Next to political intrigue and steamy scandal, few things enthrall the nation's capital like a raging Washington Redskins' quarterback controversy.

This year, if we're lucky, Colt Brennan will find himself smack dab in the middle of one.

With the opening of this weekend's mini-camp, the former University of Hawai'i quarterback begins his second year with the 'Skins. A season that, going in, promises to be anything but dull and, if he makes the plays he is capable of, a rewarding one for Brennan.

The way starting quarterback Jason Campbell finished the 2008 season in new head coach Jim Zorn's West Coast offense did not inspire confidence. In fact, it motivated the Redskins to: (a) attempt to swing a trade for Jay Cutler; (b) try to trade up in the draft for Mark Sanchez and (c) flirt with free agent Byron Leftwich and others.

None of which would have been as propitious for Brennan as the status quo he finds his week.

Though Brennan didn't play in a regular season game last year, he showed enough in exhibition to do more than just win a roster spot, he also raised some eyebrows and possibilities. In the process, his play and personality earned him a following — dubbed the "Cult of Colt" — far beyond that of your basic third string rookie.

Having had a year to adjust, learn a system and get as healthy as he has probably been since the start of his senior year, opportunity knocks for Brennan. He's still third on the depth chart, of course. But with Campbell in the final year of his contract and backup Todd Collins 37 years old, there is potential for reshuffling and room for advancement.

The Redskins are casting about for somebody to more fully execute Zorn's offense. Brennan, given three years experience in June Jones' aerial circus, has the background to be that guy if only he can demonstrate some of the magic displayed against Arizona State and Washington.

This is the year the Redskins will gauge the longer-term worth of their sixth-round draft pick, looking to see whether he can be an NFL quarterback and part of their — or, via trade, somebody else's — future. The battle that Brennan faces will be on two fronts. As much as the competition is with who is in front of him, there is also a challenge from behind now that free agent Chase Daniel from Missouri has been signed. Daniel finished fourth in the 2007 Heisman Trophy balloting, one spot behind Brennan.

Daniel told reporters he chose the Redskins' offer over others because Zorn repeatedly assured him, " 'you can make a difference here.' "

The same should be said of Brennan.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.