Denver to Possibly Trade Portis for Bailey

**FearedSanctity** · 02-23-2004, 06:33 PM

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos are discussing a trade that would send running back Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins for cornerback Champ Bailey, a swap of two Pro Bowlers upset with their contracts, a source said Monday.

In giving up Portis for Bailey, Denver also would receive Washington's second-round selection in the April draft, the NFL source told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Vinny Cerrato, Washington's player personnel director, said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis: "We are talking to a number of teams and Denver is one of the teams." He wouldn't name the players.

The negotiations were first reported in the Denver Post.

The Redskins have protected Bailey, who can become a free agent on March 3, by designating him their franchise player. That means the Redskins must make him a one-year, $6.8 million tender, the average of the top five players at his position.

Portis has two years remaining on the contract he signed as a second-round draft pick in 2002. Displeased with the $300,000 he made last season, he has hinted he might be a holdout when training camp starts unless the Broncos rework his deal.

The deal would make sense because the Redskins went last season without an every-down running back, a must in the offensive system favored by new coach Joe Gibbs. Portis ran for 1,591 yards last year despite missing three games with chest and ankle injuries.

Portis' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined comment and the Broncos did not return a call seeking comment.

-Sportsline.com

02-23-2004, 06:33 PM	#1
FearedSanctity Von Killer Posts: 4,471	Denver to Possibly Trade Portis for Bailey DENVER -- The Denver Broncos are discussing a trade that would send running back Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins for cornerback Champ Bailey, a swap of two Pro Bowlers upset with their contracts, a source said Monday. In giving up Portis for Bailey, Denver also would receive Washington's second-round selection in the April draft, the NFL source told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Vinny Cerrato, Washington's player personnel director, said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis: "We are talking to a number of teams and Denver is one of the teams." He wouldn't name the players. The negotiations were first reported in the Denver Post. The Redskins have protected Bailey, who can become a free agent on March 3, by designating him their franchise player. That means the Redskins must make him a one-year, $6.8 million tender, the average of the top five players at his position. Portis has two years remaining on the contract he signed as a second-round draft pick in 2002. Displeased with the $300,000 he made last season, he has hinted he might be a holdout when training camp starts unless the Broncos rework his deal. The deal would make sense because the Redskins went last season without an every-down running back, a must in the offensive system favored by new coach Joe Gibbs. Portis ran for 1,591 yards last year despite missing three games with chest and ankle injuries. Portis' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declined comment and the Broncos did not return a call seeking comment. -Sportsline.com