Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 23, 1994 TAG: 9407230042
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
Bayless signed a one-year contract Friday worth $300,000. That's less than the strong safety made during his heyday with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, but almost double general manager Charley Casserly's original offer.
That, and his familiarity with the Redskins' system - Bayless played five seasons under new defensive coordinator Ron Lynn and is close with assistants Jim Hanifan, Bobby Jackson and Terry Robiskie - made it easier to turn down comparable offers from the Giants, New Orleans, the Rams and Cincinnati.
"We're going to make football exciting," Bayless vowed. "They expect me to be a leader. I know the system."
Bayless participated in Friday's afternoon practice, held despite a steady rain.
On an adjacent field, scout Mike Hagans, Casserly, and, eventually, coach Norv Turner and Lynn were working out another veteran safety.
Jerry Gray, football's best until a severe knee injury sent his career on a downward spiral several years ago, made cuts and chased after passes with the verve of a rookie.
"An assessment," the team called it, meaning Gray probably won't be joining the team any time soon.
Meanwhile, second-round draft pick Tre' Johnson finally made his way to Dickinson College. Upon his arrival, the Redskins signed the 6-foot-2, 315-pound offensive tackle to a four-year deal worth an estimated $1.6 million.
"I'm ready to hit someone," said Johnson, who took part in the afternoon workout and will play today against Pittsburgh in a controlled scrimmage at Indiana (Pa.) University. "My goal is to start, and I've got a lot of confidence in myself. But I also realize I've got a lot to learn."
Johnson's mammoth belly protruded from under his jersey, preventing him from tucking it in. He guessed his weight was "near" 315 and dismissed any notion it might be a problem.
"It's never been before," he said. "Today was the first time I've had pads on since the Senior Bowl and I didn't feel the least bit tired. Now, I know that might change as the weather gets hotter, but I also know that I'll probably lose about 20-25 pounds going through these two-a-days."
\ NOTES: Center John Gesek walked off the practice field Friday afternoon distraught at the prospect that a back problem he thought he'd licked a couple of years ago may be back. Gesek, who came with Turner from the Dallas Cowboys and is expected to anchor the offensive line, will miss today's scrimmage against the Steelers - and perhaps much more. Gesek said he was plagued by back problems early in his career with the Cowboys but hadn't been bothered until three weeks ago. He injured his back in the Redskins' weight room, but the pain subsided after a week and he'd had no further trouble until spasms hit Friday. Matt Elliott took Gesek's spot on the first-team line. There was no word on how long Gesek is expected to be out. . . . Starting linebacker Kurt Gouveia fractured his left thumb. It was not known how much time he will miss. Gouveia has played with the same injury. . . . Desmond Howard had a productive practice. The third-year receiver from Michigan, perhaps the team's most scrutinized player for what has been two unproductive years, beat Darrell Green on a long touchdown pass from John Friesz and made several other catches despite, rainy, slick conditions. . . . Running back Reggie Brooks sat out Friday's workouts with a pulled hamstring. . . . Oft-injured offensive tackle Moe Elewonibi took part in the Friday afternoon session despite a groin injury that sidelined him for two workouts.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB