Sources: McNabb to Request Release

By Justin Worsley,

After quarterback Donovan McNabb's tumultuous first season with the Washington Redskins which ended with him riding the bench, he may ask to leave the team.

According to a report on AOL FanHouse, McNabb will formally ask for his release at the season's end.

Washington had high hopes entering this season after trading with division rival Philadelphia and hiring two-time Super Bowl champion Mike Shannahan as their head coach.

Instead, it was just another season of mediocrity for Washington, who stands at 6-9 and in third place in the NFC East. Washington has won one playoff game since 2000.

McNabb was benched by Shannahan two weeks ago in favor of backup Rex Grossman, a move Shannahan claimed he did because Washington was officially out of the playoffs and he needed to evaluate each player on the team.

The 34-year-old McNabb has 3,000 passing yards for the fourth-consecutive year, but has also thrown 15 interceptions and 14 touchdowns, his lowest since his rookie season.

Last month, Washington signed McNabb to a five-year extensions, however, it also included an out clause for Washington which avoids any further financial responsibility for McNabb if they release him this off-season.

The Redskins were hoping McNabb would bring similar success he has with Philadelphia as well as being the first Washington quarterback since Brad Johnson in 2000 to be named to the Pro Bowl.

Instead, it was just another casualty of an aging star brought in by owner Daniel Snyder. Since Snyder purchased the team in 1999, Washington has had 12 different starting quarterbacks, including those signed in free agency as well as a pair of failed draft picks, Patrick Ramsey and Jason Campbell.

McNabb will have plenty of options in free agency. Unless his replacement in Philadelphia, Michael Vick, does not stay with the Eagles, McNabb is the best quarterback available. Minnesota and Arizona were two teams who were heavily interested in trading for McNabb last season.