The Washington Redskins have released wide receiver Jabar Gaffney after several failed attempts to trade the 10-year veteran, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.

Gaffney, whom the Redskins acquired via trade last summer, led the team with 68 catches for 947 yards, along with two five touchdowns, in 2011, but he became expendable after Washington signed receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan in free agency this spring. The team also believes second-year wideout Leonard Hankerson will emerge as a threat this year.



Last hurrah in burgundy and gold? Gaffney (10) hauls in a one-handed touchdown pass over Minnesota Vikings defensive back Benny Sapp at FedEx field Dec. 23. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

The Redskins informed Gaffney last month that he didn’t need to report for their offseason conditioning program, and that they planned to either trade or release him this offseason because he no longer figured in their plans.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan last week said “I believe I owe it to him to give him a chance to look around the league and check his options.”

Gaffney appeared to have a very public meltdown on Twitter last month. He later said his account was hacked and he would delete the account.

He wore No. 10 last year, the number the team has assigned to new quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Gaffney, who was surprised by the news, said last month that he didn’t know why plans had changed, and that he hoped something could be resolved so he could remain with the Redskins.

“I don’t know what happened,” he added. “Last year, I did everything I was asked, and ended up leading the receivers in every category. Leaving at the end of the season, I was their guy, and even after they made these deals to bring in Garcon and Morgan, I was told I was still in their plans. I just took the signings as moves to make our receiver unit deeper. This is all confusing to me.”

Gaffney was due to earn $2.65 million in 2012, but he said he would be willing to restructure his contract if it helped his chances of remaining in Washington.

If it didn’t work out, however, he said his future team would receive a highly motivated pass-catcher.

“They’re gonna get a guy that does nothing but work hard, and will come in and make plays,” Gaffney said. “I had a chip on my shoulder when Washington traded for me, and I performed. I’ll have that much more of a chip and will keep on performing for whatever team I’m playing for.”