Jason Campbell’s fate will dominate the Washington Redskins’ offseason, and maybe years to come.
Critics want the 2005 first-rounder out after Sunday’s season-ender at San Diego. Owner Dan Snyder tried twice to replace the quarterback last offseason and didn’t offer him a contract extension.
Backers claim Campbell showed more moxie in recent weeks despite constant pass pressure. Given no clear successor, Campbell’s return wouldn’t be the worst alternative.
Ironically, no decision can be made until free agency begins and the collective bargaining talks conclude on March 1. Even then, the Redskins may lose Campbell.
It’s going to be complicated.
If CBA talks fail, which appears increasingly likely, then free agency requires six seasons experience instead of four. Campbell, along with cornerback Carlos Rogers and safety Reed Doughty, become restricted free agents. They can still sign elsewhere, but the Redskins may retain them by matching the deal. Washington also could stick a transition tag on Campbell requiring more draft compensation to discourage offers
Campbell wants to leave, and who can blame him? The owner has been looking for a new passer. An expected new coach may also not be the right fit. And let’s not forget the porous offensive line that turned Campbell into a piñata.
Each side has leverage. The Redskins can frustrate his exit, but not outright block him unless they commit to a big deal that keeps Campbell as a starter. That seems very unlikely.
Campbell hasn’t been a Pro Bowl passer, but he’s fared respectably this season given the loss of 2008 Pro Bowlers Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley by midseason. This offense, with three playcallers, has been all spit and duct tape.
But who would be better in 2010? Colt Brennan coming off a season-long hip injury? There’s no telling what the third-year passer is capable of doing. Todd Collins? Great reliever, not a starter.
Free agency offers nothing. Chad Pennington, Rex Grossman and Daunte Culpepper are the top options. Would you seriously want any of them over Campbell? Michael Vick is a wild card possibility if he’s not retained by Philadelphia. That would be intriguing.
The draft is always hit or miss with high first-round quarterbacks. Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford may be gone by the Redskins’ turn. Washington could sweeten a deal to move up or drop down 10 picks and try for Florida’s Tim Tebow. Either way, rookies are always risky.
Ultimately, Campbell may be humming a Brooks and Dunn tune — “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.”
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
