Adam Carriker has felt optimistic before.
But he said this year feels different, and he’s hopeful about playing after missing nearly two full seasons with quadriceps problems.
That might not be enough to keep him in Washington, as his $6.5 million salary cap hit makes him likely to either take a pay cut or be cut.
“I run into people in the hall and talk, but nothing has been brought up [about his contract],” Carriker said, via John Keim of ESPN.com. “I understand how the NFL works. [But] there’s no doubt in my mind they want me around. They like a lot of things about me. They know I can play. They know I know the defense very well. Even if you bring a guy in, unless you see him in your exact scheme it’s hard to know if a guy will work. They know I can do it. Plus I’ve been battling every day for a year and a half. I think they like and respect that. They’ve also seen the progress.
“It’s just a matter of me getting back to full speed and getting 100 percent back to normal. Without a doubt they want me back.”
The veteran defensive end, 29, has missed the last 30 regular season games with the recurring injury. He’s had three surgeries, and hasn’t played since the second week of 2012.
His familiarity should help, and he sounds like a guy realistic about the economics of the situation. But the Redskins have more pressing needs (such as locking up outside linebacker Brian Orakpo), and might not be as patient with his rehab.