Jason Campbell On His Way Out as Redskins' QB?

When the Washington Redskins drafted Jason Campbell they were hoping they might have finally found the answer to a decades-long search for a top-notch signal caller.

As time goes on, it seems more and more unlikely that Campbell is the man in DC.

Campbell is entering the final year of his contract and the Skins have not even begun to approach him about a new contract. In fact, they have worked out draft prospect Mark Sanchez and are linked to soon-to-be-ex-Bronco Jay Cutler.

And there's no reason for the Skins not to do either of those things. Campbell has been mediocre throughout his time in Washington. On the field, he hasn't produced wins. He's overly cautious, resulting in stagnant offensive performances week in and week out. The fire that a great QB needs just isn't there.

Campbell is a likable guy. He definitely puts in a solid effort, but it clearly isn't getting him ahead. Gone are his glory days at Auburn. He can't hang his hat on them any longer.

Campbell has potential, but it's time we see that potential bloom into solid play. Campbell's performance really didn't improve all that drastically from 2007 to 2008. The team and fans are impatient.

We haven't seen a great offense in years. I can't remember the last time I saw consistent performance at a high level by the Redskins' offense.

So Campbell has one more year to prove he can bring this team to the promised land. They have yet to make the playoffs during Campbell's tenure as a starter. The team made the playoffs in 2007, only because Todd Collins bailed them out with a late season run. Campbell missed the run with an injury.

So, with Campbell definitely in the hotseat, one wonders whether he is already the odd man out as we approach the 2009 season. Or does he have another year to win a new contract?

Of course, the rumors swirling around Cutler and Sanchez are mostly speculation. The 'Skins might very well stick with Campbell, giving him a final shot to earn a new deal. But there's no doubt Vinny Cerrato is looking for a future at QB.

Sanchez has his question marks, but he comes from a big-time program at USC. He knows how to handle himself in the spotlight. However, I'm not convinced he will be a winner in the pros.

Cutler is really the best bet if Cerrato feels he has to pull the trigger this offseason. He possesses a big arm and would take the chances that Campbell just won't take. For a Redskin offense that considers it risky, throwing on first and second down, Cutler would be a welcome change.

Cutler has guaranteed himself a ticket out of Denver, but several teams are interested in him. Cerrato denied interest, but combine the rumors with the Sanchez workout and things start to add up.

Jim Zorn needs some quick results to stay alive in DC. Cutler would give him a better chance of succeeding this year. And if Zorn can't merit another season, expect Dan Snyder to try to reunite Cutler with Mike Shannahan.

Cutler loved Shannahan and I believe he was upset that Mike departed from the Broncos. Nothing would make him happier than hooking up with his former coach. Bringing in Cutler would probably spell the end for Zorn unless he brought the Skins deep into the playoffs.

Best believe Cerrato is searching for the next starter in DC. Maybe he won't come until 2010, but odds are, if Cerrato finds what he's looking for, there will be a new face in the QB shuffle at Redskins Park.