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Last week the Washington Redskins did the unthinkable. They put a 25-year-old, four-time Pro Bowl cornerback on the trading block. Of course, just because they opened the door on trade talks doesn't mean they plan on starting 2004 without Champ Bailey. As much as anything the Skins want to see it they can set the market for a player who just turned down a nine-year, $55 million deal with a reported $15 million signing bonus.

The club can now take offers for Bailey and see what other teams are willing to pay him. But the Redskins aren't making it easy. They're asking for a first- and second-round pick and perhaps a player. That's pricey, especially considering a team will have to sign him to a mega-deal. If Washington can't find any team willing to meet their demands before Feb. 24 then they'll franchise him, where they'll likely still accept offers from teams willing to trade for perhaps the premier player at one of the most important positions.

Some of the teams that have an interest in acquiring Bailey are the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.

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