Friday, March 14, 2008

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell signed with the New Orleans Saints yesterday, a league source said, and contract terms were not immediately available.

Brunell, who has played 15 seasons in the league, will be the primary backup for Saints starter Drew Brees. Brunell, who began the 2004-06 seasons as the Redskins' No. 1 quarterback, passed for 3,050 yards with 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in leading the team to the playoffs in the 2005 season.

Jason Campbell replaced Brunell, 37, as the starter in the 2006 season and Brunell was Washington's No. 3 quarterback last season behind Campbell and Todd Collins. Brunell left the Redskins with hopes of finding a job as a primary backup.

Meanwhile, wide receiver D.J. Hackett, the first free agent to visit the Redskins, did not accept the team's contract offer and plans to explore his options, a league source said. "We're interested, but it has to make sense for us," said Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations.

It appears that the contract Hackett is seeking is not in line with what the Redskins would prefer to pay. Hackett also is expected to visit the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Redskins have extended a contract offer to wide receiver Reche Caldwell, who was signed last season and contributed during the team's late-season run to a postseason berth.

-- Jason Reid and Jason La Canfora