Looks like it's pretty much official--Brunell=Redskin

[Free Bagel]

WASHINGTON -- Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell agreed to a seven-year, $43 million deal with the Washington Redskins late Thursday, clearing the way for a trade next month.


Brunell will receive an $8.6 million signing bonus, according to agent Leigh Steinberg, who wrapped up several weeks of negotiations with Redskins owner Dan Snyder.


Brunell is expected to displace Patrick Ramsey as the starter, giving Joe Gibbs the veteran he sought in the coach's first season back in Washington after an 11-year retirement.


"Mark and Joe Gibbs have been talking every day, sometimes multiple times," Steinberg said. "Mark's comfort level and excitement level with coach Gibbs has grown every day. He became convinced throughout the process that the ability to play for a Hall of Fame-caliber coach that had been to four Super Bowls was unique and too good to pass up."


The deal cannot become official until the offseason trading period begins March 3. The Redskins have offered the Jaguars a third-round draft pick for Brunell, according to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1739475

[awwchrist]

They all get sacked the same.

In fairness, with Gibbs there things should change.

However they still don't have a running game.

And all this does is hinder the development of Ramsey.

There's gotta be better ways to spend $$$ on that team.

[Canacuna]

And all this does is hinder the development of Ramsey.

There's gotta be better ways to spend $$$ on that team.

[awwchrist]

Steinberg did not say Brunell received any guarantees from Gibbs about the starting job.

"Obviously Mark's been a starter since 1995 and is confident of his ability to lead a team," Steinberg said. "But he looks forward to the ability to compete for a starting job in training camp."

You don't pay a backup 8 mil in bonus money over 7 seasons.

I love player-agent double-speak.

[moochman]

I love this deal, it gives the Skins a QB controversy and tells your future at QB you don't have faith in him. And it means they probably won't have the money to keep Bailey and that could bring down the price the Lions will over pay for him.

[Gunslinger]

I've always liked Brunell, but that seems like a ton of money to pay what amounts to an old man in the biz. I find it hard to believe that Ramsey will stick around now. I thought he was coming around nicely, actually. Not to mention the kid is tough as nails. I respect Gibbs and what he's done in the past but I'm scratching my head on this one.

[Arlo]

It'll be interesting to see what Miami does now. Rivers (as Cheesehead suggested)?

[badger526]

I don't understand why everybody thinks Ramsey is the guy for the Redskins. Did I miss something last season? He didn't impress me very much. I think Brunell could do some great good for this team if he gets his act together.

[Go Vikes]

It's now official I believe. What a stupid move. Ramsey will now ask for a trade and theywon't haea QB for the future.

[Homeless]

brunell said he wouldnt take anything less than the starting job, Ramsey said he wouldnt stay if he (Ramsey) wasnt the starter. I'd say its clear who will be starting for the skins next season.

I dont see there being much of a rush to sign Ramsey if he does leave.