The2009 season was theWashington Redskins' 78th in theNational Football League (NFL) and their second and final underhead coachJim Zorn. During the season, long-time general managerVinny Cerrato resigned on December 17, 2009, and the team hiredBruce Allen before their week 15 game at home onMonday Night Football against theNew York Giants.

They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from2008 and finished with a 4–12 record, their worst record since2003, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons. He would be replaced byMike Shanahanthe following season.

As of2024, the only remaining active member of the 2009 Washington Redskins isGraham Gano, who is a member of the New York Giants.

TheRedskins releasedlinebackerMarcus Washington on February 20, 2009.^[1] On February 27, the first day of 2009 free agency, the Redskins made four personnel moves. Five hours into the new free agency period, the team signed a seven-year, $100 million contract withunrestricted free agent,Albert Haynesworth, who spent the first seven seasons of his career playingdefensive tackle for theTennessee Titans. The deal included $41 million guaranteed and could have reached as much as $115 million, based on performance.^[2] The Titans requested for the NFL to look into claims that Redskins managementtampered with Haynesworth by beginning negotiations with him prior to the start of the free agent period.^[3] The Redskins also releasedcornerbackShawn Springs;^[4] agreed to terms with formerBuffalo guard (and previous Redskin)Derrick Dockery on a five-year, $26 million contract with $8.2 million in guaranteed money;^[5] and agreed with unrestricted free agentDeAngelo Hall on a new six-year, $54 million contract. Hall's new deal contained $23 million in guaranteed money and had a maximum value of $55 million.^[6] Hall and Dockery formally signed their contracts on March 3, 2009.^[4]

On March 2, 2009, the Redskins released defensive endJason Taylor after he refused to add a clause to his contract that would have required him to participate in the team's off-season workout program.^[7] In the wake of Taylor's release the Redskins re-signed defensive endPhillip Daniels, who had started at left end before a 2008ACL tear on the first day oftraining camp led to Taylor's acquisition, and brought backRenaldo Wynn, who had played defensive end for the Redskins between 2002 and 2006. Wynn and Daniels signed one-year, minimum deals^[8] on March 24^[9] and April 2,^[10] respectively.

In late March and early April 2009, Redskins officials attempted to include startingquarterbackJason Campbell in a trade to acquireDenver Broncos quarterbackJay Cutler; they also attempted to trade Campbell to at least one other team for a second-round pick in the2009 NFL draft.^[11] After Cutler was traded to theChicago Bears on April 2, Redskinshead coachJim Zorn publicly re-asserted his commitment to Campbell.

On December 17 the team announced the hiring ofBruce Allen as executive vice president of operations and general manager, replacingVinny Cerrato who resigned on the same day, on December 17, 2009. Allen is the son of former Redskins head coach (1971–77)George Herbert Allen and brother of former Virginia Governor and U.S. SenatorGeorge Felix Allen.^[12]

RFA: Restricted free-agent,UFA: Unrestricted free-agent,ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

• Washington traded its second-round selection in 2009 (47th overall) and its sixth-round selection in 2010 to Miami for defensive endJason Taylor on July 20, 2008.^[13]
• Washington traded its fourth-round selection in 2009 to the Jets for guardPete Kendall on August 23, 2007. The selection changed from a fifth-round selection in 2008 because Kendall played 80 percent of the snaps for the Redskins in 2007.^[14]
• Washington traded a seventh-round selection to Minnesota for defensive endErasmus James on May 27, 2008.^[15][16]
• On draft day, Washington traded their original 5th-round selection (150th overall) to the Vikings for the Vikings' 5th-round selection (158th overall) and their seventh-round selection (221st overall) that they originally received from Washington for Erasmus James (see above).

In addition to their regular games withNFC East rivals, the Redskins played teams from theNFC South andAFC West as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games againstthe Lions andthe Rams based on their common divisional position as the Redskins from 2008.

The Redskins began their season atGiants Stadium for a Week 1 divisional duel with theirNFC East rival, theNew York Giants. In the first quarter, Washington trailed early as Giants kickerLawrence Tynes got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Redskins' deficit increased as quarterbackEli Manning completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverMario Manningham, along with defensive endOsi Umenyiora stripping quarterbackJason Campbell of the ball and returning the fumble 37 yards for a touchdown. Washington would close out the half with punterHunter Smith getting an 8-yard touchdown run off of a fake field goal.

The Redskins scored in the third quarter as kickerShaun Suisham got a 27-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, New York answered with Tynes nailing a 45-yard and a 28-yard field goal. Washington tried to rally as Campbell completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight endChris Cooley, but the Giants' defense proved to be too much to overcome.

With the loss, the Redskins began their season at 0–1.

The Redskins played their home opener against theSt. Louis Rams. Washington scored on a 21-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 28-yard field goal in the second quarter byShaun Suisham. The Rams would score when quarterbackMarc Bulger completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverLaurent Robinson. In the third quarter, the Redskins regained their lead when Suisham completed a 23-yard field goal.

With the win, the Redskins improved their record to 1–1.

The Redskins played the Lions in Detroit. Washington trailed early when Lions quarterbackMatthew Stafford completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBryant Johnson. Detroit increased their lead when kickerJason Hanson completed 39-yard and 26-yard field goals.

The Redskins scored in the third quarter as quarterbackJason Campbell completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverSantana Moss. In the fourth quarter Lions' running backMaurice Morris got a 2-yard touchdown run. Subsequently, the Lions failed a 2-point conversion attempt. Campbell completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to running backRock Cartwright late in the game, although the Redskins would ultimately lose.

The Lions snapped a 19-game regular season losing streak with the win.

The Redskins played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their fourth regular season game of the year. Washington fumbled early in the game, giving the Buccaneers possession of the ball at the Redskins' 10-yard line. Tampa Bay scored on quarterbackJosh Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverAntonio Bryant in the first quarter.Mike Nugent's 37-yard field goal in the second quarter gave the Buccaneers a 10-point lead.

In the third quarter, the Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham made a 42-yard field goal. Afterwards, Jason Campbell completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Cooley. The point after was blocked. The Redskins also scored when Campbell threw a 59-yard pass to wide receiver Santana Moss. Nugent successfully kicked a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter; setting the final score of Washington 16 to Tampa Bay 13.

Josh Johnson saw his first NFL start. Jason Campbell finished the day with three interceptions and two touchdowns.

The Redskins traveled toBank of America Stadium to face theCarolina Panthers. Washington scored with quarterbackJason Campbell completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to running backClinton Portis. The Panthers gained a safety in the second quarter as linebackerThomas Davis and defensive endJulius Peppers tackled Portis in his end zone for a safety. Afterwards, the Redskins closed out the half with a 38-yard field goal by kickerShaun Suisham.

Both Washington and Carolina scored touchdowns in the third quarter. The Panthers later scored on a 43-yard field goal from kickerJohn Kasay and an 8-yard touchdown run from running backJonathan Stewart (along with Delhomme's 2-point conversion pass to wide receiverSteve Smith).

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 2–3. The Panthers got their first win of the season.

The Redskins returned to Washington to face another winless team, this time the 0–5Kansas City Chiefs.

In the first quarter, both offenses did not find the end zone; the first quarter ended with no score.

In the second quarter, Chiefs kickerRyan Succop kicked a 39-yard field goal for the only score of the half. The Redskins drove down the field with two minutes left in the half, but on the last play of the second quarter, quarterback Jason Campbell was intercepted by Chiefs cornerbackBrandon Flowers at the Kansas City 3-yard line.

At the start of the second half, Washington coach Jim Zorn elected to go with backup quarterback Todd Collins over Campbell. Collins tossed a 42-yard completion on his first throw of the game. The drive ended with a 40-yard field goal by Shaun Suisham. The Redskins would take the lead with a 28-yard Suisham kick, but Kansas City tied it up with a 46-yard Succop field goal at the end of the third quarter.

In the final period, Ryan Succop put the Chiefs up 12–6 with field goals of 46 and 24 yards, but it was the Chiefs defense that closed the game out for Kansas City, as defensive endTamba Hali sacked Todd Collins in his own end zone for a safety with under a minute to play.

Washington fell to 2–4, while the Kansas City Chiefs gained their first victory.

The Redskins stayed at home for an NFC East game with thePhiladelphia Eagles on Monday night. Washington trailed early in the first quarter as Eagles wide receiverDeSean Jackson got a 67-yard touchdown run, followed by linebackerWill Witherspoon returning an interception 9 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Philadelphia increased their lead with kickerDavid Akers completed a 47-yard field goal. Washington scored with quarterbackJason Campbell completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDevin Thomas, but the Eagles countered with a 44-yard field goal and a Jackson 57-yard touchdown pass reception. The Redskins would then end the half with kickerShaun Suisham making a 47-yard field goal. Washington scored on Campbell's 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endFred Davis in the fourth quarter.

With the loss, the Redskins went into their bye week at 2–5.

The Redskins traveled to theGeorgia Dome to play theAtlanta Falcons. Washington trailed in the first quarter as Falcons quarterbackMatt Ryan found tight endTony Gonzalez on a 2-yard touchdown pass, followed by cornerbackTye Hill returning an interception 62 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Redskins scored on a 48-yard field goal from Shaun Suisham. However, Atlanta would respond with running backMichael Turner gaining a touchdown and kickerJason Elam completing a field goal.

Washington scored in the third quarter when running backLadell Betts completed a 1-yard touchdown run. The Redskins also scored in the fourth quarter as quarterbackJason Campbell completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight endTodd Yoder. The Falcons ended the game with a 58-yard touchdown run by Turner.

Trying to snap a four-game losing streak, the Redskins went home for a Week 10 interconference duel with theDenver Broncos. Washington would trail early in the first quarter as Broncos quarterbackKyle Orton completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverBrandon Marshall. The Redskins would answer with quarterbackJason Campbell's 2-yard touchdown pass to tight endTodd Yoder, but Denver came right back with Orton hooking up with Marshall again on a 75-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, Washington would tie the game with a trick play, as punterHunter Smith threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to fullbackMike Sellers. The Broncos would close out the half with kickerMatt Prater getting a 24-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Redskins would take command in the fourth quarter with running backLadell Betts getting a 1-yard touchdown run and kickerShaun Suisham booting a 35-yard field goal.

With the win, the Redskins improved to 3–6.

Coming off their win over the Broncos, the Redskins flew toCowboys Stadium for their Week 11 NFC East rivalry match against theDallas Cowboys. After a scoreless first quarter, Washington would strike in the second quarter as kickerShaun Suisham nailed a 45-yard field goal. The Redskins would add onto their lead in the third quarter with Suisham booting a 31-yard field goal. However, in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys rallied as quarterbackTony Romo completing a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverPatrick Crayton.

With the loss, Washington fell to 3–7.

Coming off their Road Loss to the Cowboys. TheWashington Redskins flew to Lincoln Financial Field for Week 12 to take on their NFC East Rival thePhiladelphia Eagles. In the First Quarter After an Onside Kick Recovery by Washington. The Redskins strike first withQBJason Campbell running a 2-yard Touchdown. WhileDavid Akers connected a 29-yard Field Goal, Later The Eagles took the lead with a 35-yard pass fromDonovan McNabb to WRDeSean Jackson. In the 2nd Quarter The Redskins retake the Lead with Jason Campbell completing a 4-yard Touchdown pass toSantana Moss. Then Akers kicked a 24 and a 41-yard Field goal before the half. In the 3rd quarter the Redskins got the lead again completing another Touchdown pass to TEFred Davis for 10 yards. In the 4th quarter afterShaun Suisham kick a 25-yard Field goal, The Eagles come right back with a 1-yard Touchdown by RBEldra Buckley (with a 2-point conversion attempt byLeSean McCoy) to tie the game. Later, David Akers kick a 32-yard Field Goal.

With the Loss, Washington falls to 3–8

Trying to rebound after their close heartbreaking road loss against ThePhiladelphia Eagles. The Redskins traveled home for a week 13 matchup against theSaints. In the first quarter,Washington drew first blood withJason Campbell throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass toFred Davis. Later,Shaun Suisham kicked a 32-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Saints got on the board withGarrett Hartley making a 34-yard field goal, whileDrew Brees on the Saints next possession struck a 40-yard touchdown pass toMarques Colston to tie the game. TheRedskins then retook the lead with Campbell completing another touchdown pass toDevin Thomas for 10 yards. Along withRobert Meachem returning a 44-yard fumble for a touchdown (whichKareem Moore had an interception). In the 3rd quarter, the Redskins kicker Suisham made a 28-yard field goal. On their next possession, the Redskins extended their lead when Devin Thomas caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Campbell. Then Garrett Hartley kicked a 27-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter, both Shaun Suisham & Garrett Hartley traded field goals, but then the Saints tied the game late when Drew Brees launched a 53-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem sending the game into Overtime. The Redskins won the coin toss, butMike Sellers fumbled the ball and the Saints gained possession in Redskins territory. After a few plays, Hartley gave the Saints the overtime victory by kicking an 18-yard field goal to end the game.

With the loss, the Redskins fell to 3–9 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention.

Washington entered the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum seeking to beat the Raiders and finally earn their first road win of 2009. In the 1st quarter the Raiders scored first when KSebastian Janikowski hit a 34-yard Field Goal. The Redskins took the lead when QBJason Campbell found TEFred Davis for a 6-yard Touchdown Pass. In the 2nd quarter the Raiders took the lead withRBJustin Fargas getting a 1-yard TD run. After Redskins KGraham Gano kicked a 46-yard Field Goal. the Redskins took the lead before halftime when Campbell completed his second TD pass to Davis, this time from 17 yards out. Meanwhile, in the 3rd quarter when the Raiders Only Score was Sebastian Janikowski kicking a 54-yard field goal. In the 4th quarter the Redskins extended the Lead withQuinton Ganther scoring back to back possessions on two 1-yard TD runs. While Gano nailed a 41-yard field goal to seal the win for the Redskins.

With the win, Washington not only improved to 4–9, but also won their first road game of the season.

Looking to muster their first winning streak of the season, the Washington Redskins took on the rival New York Giants on Monday Night Football. To add to the fanfare, Redskins ownerDaniel Snyder hiredBruce Allen to be the new general manager. However, the Redskins came out flat, and trailed 24–0 by halftime. With a chance to kick a field goal as the half ended to cut it to a 24–3 deficit, the Redskins tried one of the most ill-advised and ill-fated fake field goal attempts of all-time. Redskins PHunter Smith sent the entire offensive line in motion, along with KGraham Gano. The first attempt was foiled by a Giants time-out. The second attempt was intercepted and almost taken back for a 31–0 lead. In the 2nd half, the Redskins finally got on the board, scoring on a touchdown pass toFred Davis. However, it was too little, too late, as KGraham Gano missed the extra point. The Redskins would not score again until it was 38–6 Giants. RBQuinton Ganther scored on a 2-yard scamper, but the Redskins came up a foot short on the 2-point conversion, which sealed any slim chance there was of a comeback. When all was said and done, the Giants won 45–12.

With the crushing loss, Washington fell to 4–10, losing ten games or more for the third time in six seasons.

Trying to win an NFC East game this season. TheWashington Redskins stayed home for a Week 16 Showdown against theDallas Cowboys. In the First Quarter the Cowboys Strike first withTony Romo throwing a 4-yard Touchdown Pass toRoy Williams. In the Second Quarter Dallas Struck again withMarion Barber running a 3-yard Touchdown. While in the 4th quarterShaun Suisham made a 23-yard Field Goal.

With the loss, Washington not only fell to 4–11, but failed to win a single game within their division (0–6), failed to win consecutive games in a season for the first time since 2004, and had their first shutout loss since October 30, 2005 to the Giants 0–36, and their first home shutout loss since December 14, 2003, also to the Cowboys.

Coming off their shutout loss against the Cowboys, theWashington Redskins traveled toQualcomm Stadium for a week-17 match-up against TheSan Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, The Chargers scored first withNate Kaeding kicking a 47-yard field goal. Following the Chargers Next possession extended their Lead withAntonio Gates catching a 12-yard pass fromPhilip Rivers for a 10–0 lead. In the 2nd quarter the Chargers Continue to Roll with Nate Keading kicking a 24-yard Field Goal but The Redskins get on the Board withJason Campbell throwing a 2-yard touchdown pass toTodd Yoder. Meanwhile, Before halftime after a long pass from Jason Campbell to WRMalcolm Kelly which would've been his first TD as a Redskin this season. the Redskins take the Lead with Jason Campbell completing a 3-yard touchdown toMike Sellers. In the 3rd and fourth quarter BothGraham Gano and Nate Keading traded Field Goals apiece. While the Chargers set up a 2-yard game-winning touchdown fromBilly Volek toMike Tolbert.

With the loss, Washington ended the season at 4–12.

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• 2009 Season on the Official Website
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