Redskins open to Cooley reunion
Veteran tight end Chris Cooley said he had no plans to leave Washington when he was released by the Redskins on Aug. 28, and perhaps that was a method to his residency.
According to general manager Bruce Allen, the Redskins and Cooley plan to meet early next week.
"Yes, absolutely that door is still open," Allen said via the Redskins' official Twitter feed. "We have a meeting next week."
Allen said the two sides have remained in contact since he was released in an effort to shave his $3.8 million salary for 2012 from the books. That salary would have been guaranteed had Cooley remained on the roster as of Sunday.
If Cooley re-signs next week, his salary won't have to be guaranteed for the entire season.
Coach Mike Shanahan said the move was made to give Cooley an opportunity to seek a starting job with another team.
A third-round draft pick in 2004, Cooley is a two-time Pro Bowl player but has missed 20 games over the past three seasons to injuries. He is Washington's all-time leader among tight ends with 428 career receptions for 4,703 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Cooley said Tuesday Aug. 28 was his final day with the Redskins "for the time being," and Shanahan left the door open for Cooley to return if Fred Davis or converted wide receiver Niles Paul is injured.
The Redskins are shaky at the position behind Davis, but other teams could seek to sign Cooley at a reduced -- and non-guaranteed -- rate after rating their current situation after Week 1 is in the books.
