Chris Cooley Released: NFL Teams That Should Pursue the Pro Bowl Tight End

After 428 receptions, 4,703 yards and 33 touchdowns after being drafted by the franchise in 2004, the Washington Redskins have announced (per the team's official website) the release of tight end Chris Cooley. 

The two-time Pro Bowl selection struggled to recover from a knee operation following the 2010 season in which he caught 77 passes for 849 yards and missed all but five games in 2011.

Cooley has always been a fan favorite in Washington, and his departure even drew heartfelt reactions from Redskins newcomers who weren't around to see franchise's all-time leader in receptions by a tight end when he was in top form.

Rookie QB Robert Griffin III was among those, and according to his Twitter feed, Cooley helped him make the transition to the NFL in just a short time:

He helped me get comfortable with this team & this offense. He is a legend in my mind and will be missed. Thank You Chris Cooley

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 28, 2012

Wide receiver Niles Paul echoed some of the same sentiments as Griffin:

Took me in, treated me like his lil brother & was the one who truly helped me believe that I could play TE in this league. Sad day... #HTTR

— Niles Paul (@Niles_Paul84) August 28, 2012

The 30-year-old Cooley declared in May that his health is no longer an issue, and even reported to camp 18 pounds lighter. 

His intention was to return as the Skins' top pass-catcher at the tight end position, but it's clear now head coach Mike Shanahan didn't view that as a possibility with the emergence of Fred Davis, who caught 59 passes for 796 yards in 2011.

So, barring an unforeseen return to the nation's capital, Cooley's days in Washington are over. And there are questions that we must now ask ourselves. 

What teams would, or should, be interested in the aging, but presumably still productive tight end? And would Cooley even agree to sign and play for said team?

According to Shanahan, the team parted ways with their longtime tight end so that Cooley could search for a starting job elsewhere (per the Washington Post).

“I think he’s earned that right,” Shanahan said.

And Cooley believes he can be just that, per Brian Tinsman, lead writer for Redskins.com.

"

I'm very confident in my abilities to continue to play the game. I have every belief that I can be not only a productive player, but a starter in this league.

"

So, what NFL city could use him most?

Let's look at four teams who should pursue the two-time Pro Bowl tight end to bolster their offense for the 2012 season, and possibly beyond.

Oakland Raiders

No team could use Cooley's services as badly as the Raiders. Brandon Myers, who's totaled just 32 receptions in three NFL seasons, projects as the current starting TE in Oakland.

The addition of Cooley could potentially turn a weakness into a strength for an offense devoid of experienced pass-catchers. 

There are enough youthful, speedy options for quarterback Carson Palmer to seek out on Sundays already, and his comfort level would likely increase monumentally if he could reap the benefits of a healthy and sure-handed Chris Cooley prowling the middle of the field. 

Houston Texans

After trying to retain his services, Joel Dreessen slipped out of the Texans' grasp and joined forces with Peyton Manning in Denver this offseason. 

His departure leaves an injury-prone Owen Daniels as the only proven pass-catcher at the position, which could become troublesome for a squad that often utilizes two-TE sets. 

Fullback James Casey is a solid receiving option, but he's far too versatile and useful to leave as the No. 2 tight end. 

Obviously, Cooley is probably searching for a starting job, but he may be able to see enough action in a talented offense like Houston that loves to send multiple tight end sets on the field.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills made several moves to bolster their roster this offseason, and could use one more weapon on the offense if they plan to keep pace in the AFC. 

Scott Chandler is the No. 1 TE in Buffalo as it stands, and the third-year pro hauled in 38 passes in 2011. However, he's an average blocker at best, and would likely learn plenty from the presence of a seasoned vet like Cooley. 

Houston is likely Cooley's best chance to chase a Super Bowl, but the Bills do have playoff potential and more room to get him involved in the offensive game plan as well. 

St. Louis Rams

The Rams currently have a talented young tight end in Lance Kendricks, but the second-year pro is still extremely raw and, like Chandler, would benefit greatly if Cooley came aboard. 

QB Sam Bradford surely wouldn't mind the veteran pass-catcher joining forces; he would instantly become the most experienced receiving option in St. Louis by a long shot. 

Where do you think Chris Cooley could end up this year? Be sure to let us know in the poll above or the comments below. 

Oh, and add Brandon on Twitter.