put him in a defense that gambles and he'll hit double-digit sacks and force half a dozen fumbles.

LaVar's game doesn't fit for every team, and that certainly includes this version of the Redskins, but he's driven, passionate and loves the game. If he can find the right team he'll be a bargain.

[jamesUMD]

I remember reading an article where Jeremiah Trotter said he called the defensive play in the huddle, which called for Arrington to take the RB in the flat on coverage. As the huddle broke, Arrington said, "I'm blitzing". Apparently that shit happened pretty often and Marvin Lewis was not a fan.

He did the same thing in a Giants game (that I was at) where he was supposed to cover FB Jim Finn out of the backfield (3rd down around the Giants 40 in overtime), and instead decided to Blitz, because, in his words mind you, "I thought I could get there (meaning to the QB)". I remember watching that play with Finn wide open along the sideline rumbling for 40 yards on a freaking 4 yard catch, to set up the go ahead FG, wondering what the Hell happened to the coverage.

I wish him no ill will (unless he ends up with the Cowboys) but I don't think it's a big deal.

[Dr. Sak]

Lavar was on the radio in DC today and said he wants to stay in the NFC East. He wants to stay near his home now so he ruled out Dallas. So that leaves Philly and the Giants.

[cuervo72]

I figured he'd want to stay in the NFC East, to have a shot at the Skins twice a year. From PA, so I could see him wanting to go to the Eagles. I wonder if he'd be willing to move to DE (though I guess he's no larger than Trent Cole), or if the Eagles would even want to deal with him, especially after the Owens mess.

(I've heard LaVar plenty on AM 980, and overall he seems like a good guy, except when he went on about how "officials cost them the Philly game" two weeks after the fact. ;) )

[Dr. Sak]

On a side note...and to thread jack, my claim to fame is that I threw my first High School TD over a guy Lavar was covering. Next series he body slammed me after I threw the ball.

[EagleFan]

I still find that story funny as hell.

"How much will it cost to get me off this God forsaken team?"

"1 Million?.... 2 Million?"

"Here's 4 million, just let me out of this dump."


:D :D :D :D

[Franklinnoble]

On a side note...and to thread jack, my claim to fame is that I threw my first High School TD over a guy Lavar was covering. Next series he body slammed me after I threw the ball.That's pretty sweet.

My high school football claim to fame was that I once tackled Sugar Ray Leonard's son on a kickoff return. I felt sorry for the dude. He had to be the fastest guy on the team, but everybody wanted to take a shot a the famous boxer's kid.

[Dblbogey31]

Under the salary cap
Team Cap status (under)
Minnesota Vikings $26.5 million
Arizona Cardinals $24.3 million
Cleveland Browns $24 million
Green Bay Packers $23.5 million
San Francisco 49ers $19.9 million
San Diego Chargers $19.6 million
Jacksonville Jaguars $16.7 million
Philadelphia Eagles $16.7 million
Baltimore Ravens $14.4 million
Detroit Lions $13.1 million
St. Louis Rams $13.1 million
Seattle Seahawks $12 million
Cincinnati Bengals $11.5 million
Buffalo Bills $11.05 million
New Orleans Saints $10.7 million
Chicago Bears $10.3 million
Houston Texans $8.3 million
New York Giants $5.8 million
New England Patriots $4 million
Dallas Cowboys $1.3 million
Denver Broncos $1 million


cough, cough...it's okay though...Andy Reid hates good linebackers playing for his team. ;)

Don't know where you pulled those numbers from but the Cowboys had over 10 million available BEFORE they cut Laroi Glover which freed up another 6. It is a safe bet that either Julian Peterson or Arrington will be playing opposite Demarcus Ware in the 3-4 next year.

[stevew]

I know the Giants were pretty low on LB towards the end of last season. They had Alonzo Jackson playing, of all people. This might be the most logical place for him to play, he gets on a pretty solid team that can overpay for him, and hope he gets back to the form he had previously.

[Franklinnoble]

This story explains the "buyout" a little more clearly:


Sports Focus: Washington Redskins
Irreconcilable differences Gibbs and Arrington hope that their divorce will be healthy for both

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td> BY PAUL WOODY
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
</td> <td align="right"> Mar 7, 2006
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
ASHBURN The end did not come as LaVar Arrington had hoped. But, then, he has come to realize that in the NFL, the end rarely comes as you hope.

<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">//<!-- if (hasPhoto) document.write('
'); //--></script> "When you come into the league, you feel like you're going to play for same team forever," Arrington said. "Being wet behind the ears and naive, you really think you're going to be the guy who has the Darrell Green-like career. In today's league, it doesn't happen that way.

"And the Redskins and I got to the place where we are."

Darrell Green played cornerback for the Redskins for 20 years. Arrington, 27, had hoped to play at least half that long for the Redskins. Instead, he and the Redskins have parted after six seasons.

Arrington, 6-3 and 255 pounds, always has been a lightening rod for attention, criticism and, before the 2004 and 2005 seasons, big plays that determined the outcome of several games.

In 2004, Arrington suffered his first serious injury in the NFL, a knee problem complicated by a bone bruise, and the team moved forward without him. The Redskins were 6-10 that year, but the defense was among the best in the league.

At the start of the 2005 season, the defensive coaching staff sent Arrington the message that the team could do well without him. Arrington did not become a full-time starter until the eighth game of the season. In the fourth game of the season, against Denver, Arrington didn't even get on the field.

Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday they were "being careful" with Arrington's injury.

Arrington did not see it that way. "Under the current situation, I don't see how it would be productive for me or the Redskins if I'm there," Arrington said. "I'm forced to move on. The reason? I think it's obvious.

"Some people feel I'm full of drama. Some people feel the Redskins are like that. Who knows who's wrong. We got to our current position, and it didn't seem like a comfortable fit. I kind of knew it was heading that way a long time ago."

Arrington's agents, Kevin and Carl Poston, and the Redskins had been negotiating for a resolution to their differences.

They finally narrowed the choices to two.

"He could stay and play next year for quite a bit of guaranteed money," Gibbs said, "or, we gave him the option of becoming a free agent, if he would help us with the salary cap."

Arrington selected the latter, which meant he had to forgo $4.4 million in deferred compensation the Redskins owe him.

"I did not write a check," he said. "The money is not being taken out of my bank account. Even if I had that kind of crazy loot, I would not do that.

"I did not buy my freedom."

Kevin Poston said the Redskins still must pay Arrington $1.268 million on April 1.

Arrington is gambling that when free agency opens, he will earn back that $4.4 million.

"I certainly wish the last two years had been smoother," Gibbs said. "Nothing went right, it seemed like. We hope this is the best for LaVar and the Redskins. I think it gives him a fresh start."

Arrington told teammates at the end of the season that he wanted to return to the Redskins. Something happened between then and now to change his mind.

"You have an interesting thing with coaches and players," Arrington said. "When a player is a coach's guy, it's different. I didn't have to experience that until the Gibbs administration got in.

"Up until then, people accepted me. Even when there were times Marvin and I had disagreements, we also had times when we were very productive."

Marvin Lewis was the Redskins' defensive coordinator in 2002.

"I wasn't one of their guys," Arrington said of the current Redskins' defensive staff. "I've gotten older. I'm not just a young rookie who is as moldable. Is my personality suited to theirs? Maybe I wasn't. Maybe that's where the difficulties came in.

"You can't put a price tag on principals and values. I did what I did for my teammates, more than you will ever know. I want them to do well, and I didn't want to be a distraction for them, again. And I think the Redskins felt the same way."