Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Football Forum (NFL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Carolyn who wrote (18596)	3/6/2003 9:04:51 PM
From: Tom C	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 45644

Redskins Agree to Offer Sheet With Jets' Morton By Mark Maske Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, March 7, 2003; Page D1 The Washington Redskins agreed to a contract offer sheet today with New York Jets running back and kick returner Chad Morton, a restricted free agent, for a five-year deal worth $8 million, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. The Jets have a week to decide whether to retain Morton, 25, by matching the offer or allow him to go to the Redskins. The Redskins would owe the Jets a fifth-round draft pick if they acquire Morton. Morton ranked second in the AFC last season in kickoff returns, averaging 26 yards per return. He had two touchdowns on kickoff returns in a season-opening triumph over the Buffalo Bills, including the game-winner in overtime. He probably would serve as the Redskins' punt returner. He played little on offense in two seasons with the Jets after catching 30 passes out of the backfield for the New Orleans Saints as a rookie in 2000. He and agent Leigh Steinberg stressed during their deliberations with the Redskins that Morton would like to play more on offense. The Redskins already have three tailbacks, having just traded for Trung Canidate to go with Ladell Betts and Kenny Watson, so their backfield would be crowded if they attempt to find playing time for Morton. Morton played tailback and wide receiver at USC while Redskins offensive coordinator Hue Jackson was the school's offensive coordinator. Morton had 2,511 career rushing yards at USC, including 1,141 yards as a senior in 1999. It's unclear whether the Jets will match the Redskins' offer. But he is said to be a favorite of Jets General Manager Terry Bradway, who acquired Morton in an August 2001 trade with the Saints. The Jets attempted to negotiate a multiyear contract with Steinberg in recent days to preempt the Redskins' offer sheet. If the Jets keep Morton, the Redskins might turn to wide receiver and kick returner Jermaine Lewis. He is an unrestricted free agent and is scheduled to visit Redskins Park on Friday. Morton is the second restricted free agent signed to an offer sheet by the Redskins this week. Green Bay Packers safety Matt Bowen signed a four-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday. They would owe Green Bay a sixth-round choice if the Packers opt against matching the offer by next Tuesday. The Redskins have signed eight unrestricted free agents since Friday and are attempting to sign wide receiver Kevin Dyson, an unrestricted free agent from the Tennessee Titans who met with team officials Tuesday night. They also are negotiating with speedy wideout Patrick Johnson, an unrestricted free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars. © 2003 The Washington Post Company