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Redskins to release Rock Cartwright
The Redskins' cuts have begun. Running back Rock Cartwright will be released.
"Bruce Allen just called me and told me I'll be released tonight," Cartwright said. "To be honest with you, I saw it coming. When you have a new coach and a new coaching staff, they're going to want to go in a different direction. Am I happy about it? No. But it's something you can't control."
The seven-year veteran was a stable part of the locker room and considered a leader in practice. Primarily a specialist, Cartwright has been a reliable kick returner for the team and special teams captain.
Cartwright hopes to sign with another NFC team because "I've been in this conference my whole career. But that's fine if that doesn't happen. I'm open to going anywhere to have a chance to play."
Last season, after Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts were lost to injuries, Cartwright saw some time in the backfield, finishing the year with 228 yards on 64 carries. It was the most action he'd seen at running back since 2003, his second year in the league.
Although Cartwright often expressed frustration with his role last season, he leaves Washington with no hard feelings.
"Not at all," he said. "I had a great career with the Redskins. I think they're making a mistake because I know I can still play. Everybody knows I can still play, so I just have to go out and find the right situation now.
"I'm not angry or anything like that. It's just about moving forward and moving on. I just have to see what else is out there for me now. I'll talk to my agent and see what teams can use someone who works hard and has proven he's a leader. We'll just sit back and see what happens now."
Cartwright, 30, joined the team as a seventh-round pick in 2002 NFL Draft. He watched as wide receiver Devin Thomas took over kick-return duties late in the year, putting Cartwright's future with the team up in the air. Last season he earned $945,000 and would've been due a base salary in 2010 of $1.5 million.
After Ethan Albright, Cartwright was the longest-tenured Redskin on the roster, and his release is yet another sign that major changes will continue in Ashburn.
By
Rick Maese and Jason Reid
|
March 4, 2010; 4:08 PM ET
Categories:
Free agency
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Posted by: SkinMan3 | March 4, 2010 4:14 PM | Report abuse
Great knowing ya Rock. Best of luck to you in the future.
Posted by: Predator48 | March 4, 2010 4:14 PM | Report abuse
buh-bye
Posted by: BMACattack | March 4, 2010 4:14 PM | Report abuse
vroom
Posted by: frediefritz | March 4, 2010 4:15 PM | Report abuse
Jamaal Williams anyone??!?!?!
Osgood says Chargers are dumping Jamal Williams
Posted by Mike Florio on March 4, 2010 3:48 PM ET
Though Chargers special-teams standout Kassim Osgood has yet to launch his own OCNN-style Twitter journalism operation, the soon-to-be free agent has declared that the Chargers have cut nose tackle Jamal Williams.
Osgood claims in a tweet that Williams, who was placed on injured reserve after only one game last season, is "officially gone." In a later message, Osgood insists it's true and points out that players share information with each other.
Posted by: 4thFloor | March 4, 2010 4:16 PM | Report abuse
This is the FIRST cut... not the deepest!
Posted by: Alan4 | March 4, 2010 4:16 PM | Report abuse
Thanks for the memory Rock.
Posted by: shanteefamilee | March 4, 2010 4:16 PM | Report abuse
It has begun.....
Posted by: Predator48 | March 4, 2010 4:17 PM | Report abuse
cue up some whining.....while 31 other teams look elsewhere...
get rid of all the whiners...no more excuses...
Posted by: BeantownGreg1 | March 4, 2010 4:17 PM | Report abuse
So much for unnamed sources.
Posted by: Original_etrod | March 4, 2010 4:17 PM | Report abuse
Rock has been a solid pro, great special teamer, locker room team leader. Great run, Rock. Good luck to you.
Posted by: frediefritz | March 4, 2010 4:17 PM | Report abuse
Better bring Betts along with you.
Thanks for the years Rock, you did anything and everything you could for this team, cant hate on that.
Posted by: Stu27 | March 4, 2010 4:18 PM | Report abuse
vrooom
Posted by: frediefritz | March 4, 2010 4:19 PM | Report abuse
Randy Thomas next please!!
Posted by: wattsicon | March 4, 2010 4:20 PM | Report abuse
We had to start somewhere
Posted by: CheyenneWY | March 4, 2010 4:21 PM | Report abuse
Thanks Rock!! You got heart!! Hail!
Posted by: Smiley2 | March 4, 2010 4:21 PM | Report abuse
The only FA's we should sign are O-Line.
Posted by: Salinas1 | March 4, 2010 4:21 PM | Report abuse
Word on the street says Randy Thomas is next.
Posted by: Predator48 | March 4, 2010 4:21 PM | Report abuse
YES...SHOULD HAVE BEEN CUT FIVE (5) YEARS ag0
Posted by: Lipty | March 4, 2010 4:22 PM | Report abuse
Vrrrooom
Posted by: frediefritz | March 4, 2010 4:22 PM | Report abuse
Thanks for your heart Rock. Hope you catch on somewhere...
Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 4, 2010 4:22 PM | Report abuse
Antrel Rolle released, wonder if he gets any sniffs from around these parts.
Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 4, 2010 4:24 PM | Report abuse
And if as some allege it is true as that Little Danny wants to win in the worst possible way, some might also suggest that it could begin with the pruning of some deadwood that is just taking up roster space.
Posted by: Vic1 | March 4, 2010 4:12 PM
Vic, I couldn't agree more. Forget about money, just prune the deadwood!
No more "capologists" making it untenable to get rid of crappy players with big contracts.
Posted by: Alan4 | March 4, 2010 4:24 PM | Report abuse
Next stop, CFL....
Posted by: BeantownGreg1 | March 4, 2010 4:24 PM | Report abuse
Antrel Rolle released, wonder if he gets any sniffs from around these parts.
Posted by: scampbell1975 | March 4, 2010 4:24 PM | Report abuse
I sure hope so. I'd love to have him and Dansby.
Posted by: PAskinsfan17 | March 4, 2010 4:25 PM | Report abuse
So much for unnamed sources.
Posted by: Original_etrod | March 4, 2010 4:17 PM | Report abuse
You think he's the one who leaked the Portis-Sellers fight?
Posted by: Salinas1 | March 4, 2010 4:25 PM | Report abuse
Good luck to Rock.
But I think it's time to call it a career.
Posted by: PortisPocketsStr8 | March 4, 2010 4:25 PM | Report abuse
Also, the Redskins have released Antwaan Randle El, the slot receiver and primary punt returner
I think the term, like flies applies now.
Posted by: Predator48 | March 4, 2010 4:27 PM | Report abuse
Beep...thomas
Posted by: stevek20147 | March 4, 2010 4:27 PM | Report abuse
beep Thomas and ARE release.
Posted by: Curzon417 | March 4, 2010 4:27 PM | Report abuse
cue up some whining.....while 31 other teams look elsewhere...
get rid of all the whiners...no more excuses...
Posted by: BeantownGreg1 |
Does that include the posters here?
Posted by: TheCork | March 4, 2010 4:28 PM | Report abuse
Loook! Up in the sky! It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SuperDan! Able to sign huge mountains in a single leap!
Posted by: frediefritz | March 4, 2010 4:30 PM | Report abuse
Good luck to Rock. I appreciate that he took the high road and showed class on the way out. No one can knock the guy for his effort and heart.
Posted by: dcsports12 | March 4, 2010 4:34 PM | Report abuse
Looooong overdue! Hallelujah!!
Posted by: tramellcanady | March 4, 2010 4:36 PM | Report abuse
Smooooot gooooone tooooooo
Posted by: byThorbyOdin | March 4, 2010 4:52 PM | Report abuse
"Everybody knows I can play.."
So, if the new coaches cut you, obviously, they don't know what they're doing, right Rock?
Posted by: scmonty1 | March 4, 2010 4:52 PM | Report abuse
You all dog Rock... but I dare you to find a player that left more on the field than he did... sure he's an average talent, but dude brought his best every Sunday.
Posted by: tony325 | March 4, 2010 4:56 PM | Report abuse
why are they keeping Clinton Tortis?
Posted by: heathdog1119 | March 4, 2010 5:38 PM | Report abuse
A class act to the very end, a true rarity in modern professional sports. Good luck, Rock, hope you catch on somewhere else. Your leadership & heart will be missed.
Posted by: wma98 | March 4, 2010 5:44 PM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
Whoa... Changes are in the Air! The Rock?! As long as they bring another ROCK of a player, Great!
Oh, and First!