When the Redskins selected Auburn's Jason Campbell at No. 25 in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft a week and a half ago, it became apparent that quarterback was a crowded position around Redskins Park.
Tim Hasselbeck, the 6-1, 211-pound third-year player out of Boston College, became the one to go Wednesday when he was released by the team.
Head coach Joe Gibbs said he met with Hasselbeck after the draft and also spoke with the player's agent.
Said Gibbs: "Their preference is for Tim to be released from the team to be able pursue opportunities with other teams this offseason."
Gibbs added that the decision to release Hasselbeck, one of the most popular players on the Redskins, was not an easy one.
"As an organization, we think the world of Tim," Gibbs said. "We love what he did for us while he was here. We wish Tim all the best for his future."
Added Hasselbeck: "Being a part of the Washington Redskins team for two seasons and the tradition and history that go along with it has been tremendous. I appreciate Coach Gibbs and the organization looking out for my best interests."
With Patrick Ramsey the projected starter at quarterback for 2005 and with 11-year veteran Mark Brunell as an experienced backup, Hasselbeck appeared to be on borrowed time around Redskins Park once the team selected Campbell on Saturday, April 24.
Hasselbeck was listed as the team's third quarterback for all 16 games a year ago and did not see game action during the regular season.
He joined the Redskins during Week 8 of the 2003 campaign, following an injury to Ramsey, and became the team's starting quarterback for five games down the stretch.
He completed 95-of-177 passes for 1,102 yards and five TDs that season.
In December of 2003, Hasselbeck started at the Meadowlands and turned in his best performance as a Redskin. He was 13-of-19 for 154 yards, with touchdown passes to Darnerien McCants and Rod Gardner, in a 20-7 Washington win.
Hasselbeck was a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Redskins re-signed him April 19. He had been participating in voluntary off-season workouts at Redskins Park.
An All-America pick as a senior at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, Hasselbeck was the MVP of the Aloha Bowl during his final season at Boston College.
He is the younger brother of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and the son for former NFL standout Don Hasselbeck.
On April 25, Tim Hasselbeck said that he appreciated the way Gibbs has handled the situation.
"[Coach Gibbs] has been very up front with me," Hasselbeck said. "He made me feel that he wanted to help me in terms of my career and in terms of the long run."
