DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997              TAG: 9703270630

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE:    - JIM DUCIBELLA

                                            LENGTH:   61 lines

SHULER GETS OFFERS FROM PACKERS, SAINTS

Washington Redskins free-agent quarterback Heath Shuler has offers on the table from the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers the New Orleans Saints, several sources report.

Shuler, who could not beat out Gus Frerotte for the starting quarterback's job last year, has received a two-year offer from the Packers totalling $1.4 million.

The Saints, under new coach Mike Ditka, have offered a backloaded four-year deal totaling $7.6 million. The final two years of the contract would be worth $6.2 million. The modest payments Shuler would receive his first two years would serve as insurance for the Saints in the event Shuler didn't become a serviceable starter.

Tom Condon, Shuler's agent, didn't return calls Wednesday.

Because Shuler is a restricted free agent, the Redskins would be entitled to first- and third-round draft picks if he signs before April 14. The Saints, who have the second pick in the April 19 draft, don't want to part with that high pick for a player who didn't throw a pass all last season.

However, all parties could agree to a trade. Sources inside the Redskins say the team has begun preliminary discussions with the Packers. There has been no contact between the Saints and Redskins.

In addition, sources say the Redskins likely would settle for a couple of mid-round picks.

Chicago bearish

on Carter

Another highly regarded Redskins free agent, cornerback Tom Carter, has received a $2.4 million offer from the Chicago Bears. As the Redskins' transition player, they can retain his services just by matching Chicago's offer. What makes Carter so appealing is that, at age 24, he already has been an NFL starter for four seasons, yet is considered a player who still hasn't reached his potential.

Washington may be making some secondary news of its own shortly. Strong safety Jesse Campbell visited Redskin Park Wednesday. It was his first free-agent visit. The offseason addition to the staff of ex-Giants defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is one reason the Redskins are interested in Campbell, an Atlanta native with a reputation as a big-time hitter. No offer has been made and Campbell has indicated he wants to make several other visits.

Kitts, other locals to WFL

Former Great Bridge High player Jim Kitts, who was with the Redskins in training camp last summer and was re-signed by the team during the offseason, was allocated to the World Football League this week. Kitts, who was a linebacker last season, will play fullback for the Frankfort, Germany, franchise.

Other Redskins allocated: defensive lineman Mike Foley of New Hampshire (Barcelona), cornerback Greg Evans of TCU (Frankfort), receiver Toderick Malone of Alabama (London), tight end Steve Brooks of Occdental (London), quarterback Mark Hartsell of Boston College and offensive tackle Keith Wagner of Abilene Christian (both to Scotland).

Other local players finding spots in the WFL, whose season runs from April 12 to June 15, are defensive end Hugh Hunter (Barcelona, unallocated), tailback Bobby Phillips (Frankfort, allocated by Pittsburgh), center Emerson Martin (Barcelona, by Pittsburgh).

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