Less than a week before the start of free agency, the Redskins are hopeful that they can retain quarterback Todd Collins.

In an NFL Network interview from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, head coach Jim Zorn said he has spoken to Collins in the last few weeks and is "recruiting" him to stay with the Redskins.

"I think he's an important part of our team and our organization," Zorn said. "We hope to convince him that he's as important as anyone else on this football team even though he's not taking that first snap."

Given Collins's success late last season, would he be willing to accept a backup role?

"That's something he has to decide," Zorn said.

Collins took over for injured starter Jason Campbell in Week 13 last season and guided the Redskins to four consecutive wins and a Wild Card playoff berth.

Collins finished the regular season completing 67-of-105 passes--a 63.8 completion percentage--for 888 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.

In the Wild Card playoff game at Seattle, he completed 20-of-50 passes for 266 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. He was sacked three times.

Free agency starts Feb. 29. Collins had signed a 2-year contract with the Redskins in March 2006.

In an interview shortly after the season ended, Collins admitted he was unsure of his football future.

"I don't know what the future holds in terms of free agency, or what the level of interest will be elsewhere, or what that their feelings are going to be here in bringing me back."

He added: "I'd like to have an opportunity to play. I don't know if that's going to happen here or if it's going to happen elsewhere, but I'd like to hear what [the Redskins] have to say."