The Redskins began free agency by acquiring wide receiver Brandon Lloyd from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the team’s 3rd round selection in the 2006 Draft and 4th round selection in 2007.
Lloyd was a restricted free agent and was given a 1-year, $1.6 million tender by the 49ers with a 1st round pick as compensation resulting from any team trying to sign him. But the Redskins lacked a 1st round pick in this year’s draft so a trade was the only means of acquiring the 3rd-year player.
One of the Redskins biggest weaknesses in 2005 was the lack of a serviceable No. 2 wide receiver to compliment Pro Bowler Santana Moss. Behind Moss, the most productive receiver on the team was H-back Chris Cooley.
Lloyd is known for making dazzling and acrobatic catches but has an affinity for dropping catchable balls. He had also been criticized in San Francisco for his demeanor towards some teammates and for his production of a rap album.
Aside from acquiring Lloyd, the Redskins were also busy treating free agent wide receiver Antwaan Randle-El, safety Adam Archuleta, defensive end Andre Carter, and quarterback Todd Collins to dinner and dream seats at last night’s Wizards-Pistons game.
Carter, 26, is a versatile defensive end who also plays linebacker and is a very sound pass rusher. He has 32 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 189 tackles for his career. His father Rubin was the Redskins defensive line coach in 1999 and 2000.
Collins has spent the last five seasons in Kansas City and would provide starter Mark Brunell and backup Jason Campbell with a vast knowledge of the offense that has been brought over by Associate Head Coach – Offense Al Saunders.
In other news, the Redskins lost starting tight end Robert Royal to the Buffalo Bills. The 4-year veteran reportedly signed a 5-year deal worth a maximum of $10 million. Royal was plagued by injuries at the beginning of his career and seemed to have a breakout season in 2004, but his production dropped in 2005.
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