Dan Snyder's early verdict on Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen: "Great guys. Lucky to have 'em."
In brief remarks to reporters before a charity dinner in Vienna, Va., the Washington Redskins' owner said Thursday night that he supports his new coach and general manager's measured approach to free agency, which differs from his aggressive style of years past.
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"It's really not about the past now," Snyder said. "It's really about the future. And when we look at the pedigree of Bruce and Mike and everything that they've experienced, we're in good hands."
The Redskins have signed three players -- offensive lineman Artis Hicks, nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu and tight end Sean Ryan -- during the first week of free agency. Free-agent running back Larry Johnson will meet with Shanahan on Friday, and the Redskins are very interested in signing him, team sources told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.
The Redskins have been known as the champions of the offseason under Snyder, but the owner gave control of the roster to Shanahan when the coach was hired after a 4-12 season.
"We've got a game plan. It takes time," Shanahan said. "And we've got a plan. It's not going to happen overnight. You'll just have to watch the plan take place."
Shanahan said he expects 100 percent participation when the team's offseason conditioning program begins Monday. That includes running back Clinton Portis, whose preference is to stay home in Florida and avoid the extra work. However, Portis visited a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh last week and was cleared to begin offseason activities with the team, a source told La Canfora.
"Oh, I guarantee you Clinton'll be there," Shanahan said. "I know Clinton too well. He'll be there, and he'll kick off the offseason on the right note. I want my leaders to be there."
Shanahan also said he met with cornerback Carlos Rogers, who was hoping to become an unrestricted free agent and find another team. Instead, the Redskins tendered Rogers, making him a restricted free agent.
"It was very positive," Shanahan said of the meeting. "I'm a big fan of Carlos, and he will be here for the offseason program."
Rogers left Redskins Park telling coaches and teammates that he feels better about the situation, La Canfora reported, citing sources.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
