Skins Bailey Given Go-Ahead to Pursue Trade

In a somewhat surprising move, the Washington Redskins have given four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey permission to seek a trade with another NFL franchise. According to ESPN's Len Pasquarelli, Bailey's agent, Jack Reale, spoke to seven or eight teams after receiving a call Thursday night from owner Daniel Snyder.

Bailey is eligible for unrestricted free agency, but the Redskins have the right to designate Bailey a "franchise" player. If Snyder decides to slap the tag on the five-year veteran, he will carry a $6.801 million hit against the salary cap, which will seriously limit the team's opportunities in the free agent market.