Offseason Primer

QUARTERBACK

What the Redskins have: Starter Jason Campbell and backups Todd Collins and Colt Brennan. Campbell started 16 games in 2008 and threw 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

What the Redskins need: A contract for Campbell. His rookie deal expires after the season, and regardless of how he plays in the first half of the year, it has the potential to become a distraction.

Analysis: The Redskins will probably sign a fourth quarterback this spring to serve as an extra arm. Arizona’s Kurt Warner, Tennessee’s Kerry Collins and Tampa Bay’s Jeff Garcia are the top free agents available.

RUNNING BACK

What the Redskins have: Starting tailback Clinton Portis, fullback Mike Sellers and reserves Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright. They added Anthony Alridge and Dominique Dorsey this offseason. Portis rushed for 1,487 yards, but his production dipped in the second half. Sellers reached his first Pro Bowl.

What the Redskins need: Less work for Portis. Coach Jim Zorn and his staff should devise ways to get Betts more involved, which would keep him sharp and lessen the punishment Portis takes. When Portis began to break down at midseason, so did the Redskins’ offense.

Analysis: Derrick Ward is likely leaving the New York Giants but is a restricted free agent. Some of the unrestricted backs are Warrick Dunn (released Wednesday by Tampa Bay) Indianapolis’ Dominic Rhodes, Seattle’s Maurice Morris, Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson, Philadelphia’s Correll Buckhalter and Miami’s Ricky Williams.

TIGHT END

What the Redskins have: Starter Chris Cooley and reserves Todd Yoder and Fred Davis. Cooley made his second consecutive Pro Bowl with a team-high 83 catches. Davis caught only three passes and was inactive for four games.

What the Redskins need: More touchdown chances for Cooley. He was targeted 107 times but caught only one touchdown. The Redskins’ offense got bogged down between midfield and the opponent’s 20. Developing a third option for Campbell will open things up for Cooley and receiver Santana Moss.

Analysis: The Redskins aren’t in the market for a tight end. Kansas City veteran Tony Gonzalez could be added by a contender in a trade. The unrestricted free agent group is below average and full of veterans like the Vikings’ Jim Kleinsasser and the Eagles’ L.J. Smith.

RECEIVER

What the Redskins have: Starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El and reserves James Thrash, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Moss led the Redskins with 1,044 receiving yards and six touchdown catches. Randle El chipped in 53 catches. Thomas and Kelly were nonfactors.

What the Redskins need: A second receiver who can get open. Opposing defenses knew Campbell had two options in the passing game - Moss and Cooley - so they planned accordingly. The Redskins are banking on Thomas (15 catches) and Kelly (two catches and a knee surgery) to play bigger roles.

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