Redskins linebacker Chris Clemons signed his one-year tender offer on Wednesday, the team has announced.

Clemons had entered the 2006 offseason as a restricted free agent. The Redskins had tendered Clemons a contract on March 10, one day before the start of free agency.

By signing the tender, the 6-3, 240-pound linebacker opted not to field offers from other teams this offseason. He could have waited to sign his offer sheet until April 21, the restricted free agency deadline.

Clemons is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2007 offseason.

Clemons could find himself with significant playing time next season. The Redskins released LaVar Arrington in early March and have not re-signed Warrick Holdman yet, so there is a vacancy at weak-side linebacker.

Clemons played in 14 games last season, mostly as a reserve weak-side linebacker. He often came into the game on third downs as a pass-rushing specialist. He logged 11 tackles (seven solo), two sacks, seven quarterback pressures and one forced fumble. His season ended prematurely in Week 15 due to a knee injury.

Earlier this offseason, Clemons said he felt more than ready to assume a starting job on one of the NFL's top defenses. He has served as a reserve linebacker since joining the team following the 2003 NFL Draft.

Other linebackers in the mix for the starting assignment along-side Marcus Washington and Lemar Marshall could include Khary Campbell, Robert McCune and Jashon Sykes.

The Redskins also could target a rookie prospect in the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 29-30. Washington's first selection is the 53rd overall, in the second round.

The Redskins have no other restricted free agents.

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has signed the one-year, restricted free agent contract that was offered to him by the San Francisco 49ers prior to the March 12 trade with the Redskins.