The Washington Redskins just declared a giveaway on quarterback Jason Campbell.
With future Hall of Famer Donovan McNabb donning a Redskins jersey on Tuesday, coach Mike Shanahan told Campbell to work a trade for whatever he can. A fifth-round choice, a bag of balls, fruit of the month club membership — whatever works.
In fact, make it a two-for-one special with Colt Brennan included now that McNabb has Brennan’s number.
The Redskins were absolutely right to trade a second-round pick and 2011 mid-rounder to Philadelphia on Sunday for McNabb. You make that trade 10 times out of 10. And the Redskins should extend McNabb’s deal from one to four seasons because he’s Washington’s best passer since Joe Theismann’s career ended in 1985.
But don’t believe any posturing that the Redskins would welcome Campbell back. Shanahan said the team wouldn’t release Campbell should he not find any takers, but what else can he say? Otherwise, no one will trade even a fifth-rounder for Campbell knowing he’ll soon come loose. Indeed, the only reason a team trades for Campbell now is to gain more time to learn their system.
Minnesota and Carolina may be interested in Campbell. Certainly, many other teams would take him as a backup. The Redskins want a fresh start as much as Campbell and a trade or release is inevitable.
The future is McNabb — even if he turns 34 this season. It seems 34 is the new 24 for passers under Shanahan. John Elway was 34 upon Shanahan’s arrival and the tandem combined for two Super Bowl wins.
No one’s saying Shanahan and McNabb will win two titles together, but the Redskins are once more a contender because of the elusive passer. They’ve quietly gained eight players over the offseason who will turn at least 30 this year. Shanahan called thoughts of trying immediately to win a Super Bowl with older veterans “completely false” but there’s no denying this: “The Future is Now 2” is playing in Washington this fall.
McNabb says he has “a lot” left in the tank. However, he has missed 17 games over the past five seasons. That the Redskins still don’t have a decent offensive line is scary. They must use their first rounder on a left tackle.
McNabb is a winner, reaching five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in 11 seasons with Philadelphia. Eagles fans never appreciated him, but Redskins fans will covet McNabb after a decade of Patrick Ramsey, Danny Wuerffel, Shane Matthews and Tony Banks.
“Everything I’ve been part of we’ve won,” McNabb said. “We may not have won a Super Bowl, but we’ve won.”
That’s good enough for the Redskins. They’ve just won as well. Another offseason title, that is.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
