Like most prospective free agents, T.J. Duckett plans to sit back and watch the offseason unfold.
The Redskins' running back doesn't know what the future holds--he has not ruled out coming back to play for Washington, but he admits he is excited to test the free agent market when it begins in March.
"I really don't know what's going to happen," he said earlier this week. "Everything is up in the air right now. I've never been a free agent before. I haven't been through this process, so we'll see what's out there."
He added: "I can't wait to see what the future holds. It's going to be interesting."
Duckett, a 6-0, 254-pounder, joined Washington last August in a three-team trade with the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. The former Michigan State standout was a first-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2002.
Duckett rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries last season. He saw the bulk of action late in the season.
With both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts on the active roster early in the season, playing time was hard to come by for Duckett. When Portis was placed on injured reserve with an injured shoulder and fractured hand, it appeared Duckett was ready for a bigger workload. But Betts went on a late-season tear and earned a contract extension.
When Duckett first arrived in Washington, he thought he would have more of an opportunity.
"I play the game to play the game," he said. "I thought I'd be able to have more of an opportunity here, but it didn't work out that way. Everything happens for a reason, and I'll find out what that is."
Duckett said that if he does not stay with the Redskins, he hopes to earn a starting job with another NFL team.
He has started 13-of-65 games in his five-year NFL career, compiling 2,307 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on 590 carries.
"You want to go out to play the game and you work so hard to make an impact," he said. "I definitely want the opportunity to get on the field and make things happen."
He added: "I'll just continue working hard to continue to try to be a better football player and do the best I can. I know that's going to be a fact--and it's the only thing I'm sure of."
