The Redskins have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent linebacker Warrick Holdman, head coach Joe Gibbs said on Wednesday.
Holdman is a 6-1, 235-pounder who played for the Cleveland Browns last season after five years with the Chicago Bears. He started 14 of 16 games last season with the Browns and logged 110 tackles (56 solo) and 0.5 sacks.
With a new coaching staff in place in Cleveland, Holdman's future was in doubt after last season. He was released by the Browns on Feb. 23.
"We tried to sign Warrick [in 2004] and he wound up going to Cleveland," Gibbs said. "We've added a veteran guy with a lot of experience. With Warrick and [recent free agent pickup] Brian Allen, we've added two veteran guys at the linebacker spot.."
Holdman is familiar with Redskins' defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Greg Blache and linebackers coach Dale Lindsey. Holdman, who played for the Bears from 1999-2003, was previously coached by Blache from 1999-2003 and Lindsey from 1999-2001 when they were in Chicago.
"He's somebody who our coaches here know a lot about because they've coached him," Gibbs said.
Holdman has played all three linebacker positions in his career and will bring strong depth to the team's linebacker corps.
"[The Browns] released him this year due to the new coaching staff," Gibbs said. "He's somebody we liked last year and we thought he fit in good with us, so we jumped on it. He came in for a quick visit and we reached a quick agreement."
In his career, Holdman has played in 75 games with 63 starts. He has recorded 522 tackles (342 solo), four sacks, nine forced fumbles and one interception.
His best statistical season was 2001 with the Chicago Bears, when he logged a career-high 145 tackles (101 solo), 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and eight passes defended. His 145 tackles were second on the team to Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher's 214.
Holdman played linebacker at Texas A&M from 1995-98. He started 40 games during that span, recording 249 tackles, 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He is a native of Alief, Texas.
