ESPN.com - NFL - Sources: Settlement reached, Owens to Eagles

Dang. This makes it infinitely tougher on the Redskins. Now the Eagles' biggest deficiency has been upgraded with a major plus.

The Redskins have to hope that Springs' size and physicality lets him match up well with TO. If so, he would fare much better than Champ Bailey, the finesse CB. Bailey had major problems with David Boston, a big, muscular, and fast receiver in the same mold.

The New Look Redskins

WR: Coles
LT: Samuels
LG: Fiore/Dockery
C: Friedman/Raymer
RG: Thomas
RT: Jansen
QB: Brunell
FB: Johnson/Cartwright
RB: Portis
TE: Rasby
WR: Gardner

DE: Wynn
DT: Griffin
DT: Haley/Noble
DE: Daniels
LB: Washington
LB: Short (Trotter likely to be released)
LB: Arrington
CB: Springs
CB: Smoot
SS: Taylor (Sean, from the draft)
FS: Bowen

For the most part, the re-tooled offense is the same with Brunell and Portis as the new faces in the key positions. Although it's a new offensive scheme, Rasby and Raymer bring familiarity back into the fold.

With the star power of Coles, Rod Gardner saw his production drop off significantly. The Redskins could certainly stand to upgrade the position. Gardner is not as strong or fast enough to scare anyone. This will be a critical year for Gardner (and possibly his contract year) to show that he belongs. If he has another 600-800 yard season, he'll be considered a 3rd-tier receiver. With all the star receivers in the draft, the Skins should give serious consideration to plucking Larry Fitzgerald if he inexplicably falls that far.

The defense, on the other hand, is significantly revamped. Griffin and Noble hopefully provide the force in the middle that disappeared when Daryl Gardener left town. The highly touted LB corps never lived up to its billing, mostly due to revolving coaching staffs. Nevertheless, Trotter has been a disappointment and with all the LBs visiting Redskins Park, is sure to be released in coming weeks.

Champ Bailey is gone.
Clinton Portis is here.
Mark Brunell is here.
Bruce Smith is gone.
Jessie Armstead is gone.

As Len Pasquarelli of ESPN notes, Snyder is at it again during the offseason. He calls it the Summer Bowl. Every offseason it sounds exciting and all Skins fans have much reason for optimism.

Brunell vs. Ramsey

The irony of Brunell is that the Redskins had an opportunity to pursue him two years ago instead of going with Shane Matthews, Wuerffel, and drafting Ramsey.

The benching of Ramsey isn't official but Brunell's money is too high for a backup. That said, I strongly disagree with Gibb's decision to not go with Ramsey as his undisputed starter. It is clear that Ramsey has the smarts, arm strength, and toughness to succeed. Playing in a run-first offense, Ramsey would grow and lead the team to victory. Playing behind Brunell, Ramsey's growth will be severely stunted.

Bailey vs. Portis

I also disagree with the decision to not try to keep Bailey. As has been discussed in several articles regarding the trade, shutdown cornerbacks are much harder to come by than premiere running backs. Assuming he stays healthy, Ladell Betts could potentially flourish in Gibbs' offense.

The Broncos came out of the trade exceedingly well. Olandis Gary had a 1000 yard year but hasn't done anything since leaving Denver. Quentin Griffin is waiting in the wings to run for 1200 yards behind the Broncos O-line. The Broncos also have Mike Anderson. Now they also have Bailey, one of the top 3 CBs in the league, and an additional 2nd round draft pick.

My Skins GM Moves

Rather than spend big dollars for Brunell and Portis, I would have stayed the course with Ramsey and Betts, keeping Bailey, and spending free agency money to lure Jevon Kearse and Ted Washington.