Campbell received a qualifying offer at the first-round level worth $3.14 million for one year, according to a league source with knowledge with the situation. If Campbell signs an offer sheet with another team, the Redskins would have seven days to match it. If they choose not to, they'd receive that team's first-round pick as compensation for losing Campbell.
The team did not confirm any of yesterday's moves.
For only $124,750 more, however, the Redskins could have protected Campbell much more securely with a first- and third-round tender.
Although it's unlikely that a team would give up a first-round pick for him, it's almost certain no team would give up first- and third-rounders.
Instead, the Redskins ostensibly are inviting teams to consider signing Campbell, who's the best quarterback on the free agent market.
Campbell did not return a message seeking comment yesterday.
Yesterday's decision was the strongest indication yet of new coach Mike Shanahan's tepid desire to commit to Campbell as the Redskins' long-term solution at quarterback. The Redskins still could trade him before the season.
"I have big admiration for Jason and how he's handled himself through some very tough situations with a beat-up offensive line and the way he handled himself as a quarterback," Shanahan said the at NFL Scouting Combine last week.
Cornerback Carlos Rogers received a first-round tender, according to an ESPN report. It's worth $1,542,750 over one year, according to guidelines established in the collective bargaining agreement.
