Williams, team still negotiating

Redskins camp notebook

Date published: 7/30/2010

BY RICH CAMPBELL

ASHBURN--

Contract talks continued late into the night with hopes that he would be signed by today.

"I think we're very close," coach Mike Shanahan said after practice yesterday afternoon. "I'd be surprised if he's not in here quickly in the near future, knowing their agents, knowing [general manager] Bruce [Allen], how we run this organization. We'll just have to wait and see."

The market value for Williams became a bit clearer yesterday when linebacker Rolando McClain, the eighth overall pick, signed with the Oakland Raiders. His deal is worth $40 million, including $23 million guaranteed, over five years, according to an ESPN report.

McClain was only the third first-rounder to sign. More evidence emerged last night, however, that signings are set to pick up. Philadelphia signed linebacker/defensive end Brandon Graham, the 13th overall pick.

Last season, Redskins first-round pick Brian Orakpo missed the first day of camp while finalizing his contract, and he still made the Pro Bowl.

Without Williams at practice yesterday, second-string left tackle Will Robinson worked with the first team.

WILLIAMS ON RESERVE LIST

Offensive lineman Mike Williams (blood clots) was placed on the non-football injury list yesterday to make room for cornerback Carlos Rogers, who signed his one-year, $1.54 million restricted free-agent tender yesterday and practiced with the team.

Shanahan told reporters after practice that Williams would be "released," but a team spokesman later clarified that Williams is on the NFI list.