National Football League

Redskins don't make usual free agency splash

Published Mar. 6, 2010 3:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

Washington Redskins fans woke up to a new routine on the first day of free agency. There was no dramatic overnight deal with a marquee name, the biggest indicator yet of a change of philosophy now that Mike Shanahan is in charge.

Instead of courting, say, Julius Peppers with an over-the-top offer, the Redskins pragmatically sought to solve their biggest problem Friday by courting veteran offensive linemen. The team also re-signed defensive lineman Phillip Daniels, versatile backup Lorenzo Alexander and offensive lineman Mike Williams.

By this time a year ago, the Redskins had lured Albert Haynesworth with an offer so large even he couldn't believe it, wrapping up a $100 million contract by 3:45 a.m. Such fast, aggressive deals had become the norm under owner Dan Snyder.

But Snyder yielded the reins to the new brain trust of coach Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen after last year's 4-12 record.

Needing help at both tackle positions, the Redskins targeted Tony Pashos, who has played seven seasons with Baltimore, Jacksonville and San Francisco. Pashos played in only five games with the 49ers last year before breaking his left shoulder blade, but he could still represent an upgrade over Stephon Heyer at right tackle.

With six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels retiring due to a neck injury, the Redskins invited 10-year veteran Chad Clifton for a visit, but Clifton reportedly re-signed with the Green Bay Packers late Friday.

The Redskins also need linebackers suited for their switch to a 3-4 defense. Larry Foote, who led the Detroit Lions in tackles last year despite missing two games with a foot injury, said he will visit the Redskins on Monday.

Daniels, who turned 37 on Thursday, was spared in the purge of veterans on the eve of free agency when the Redskins cut 10 players, including seven who are 30 or older. He made a successful return last season after missing all of 2008 with a knee injury and was rewarded with a two-year contract.

Alexander, who has played offensive line, defensive line and special teams, got a three-year deal and will learn yet another new position, working at linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.

Williams, a former No. 4 overall pick by the Buffalo Bills, made a comeback last season after three years away from the game. He made five starts at guard, three at tackle and could be in the running for the starting right guard position following the release of Randy Thomas on Thursday.

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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this report.