Chris Cooley, the most popular player for the Washington Redskins for most of the past eight years, is now an ex-Redskin. Coach Mike Shanahan released him Tuesday, saying he could not give Cooley what Cooley wanted: a chance to start at tight end.
Cooley was competing with Fred Davis, though there was never any chance Davis wasn't going to start. Davis posted career bests with 59 catches for 796 yards in 12 games last season, establishing himself as an athletic playmaker. Cooley played in five games, with his season ending because of a bad left knee. In 2009, Cooley only appeared in seven games because of a broken ankle.
In an emotional four-minute, 30-second statement Cooley said, "I have every belief that I can be not only a productive player but a starter in this league. I’m very confident in my abilities to continue to play the game. It would be a tough decision for me to put on another jersey. ... It’s something … that I’ve really never had to imagine so, for now, I’ll take some time and make sure what I do in the future is exactly what I want to do.
“It’s been awesome. I’ve been very fortunate to play for a franchise that has embraced me and for a fan base that has embraced me. This organization has changed my life in every way for the better and I appreciate it. I loved every minute of playing here.”
Shanahan said there was no consideration to keeping him around at a reduced salary.
"Chris wants to start. He wants to play. He’s done a lot to prove he can play," Shanahan said. “I think he’ll have a good chance to get that opportunity.”
John Keim covers the Redskins for the Washington Examiner. Follow him on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLWAS or @John_Keim.