Jason Campbell isn’t holding a grudge.
He isn’t pouting.
And the Washington Redskins’ quarterback is simply trying to focus on the upcoming season following a rocky offseason where the Redskins made a strong push to replace him.
The Redskins engaged in a high-profile pursuit of quarterback Jay Cutler, who was ultimately traded to the Chicago Bears.
Then, the Redskins became enamored of USC quarterback Mark Sanchez and contemplated trading up to land him. Ultimately, Sanchez wound up with the New York Jets.
All of which leaves Campbell pondering the whirlwind events of the past few months while taking the high road as he heads into a contract year that’s likely his final season in Washington, according to Thomas George of NFL.com.
“It looked like they were trying to move me up out of here,” Campbell said. “I was hearing I would wind up in Tampa in a trade involving us, Tampa and Denver.”
As Campbell correctly surmised, the Redskins were ready to move on with or without him in the equation.
If the Redskin had acquired Cutler or maybe even Sanchez, then Campbell’s days as the starter would have probably been over.
“You don’t just think about bringing in people like that unless you expect those people to play,” Campbell said. “I didn’t understand it. It didn’t make sense. You are down on the wrong person. Other stuff needs to be done and resolved before challenging me. Sure, a lot of quarterbacks have been through this in their careers.
“You have to look at it as sport, a business, a profession and understand there is competition all the time and nothing is in stone. No guarantees. But you still get mad deep inside. And how you handle that helps determine if you are going to make your career successful.”
Redskins General Manager Vinny Cerrato didn’t exactly offer a strong vote of confidence when asked about Campbell.
Cerrato was forthright about how the Redskins’ organization feels about this potentially awkward partnership with the quarterback they nearly discarded.
“As in, yet to be determined,” Cerrato replied when asked if the Redskins view Campbell as a franchise quarterback. “Hopefully, he is. We have talked honestly. It’s past and we are looking forward. We hope he can play 16 games like he played the first eight last year. Consistency throughout.
“I think he’s made a lot of progress. What he has done is take charge and be more vocal with the team. It showed in his offseason and in the camps. We want that. Absolutely. He’s more comfortable now in the second year of the offense. That should enable him to provide more leadership.”
The pressure cooker is definitely on high boil for Campbell, and he gets that.
This trying offseason was an eye-opening experience for the low-key Mississippi native.
“I have leaned on family, friends and, yes, even fan support,” Campbell said. “I’m still a young quarterback, developing, still going through changes. I won’t make excuses for myself. You know what you are getting. It’s not fake.”
With that thought in mind, another reality is accompanying Campbell’s situation.
Whether or not 2009 marks his final season in a Redskins uniform, Campbell is auditioning for the entire league. So it’s up to him to make this season count as he approaches a career crossroads.
