Vision Quest: Gardner....Reaping what he has sown

So yesterday the Redskins finally completed to contract extension with Santana Moss. The man we traded Coles for months ago is finally agreeing to come to camp. His future, at least for the next few years, is in Burgundy and Gold. Having forgone a WR in the NFL draft this is the final step of revamping of the WR unit for this year. Moss will be the #1 receiver. #2 and #3 will be battled for by David Patten, who we acquired from New England, Taylor Jacobs, who excelled at the end of last season, James Thrash, the dependable man, and Darnerian McCants, who may be emerging from Gibbs dog house.

And where does that leave Rod Gardner? In limbo that is where. The Redskins and his agent tried to trade him the entire off season and not one quality bidder has come out of the woodwork. Even during the Draft no one wanted to take a stab at him. There are reports that Gardner intentionally scrubbed earlier deals by refusing to sign a contract extension, hoping to hit FA in a year. Is it no wonder why we could not get a draft choice for him?

So what should the Redskins do with Gardner? There are several possible scenarios with pros and cons on each. Here they are as I see it.

Trade Gardner for a future draft choice

This is still the best scenario for Gardner and the Redskins. Gardner gets to start over; the Redskins get some draft choices in the future. A future third or a fourth with escalators to a second with performance guarantees could be the ticket. However is anyone out there willing to part with one? Maybe Tampa Bay. But they drafted three WRs and may not be looking for another project. San Diego is still a possibility, after all Schottenheimer did draft Gardner for the Skins over the objections of Dan Snyder. Miami needs a WR but may not be willing to take a chance on another Redskin possession type receiver with Derrius Thompson still on their roster.

Odds: 5-1

Keep Gardner and have him play out his contract

Some are suggesting this is going to happen, and one of them was Joe Gibbs. I think it is more likely that Gibbs is trying to drive up Gardner’s trade value before releasing him, but you never know with the Coach. He may keep him and put him in the WR rotation. The problem is that I would put three WRs ahead of Gardner on the depth chart (Patten, Jacobs, and Moss) and two other WRs would be tied for him for fourth (McCants and Thrash). It is doubtful the Redskins will keep 6 WR so he would have to beat out someone for this roster spot. Lastly everyone knows Backup WRs have to play special teams for Gibbs. Gardner never has and I doubt would be willing to.

Odds: 10-1


Give Gardner a multi year extension and he plays like the pro-bowler he should be.

Are you out of your *****Censored By Spence***** mind?

Odds: 2,000,000 – 1


Let Gardner go and get no value back for him (but be glad ye are rid of a knave).

In my mind this is still the only option left to the Redskins. No one is going to trade for an underachiever in the last year of his contract when they can sign him for cheaper after he is cut. We have too many receivers for him to make his mark on the team, and why now when he has had 3 years and did nothing? The Redskins could use the 2+million in cap space that his release will bring. We have rookies to sign and possibly Taylor’s contract to deal with. Gibbs can’t afford a 3+million cap hit for a 4th WR.

Odds: Even Money

Since Rod Gardner is in the last year of his contract there is no benefit, other then trying to drive up his trade value, to waiting for the June 1st cut. Unless there is a bidding war started by a foolish team or two then I would expect 50/50 to be looking for a squad to drop balls for next year. It’s frustrating to see a guy with flashes of brilliance be given up on by the Redskins however his mental lapses have cost us many games over the past 3 years. Sure he may make a brilliant one-handed diving catch for a touchdown 3 or 4 times a year but Gibbs system depends on guys who can run a 10 yard curl and move the sticks more.

In the end there is nothing more to say. Gardner never reaped the harvest we had hoped so it is time to start over, without him.