Hall, Skins in Preliminary Talks
December 24
Washington Post
"The Washington Redskins have engaged in preliminary contract discussions with potential free agent corner DeAngelo Hall in hopes of signing him to a long-term contract, according to team and league sources. The team has expressed an interest in retaining Hall, according to sources, although the sides have yet to reach the stage at which they exchange proposals and financial details.
Hall, a Virginia native and Virginia Tech product, was signed to a one-year deal at midseason after being released by Oakland just months after signing a lucrative contract with the Raiders. Hall has been starting in recent weeks and leads the team with five interceptions, a key factor in his rise past corner Carlos Rogers, who regularly drops interceptions, on the depth chart.
Hall has often spoken publicly about his desire to stay with the Redskins, his hometown team, beyond this season, though sources close to the player said he is hardly unopposed to testing the free agent waters in March. The other starting corner, Shawn Springs, could be a salary cap casualty, while Fred Smoot is having a rough season and has slipped to fourth on the depth chart, making Hall more attractive.
The Redskins' defense, while ranked fourth overall in the NFL, has lacked for turnovers and explosive plays, elements that Hall provides. He has struggled with deep coverage at times, and has had run-ins with coaches and teammates at other stops, but has performed well for Washington and stayed away from trouble. (However, the fact that he is playing for a new deal, whether here or with another team, is not lost on those around him). Hall's focus and effort at practice have not always been stellar, according to team sources, though he has impressed coaches with his sure hands and skills."
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