Redskins Target Fletcher

Sturdy Linebacker, Smoot Seen as Possible Free Agent Signees

Middle linebacker London Fletcher could become a member of the Washington Redskins as early as today, while former Redskins defensive back Fred Smoot also is a top priority at the start of the NFL free agent signing period, which began at midnight.

The Redskins appear confident in their ability to sign Fletcher, who played for the Buffalo Bills last season and will meet at Redskins Park with coaches and front-office staff today. Smoot also has a meeting scheduled.

But signing a defensive back is a primary concern. The Redskins suffered a blow to their offseason strategy yesterday afternoon when Detroit Lions cornerback Dre Bly was traded to the Denver Broncos, while the front office grew increasingly pessimistic about its chances to sign free agent cornerback Nate Clements and contract talks with incumbent Shawn Springs remained at a stalemate.

Springs, who will count $7.35 million against the salary cap, balked weeks ago when the Redskins approached him about taking a pay cut. But Smoot, a second-round pick by the Redskins in 2001, was a major bust in Minnesota after signing a $34 million free agent contract in 2005. He had only three interceptions in two seasons with the Vikings and was involved in the team's infamous party-boat scandal.

The Redskins are $6 million under the $109 million salary cap, and there is as much intrigue about whom they will attempt to acquire as there is about whom they will lose. As of late yesterday, the Redskins had not agreed to terms with left guard Derrick Dockery, who league sources speculated could earn as much as $12 million in guaranteed money, a figure the Redskins have been reluctant to meet.

Sources spoke off the record because teams are not allowed to discuss other teams' players before the market opens.

The team already has cut tight end Christian Fauria, an ineffective free agent signing last season, and could be interested in Cincinnati Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly. Sources said the team likely will cut place kicker John Hall over the coming weeks, saving $1.5 million in cap space. In limbo is Springs, who league sources said had been discussed in potential trade talks with Denver and Detroit, but could remain with the team or be cut on June 1.

The status of defensive end Renaldo Wynn, who counted $4 million against the cap and was asked to take a major pay cut without guaranteed bonuses, is uncertain. Sources said Wynn, expected to earn $2 million this season, was offered a non-guaranteed $1.2 million, making him a possible June 1 cut. Releasing Wynn would save the Redskins $2.5 million and, combined with the Hall savings, could give the Redskins nearly $10 million in cap room, allowing them to sign Smoot, Springs and Dockery.

Also questionable is backup quarterback Todd Collins, who in the wake of Wednesday's re-signing of Mark Brunell likely would seek to join another team instead of being the third quarterback. Coach Joe Gibbs said he was optimistic about re-signing safety Vernon Fox, but an agreement had not been reached.

Fletcher, who has not missed a game in his nine-year career, started in St. Louis but spent the last five seasons in Buffalo. He would fill the team's key need, sources inside and outside the organization said.

Sources added that the Redskins' approach to free agency is expected to be more measured and cost-efficient in comparison with last year, when a whirlwind spending flurry over the first 48 hours of the signing period landed wide receiver Brandon Lloyd in a trade with San Francisco, plus defensive end Andre Carter, wide receiver Antwaan Randle El and safety Adam Archuleta.

Still, a team with the Redskins' financial resources cannot be underestimated. After being unimpressed with Clemson's Gaines Adams and intrigued but not overwhelmed by Michigan defensive tackle Alan Branch -- though sources said the team liked its non-workout meeting with Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson -- sources at the NFL scouting combine last week said the Redskins were deeply interested in former Virginia defensive end Patrick Kerney, an eight-year veteran who has played his entire career with Atlanta. The Broncos appear to have the inside edge on Kerney.

In something of a long shot, the Redskins also could be in the running for left defensive end Michael Strahan, who met with New York Giants officials this week in an attempt to be traded. Strahan has two years left on his current contract.

Fletcher, who will be 32 in May, may hold more value to the Redskins than perhaps to the market in general. At last week's NFL scouting combine, various league scouts were perplexed that the Redskins were so enamored with Fletcher, pointing to his lack of size -- he is 5 feet 10 and 245 pounds; current middle linebacker Lemar Marshall is 6-2, 232 -- and his age. He led the Bills in tackles last season by a wide margin and is strong against the run and pass, but some scouts felt Fletcher has perhaps had a lot of wear and tear.

But according to team sources, assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams sees Fletcher as the quarterback to his defense. Williams likes familiarity, and because of their time in Buffalo together, Fletcher understands Williams's system. Also, the free agent market is thin for middle linebackers and Williams traditionally has not been comfortable with playing a rookie at a key position that requires much communication with teammates.

Sources said the Redskins were not convinced they would be able to afford Clements, and doubted the former Buffalo cornerback would visit Washington. League sources say Clements could receive $16 million to $20 million in guaranteed money, forcing the Redskins to consider other options. Smoot, 27, asked the Vikings last month to release him if they were unwilling to guarantee him a starting role.