The Redskins continue to explore trade options for wide receiver Rod Gardner, head coach Joe Gibbs said on Wednesday.
Gibbs said he has had discussions with Gardner and his agent and that both parties have a "game plan" moving forward. The team is hopeful of obtaining a draft pick for Gardner in this weekend's NFL Draft.
"Right now, it's more up to Rod and his agent as to what we're going to do," Gibbs said. "I'd say we talked over a scenario and we put up a game plan with what's the best way to move forward with him."
Gardner was granted the opportunity to seek a trade following the 2004 regular season, but up until now, the team has been unable to complete a deal. Gardner was the Redskins' first-round draft pick (16th overall) in 2001 and has logged 227 receptions for 2,997 yards and 17 touchdowns in 64 games.
Asked if Gardner could return to the Redskins for the 2005 season if a trade is not completed, Gibbs replied: "There's a possibility of that, yes."
Gibbs has sought to revamp his wide receivers corps this offseason.
The team has acquired veteran David Patten, a free agent formerly with the New England Patriots, and speedster Santana Moss in a trade for unhappy wide receiver Laveranues Coles. They join holdovers James Thrash, Taylor Jacobs and Darnerien McCants as options at wide receiver this season.
The Redskins are considering drafting a wide receiver with one of their top draft picks in this weekend's NFL Draft. The two elite wide receivers are Michigan's Braylon Edwards and USC's Mike Williams, although both are expected to be off the draft board when the Redskins pick at No. 9.
Gibbs said on Wednesday that he doesn't view the wide receiver position as a definitive need area, though.
"If you look at our receivers and the depth there, you have Santana Moss and David Patten," he said. "Taylor [Jacobs] has a chance to jump up and really played great for us down the stretch last year. James Thrash, Darnerien McCants, the Rod Gardner situation--I think we have some real talented receivers.
"I don't feel the pressure about doing something [at wide receiver] in the draft. I think we feel comfortable there. You are always looking to get a good football player."
