The Raiders acquired quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round draft choice, according to published reports April 24.
Campbell's acquisition could signal the end of JaMarcus Russell's tenure with the Raiders. Campbell, 28, previously signed a one-year tender with the Redskins that reportedly pays him $3.14 million for the 2010 season. The former Auburn star reportedly also received a $4.5 million one-year extension from the Raiders.
Russell, the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, reportedly has been paid more than $36 million by the Raiders. The former Louisiana State star is scheduled to earn $9.45 million if he makes the Oakland roster this season.
Campbell, left, is coming off his best NFL season, completing 64.5 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 86.4.
By comparison, Russell, Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye completed 52.8 percent of their passes for 2,875 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 18 interceptions during the 2009 season.
After the Redskins went 4-12 last season, Mike Shanahan replaced the fired Jim Zorn as Washington head coach. Campbell became expendable when Shanahan pulled off a trade for Donovan McNabb.
"I'm just glad the situation is over and I'm moving forward," Campbell told Washington. D.C. area reporters after the trade with Oakland was finalized. "I talked to (Raiders managing general partner) Al Davis, and he said he wants me there. That means a lot to me. I'm ready to get to work. This is a great opportunity for me."
Russell, 24, was demoted after nine games last season and finished with a 50.0 passer rating, the lowest in the league in 11 seasons. In 31 career games, Russell has completed 52.1 percent of his passes with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a 65.2 passer rating.
"Right now we felt like adding Jason to this football team was very important," Raiders coach Tom Cable told reporters April 24.. "He’s a guy in need of a fresh start himself. He’s proven that he can do some things and have some success in the NFL.
Campbell started 52 games for Washington since being a first-round pick in 2005. He has thrown for 55 touchdowns, 38 interceptions and has a career passer rating of 82.3. Campbell has been sacked 102 times since the start of the 2007 season, tied for third most in the NFL in that span behind Ben Roethlisberger and David Garrard.
In a 34-13 Redskins win at Oakland last December, Campbell threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
Oakland currently has five quarterbacks on its roster — Russell, Campbell, Gradkowski, Frye and Kyle Boller.
Washington Post
