More bad news on the Dockery front

by Skin Patrol on Feb 22, 2007 11:42 AM EST in Redskins Analysis

Per the Examiner, With no sign of deal, Redskins G Dockery set to become free agent (emphasis added):

"At this late stage, it doesn't look like a deal is going to get done," Dockery's agent, Todd France, told The Associated Press on Wednesday...

France said negotiations are ongoing, so there is still a chance of an agreement. Free agency begins March 2.

"We've been in constant communication. They have an interest in Derrick, but it's got to make sense for both parties," France said. "And right now it looks like we're going to be testing the market."

Very discouraging news, from his agent. Between this, Jason La Canfora's prediction, and even Howard Bryant's Post piece this morning, I'm very skeptical about the team successfully pulling the trigger on Dockery. From the post:

The team may spend time with offensive linemen, who also work out Saturday, in case it is unable to reach an agreement with left guard Derrick Dockery. For weeks, the Redskins and Dockery's agent, Todd France, have been discussing a deal without much progress.

France said that while he and the Redskins have been in communication and there is still a week remaining before the start of the free agent period, Dockery appears headed for free agency. "We've exchanged a lot of ideas, but we haven't reached a point where we're close to getting something done," France said. He has said it would take a lucrative offer to keep Dockery from testing the market.

Our last, best hope is that Dockery is asking more than the market will bear and we can outbid other teams. I don't mind overpaying a little bit, but it's clear the Redskins and Dockery disagree about his worth to the team. We only have two pure guards in Dockery and Thomas, which means we're thin in replacements for him should he walk. Mike Pucillo can play guard (he started that position for 6 games with the Browns) and center, though that would leave us without any backups behind Casey Rabach.

Kili Lefotu is a jack of all trades, having played guard and tackle, though I doubt whether he's ready to start either position. Todd Wade isn't a Guard and will likely leave us in Free Agency anyways. Taylor Whitley has guard experience but probably isn't ready to start. The best solution, in my opinion, is picking up a backup Center in free agency on the cheap and moving Mike Pucillo to Guard. The team may want a better starter at that position, so don't be shocked if we attack free agency to solve this.

Best of all worlds: Derrick Dockery can't get what he wants in Free Agency and comes home. We want you here, Dock.

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Washington seems dedicated to spin

as far as Dockery. From the Washington Post

Gibbs said the negotiations with Dockery have not gone as well as he had hoped, a sentiment illustrated recently when Dockery's agent, Todd France, said Dockery appeared headed toward testing the free agent market.

"We think we worked really hard to get that done. Our expectations are still that we don't want that to happen and we've worked hard to keep it from happening," Gibbs said, adding that France's comments surprised him.

"I would say that hasn't been said to us, that he was going to go to free agency no matter what. We're of the thought process that we can still get something done. We all know no matter how hard you work that someone could make up their mind that they're going [to free agency] no matter what. Of course, that puts the team in a bind. We certainly don't want to be sitting there when it's all said and done and have a hole."

It sure sound like they are spinning in anticipation of not signing him.

by lee3022 on Feb 24, 2007 11:16 PM EST reply actions

Hopefully...

his asking price is simply too high and we can pick him up on the rebound after the market sends him back. I'm not confident of that scenario, but I'm hopeful.

Go Register. Or else.

by Skin Patrol on Feb 25, 2007 11:37 AM EST up reply actions