The Redskins have signed veteran running back Derrick Blaylock, the team announced on Tuesday. Blaylock is in his sixth NFL season. He participated with the Redskins during the team's three-day Rookie Camp from May 4-6.
The Redskins also signed first-year wide receivers Danny Melendez and Kyle Brown on Monday and placed wide receiver Steven Harris on injured reserve.
Blaylock, 5-10 and 200 pounds, began his career as a fifth-round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. He played for associate head coach-offense Al Saunders through 2004.
"This is a nice opportunity for him to come into an offense that he is familiar with," Saunders said. "He was a very productive player for us in Kansas City. He is a very competitive guy and a very reliable player."
Added Blaylock: "I'm familiar with the offense, and there are some great guys here. It's a good team."
Blaylock had his best NFL season in 2004, playing in 12 games with five starts. He logged 539 rushing yards on 118 carries, and scored eight touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown.
In 2005, Blaylock signed with the New York Jets, but saw limited action the last two seasons. He was released on Feb. 28, 2007.
In six seasons, Blaylock has played in 51 games, with eight starts. He has compiled 820 rushing yards on 198 carries, a 4.1 yards-per-carry average, and scored 10 touchdowns. As a receiver, Blaylock has grabbed 53 passes for 520 yards and two TDs.
Through the ups and downs of his pro career, Blaylock has stayed committed to playing in the NFL.
"To me, it's not really about the money," Blaylock told the Associated Press on Sunday. "I love the game. I love playing the game, and right now I'm not ready to be finished playing the game. So that's what drives me to continue to push forward."
Blaylock wore jersey No. 47 during the Rookie Camp, but he will be assigned a new jersey number now that he is on the roster.
Melendez spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted rookie. The 6-2, 185-pounder played his college ball at Maryland, where he totaled 61 catches for 891 yards and four touchdowns.
Brown also spent time with the Chiefs last year. He is 6-1 and 210 pounds and played at Michigan State, where he played in 42 games and caught 88 passes for 1,329 yards and six TDs.
Harris, who spent the last two years on the Redskins' practice squad, suffered a knee ligament injury while participating in the Rookie Camp. He was waived on Monday, then re-signed to the roster and placed on injured reserve.
