Bye Bye, Jason: Redskins Trade Campbell To The Oakland Raiders

During their live draft coverage, ESPN has just announced the the Washington Redskins have finalized a deal that will send former starting quarterback Jason Campbell to the Oakland Raiders.

This trade is a long time coming in the aftermath of the shocking off-season trade of Donovan McNabb to the Redskins.

With the arrival of McNabb, as well as the signing of backup quarterback Rex Grossman, it became immediately apparent that Campbell might be leaving Washington.

Rumors had stated the possibility of Oakland as a potential destination for the young signal-caller, as well as Buffalo or Jacksonville. 

Oakland is by far the best fit, as they desperately need help at the quarterback position.  Bruce Gradkowski is mediocre at best, and is coming off of an injury last season.  Jason Campbell gets his wish here— he gets a chance to start in the NFL, a chance he wouldn't have been given if staying in Washington.

For Campbell, Washington receives a fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Redskins are making the smart play here.  Campbell's trade value was plummeting, and his head has to be spinning after having to learn a new offensive scheme practically every year.  With McNabb as the quarterback of the future (at least the immediate future), Washington needed to consider whether keeping Campbell really benefited them.

While Campbell would have been a solid backup for McNabb, the 'Skins still have the decent Rex Grossman to fill that position.  Additionally, this move makes room on the roster for Colt Brennan or another young quarterback to fill the second backup position and learn under Donovan McNabb for a few years.

Jason Campbell deserves at least some praise for the numbers he put up last year, even despite the Redskins offensive line troubles and poor performance overall.  But at the same time, I'm sure Redskins fans everywhere are relieved to know Campbell will no longer be in DC. 

Now, the Redskins can cut their losses with the QB and start fresh in the McNabb era.