Washington Redskins Set to Release Chris Cooley

The Washington Redskins will reportedly release veteran tight end Chris Cooley before the start of the 2012 NFL season.

The Redskins’ official Twitter account quoted Cooley's announcement that his tenure with the team had come to an end:

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Cooley: "The Washington #Redskins are releasing me today. This will be my last day as a Redskin."

— Redskins (@Redskins) August 28, 2012"

Cooley has played his entire career in Washington after being drafted by the team in the third round of the 2004 draft. He broke through in his second year as a pro, catching 71 passes for 774 yards and seven touchdowns.

During his eight seasons with the Redskins, he recorded 428 receptions for 4,703 yards and 33 touchdowns. His catch total is a franchise record for tight ends.

He played in all 16 games during each of his first five seasons, but missed significant time due to injury during both the 2009 and 2011 seasons. However, Washington head coach Mike Shanahan believes that Cooley still has productive years left, as noted by the Redskins’ Twitter page:

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Shanahan thinks Cooley still has a chance to start in the NFL. Health is not a concern, tight end competition forced the move.

— Redskins (@Redskins) August 28, 2012"

Fred Davis is the team’s starting tight end. He is a highly-touted former second-round pick out of USC who had his finest season as a pro in 2011, recording 59 catches for 796 yards and three touchdowns.

Cooley was a consummate professional during his time in Washington. His work ethic, leadership and production made him a popular player who earned respect from fans, teammates and opponents. However, the NFL is a business, and unfortunately, players like Cooley do not always get to finish their careers with the franchises to which they gave so much.