Breaking: Redskins Release Jon Jansen

After 10 seasons and 123 NFL starts, right tackle Jon Jansen has been shown the door by the Washington Redskins. Jansen, a 6-foot-6 305-pound 33-year-old, was drafted in the second round of the 1999 draft by the Redskins out of Michigan. He became an immediate starter and put together a solid career in Washington.

Via press release from owner Dan Snyder Friday, the Redskins notified the media that they will move on. The full press release follows:

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have released tackle Jon Jansen.

"This morning, Coach Zorn, Vinny Cerrato and I met with Jon," Redskins Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "I've developed a close relationship with Jon and his family over the last 10 years and I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a player. He has been an important part of our organization for the past decade. We wish Jon and his family the very best."

Jansen originally entered the league as a second-round draft pick of the Redskins in 1999. He played in 126 games, with 123 starts, over the last 10 seasons.

"Decisions like this are difficult, especially with someone like Jon, who has meant a great deal to our organization and community," Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said. "Jon has been a fixture at the right tackle position for the past 10 seasons. He is a tough football player who played through injuries and displayed a great commitment to his teammates and coaches."

"We really admire Jon and the example that he set as a team leader both on and off the field," Redskins Head Coach Jim Zorn said. "He is a professional who was a valuable part of this franchise for a long time. Jon worked hard, laid it on the line each week and on many occasions played with injuries. Though we have elected to move in another direction, we appreciate Jon's commitment, leadership and dedication to the Redskins organization."

"I had a great player-coach relationship with Jon," Redskins Offensive Line Coach Joe Bugel said. "He is one of the toughest guys that I have ever coached. He was a great competitor who prepared well for each and every game. We appreciate his commitment to the Redskins and wish him the very best."

The Redskins will likely move forward with annual pro bowler Chris Samuels and Stephon Heyer as their tackles, but they do have several other options in house, should they wish to go a different route. The gargantuan Mike Williams, for example, is a very reasonable option at right tackle, should the 'Skins wish to keep Heyer as a backup on both sides of the line.

Considering the amount of veteran offensive lineman around the league who find work even as their play deteriorates, logic would dictate that a hard-working veteran like Jansen won't be out of work for long.