Running back missed 11 games last season
Clinton Portis wanted to be what he once was: The Man. The Redskins, though, could not guarantee that would be the case.
So rather than stick around for less money, Portis and the Redskins settled on a divorce, ending a seven-year relationship that produced lots of rushing yards, controversy and silly costumes.
As expected, Washington released Portis on Monday rather than keep him around this season for approximately $8 million.
That’s too high a figure for a running back who will turn 30 in September and has played in only 13 games combined the past two seasons because of injuries.
The question now becomes: who replaces Portis? Ryan Torain showed his ability last season — rushing for 742 yards — but injuries have plagued his three-year career. Keiland Williams did an adequate job in protection and as a part-time back. But the Redskins could use more speed and a durable runner.
Meanwhile, Portis said on 106.7 “The Fan” that the Redskins offered to restructure his contract, but he did not want to return unless he was going to be the primary runner.
| Decline in production | |||
| Clinton Portis topped the 1,000-yard mark in four of his first five seasons in Washington and amassed 6,824 rushing yards for the Redskins — second-most in franchise history only to John Riggins. But his final two years were marked by injury and a steep decline in production. | |||
| Year | G | Att | Yds |
| 2004-2008* | 14 | 298 | 1221 |
| 2009 | 8 | 124 | 494 |
| 2010 | 5 | 54 | 227 |
| * Numbers are average over those seasons | |||
“It’s hard … to accept not being the go-to guy or not being the man after carrying the organization for so long,” Portis said. “There’s no need to try and hold on and stick around when we can part ways on good terms.”
He exits Washington as the franchise’s second all-time leading rusher with 6,824 yards — trailing only Hall of Famer John Riggins (7,472). Portis ranks 26th in NFL history with 9,923 rushing yards.
On Friday, coach Mike Shanahan said they would let Portis test the market and “see what’s out there for him.”
Portis was one of the most outspoken Redskins during his tenure, drawing attention with his antics and his words. He dressed up as characters “Southeast Jerome,” “Dolla Bill” and “Sheriff Gonna Getcha” during the 2005 season.
Controversy followed him, as when he sarcastically labeled former coach Jim Zorn a “genius.” His weekly paid radio show on 106.7 was a must listen.
“I always spoke the truth,” he said, “and stood up for what I believed in.”
But even he tired of the drama that has surrounded the franchise during his time.
“That’s one of the big reasons I’m feeling that my time is up in D.C.,” he said, “the drama and the issues with the back and forth with teammates. I would love to go to a team that’s already bonded and I can come in and help and I don’t have to be the spotlight or center of attention.”
Portis said it was emotional talking to owner Dan Snyder about being released, referencing the emotion both endured during Sean Taylor’s murder in 2007.
“Clinton provided excitement from the very first time he touched the ball as a Redskin, and we were lucky to witness every ounce of energy, effort and passion he has given ever since,” Snyder said in a statement. “We have been through a lot both on and off of the field.”
