Royal is a big, athletic tight end who found his niche in the Redskins' offense- especially in the power running game. In the last two seasons, he has hauled in five TD catches. Last season, he logged a career-high 18 receptions for 131 yards, with a long of 29. Royal's first two seasons with the Redskins were cut short due to injuries. In 2003, Royal started six games and caught five passes for 48 yards before suffering a right hip injury that ended his season. In his rookie season in 2002, he did not see action in the regular season because of a season-ending ankle injury suffered in preseason.
Royal was selected in the fifth round (160th overall) by the Redskins in the 2002 NFL Draft. Royal finished his college career at LSU with 59 receptions for 707 yards (12.0 avg) and seven touchdowns while starting 24 of 42 games. Royal's career reception and yardage totals rank third in LSU history among tight ends, while his TD total of seven ranks second.
In other news, Eric Moulds' future with the Buffalo Bills could be determined by early next week after the veteran star receiver had a series of discussions with the team.
"No developments, but hopefully, something good is going to come out of it in the near future," Moulds' personal adviser, Greg Johnson, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "We had several conversations yesterday and we anticipate something happening one way or another by Monday or Tuesday."
Moulds has two years left on his contract and was due to count about $10.85 million against the salary cap next season -- a figure deemed too expensive by the Bills. The team would save $5.5 million in cap space.The recent labor agreement which resulted in raising the league salary cap in excess of $102 million dollars have staved off an immediate release from the team.
The Bills still have visits planned for the next few days. Patriots WR Andre Davis was in Buffalo visiting with the Bills earlier today. The Bills have also contacted his Patriot’s teammate, David Givens.
On the other side of the ball, former Colt DT Larry Triplett has visited One Bills Drive. The team is in need of defensive tackles, in the wake of releasing Sam Adams for salary cap reasons. Their only other starter, DT Ron Edwards, is a free agent.
Buffalo has also contacted the agents for Safety Adam Archuletta and DT Ryan Pickett, formerly of the St. Louis Rams.
Meanwhile, the agent for former New York Jets center Kevin Mawae confirmed the Bills have had contact with him. However, no visit is scheduled yet. Mawae, 35, had triceps surgery last season after an injury that occurred against the Bills. He's a six-time Pro Bowler.
(Billszone.com)