Redskins Official Free Agency Journal

Mar 18, 2014 at 06:27 PM

The Washington Redskins are wheeling and dealing in the new league year, bringing back familiar faces and infusing the roster with fresh blood.

Here is a list and brief description of the players that have officially signed. The operative words here are, of course, "officially signed."

While local and national media rumors and reports have had the Redskins signing any number of free agents, it's not official until you hear it reported on Redskins.com.

Stay up the minute with all of the deals officially in the books and check back for continuing coverage on the newest members of Redskins Nation.

Free Agents Added To The Roster:

Linebacker Akeem Jordan, 3/19/14

The Redskins remain busy in the second week of free agency, adding yet another potential key contributor on defense with Jordan.

The former Philadelphia Eagle has played well vs. the Redskins in his career, collecting 29 tackles in 10 games. More importantly, he has played exceptionally vs. the Dallas Cowboys, collecting 40 tackles in 11 games.

Jordan is likely to fit into the picture at inside linebacker, joining fellow newcomers Darryl Sharpton and Adam Hayward, as well as incumbent Keenan Robinson, alongside Perry Riley Jr.

Jordan will also likely play a role in special teams, as Bruce Allen and Co. attempt to rebuild one of the weakest coverage units in the NFL last season.

Cornerback Tracy Porter, 3/15/14

Following a trend in free agency so far, the Redskins brought in Porter, another big-play, big-game defender to solidify the back end of the defense.

Porter gained notoriety for ending all-time great quarterback Brett Favre's storied career with an interception to seal the 2009-10 NFC Championship game for the New Orleans Saints.

Two weeks later, he sniped Peyton Manning, scoring on a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown with 3:12 remaining in a Super Bowl victory.

He started all 16 games for the Oakland Raiders in 2013, establishing career highs in tackles (88) and sacks (1.5) leading the team in interceptions (two), one of which he returned for a touchdown

How he fits into the picture is still to be determined, but he joins a talented group that includes DeAngelo Hall, David Amerson and Richard Crawford heading into offseason workouts.

Defensive End Jason Hatcher, 3/14/14

In what could be the biggest moves of an under-the-radar free agency, the Redskins snatched up Hatcher from the archrival Cowboys.

A reserve/rotational player during his time in Dallas, he shined against the Redskins, playing the most career games (13), collecting the most career sacks (5.5) and the most career forced fumbles (2) than against any other opponent.

With the defense still very much in flux, his addition increases the team's depth at defensive end, joining Geathers as free agent additions.

Veteran Stephen Bowen is coming off of injury this offseason, Jarvis Jenkins missed four games, Chris Baker could shift to nose tackle and Adam Carriker departed via termination.

Kicker Jake Rogers, 3/14/14

In a move to add depth and competition, the Redskins brought in Rogers, who has never kicked in an NFL regular season after coming out of Cincinnati.

Most NFL specialists bounce around after college before finding their stride. Incumbent kicker Kai Forbath had not kicked in the regular season before being named the Redskins' kicker during the 2012 season.

In his first career game, he converted a 50-yard field goal. There is still much to be learned from Rogers.

Press Release
Player Bio

Inside Linebacker Darryl Sharpton, 3/14/14

Although not a household name, Sharpton comes to Washington with an opportunity to become the team's everyday inside linebacker alongside Perry Riley Jr.

He appeared in 42 games with 19 starts in four seasons in Houston from 2010-13, recording 144 tackles (93 solo), three passes defensed, one interception, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovered.

Last season, Sharpton appeared in 15 games with eight starts, both career highs, and posted single-season bests in total tackles (87), solo tackles (56) and fumbles forced (one).

Wide Receiver Santana Moss, 3/13/14

The Redskins also brought back a familiar face on offense, retaining 14-year veteran wide receiver Santana Moss.

Last season, Moss surpassed 10,000 career receiving yards, more than 7,500 with the Redskins, reaching the 550-reception plateau. He joins elite company of current receivers to do that and ranks among the best Redskins of all time.

Moss also caught his 48th touchdown, tying him with running back Stephen Davis for 10th in team history.

With a new coaching regime, it was rumored that the team could move on from Moss, but the move ensures that one of the top receivers in franchise history returns.

Defensive End Clifton Geathers, 3/13/14

After bouncing around in his first four seasons, Geathers looks to find a home in Washington, bringing his massive 6-8, 340-pound frame to the front seven.

Geathers has already defied the odds as a late-round draft pick, appearing in 31 games over his career and one start.

Geathers had his finest season last year in Philadelphia, contributing in all 16 games, finishing with 13 tackles.

He is the nephew of James "Jumpy" Geathers, a 13-year NFL veteran who played for the Redskins from 1990-92 and helped the franchise to victory in Super Bowl XXVI.

Wide Receiver Andre Roberts, 3/12/14

Finishing up business started on Tuesday, the Redskins made it official with this speedy former Cardinal, signing him at the team facilities in Loudoun County.

Roberts (5-11, 195) is considered to be explosive off the line and dangerous with the ball in his hands, using his shiftiness and 4.46 speed to make defenders miss.

In four seasons with the Cardinals from 2010-13, he appeared in 62 games with 35 starts, compiling 182 receptions for 2,123 receiving yards (11.7 avg.) with 11 receiving touchdowns.

He fills the void left by the yet unsigned free agent Joshua Morgan, and should complement top receiver Pierre Garçon well.

Offensive Guard Shawn Lauvao, 3/12/14

After the offensive line play lagged in 2013, general manager Bruce Allen made moves early, bringing in Lauvao, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.

Perhaps most infamous for his rivalry with Texans defender J.J. Watt, Lauvoa brings a mean-streak to the line and can play offense and special teams.

Lauvao (6-3, 315) was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

He has appeared in 53 regular season games with 44 starts, including a stretch of 32 consecutive starts across the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Inside Linebacker Adam Hayward, 3/12/14

The Redskins were linked to a number of free agents soon after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, but the first to make it official was Hayward.

Brought in to fill an immediate need on special teams and expected to contribute on defense, Hayward is a high-motor, high-character addition.

He fits the mold of former Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander and could contribute in similar fashion.

Redskins Retained In Free Agency:

Safety Brandon Meriweather, 3/18/14

After testing the waters of free agency, Meriweather elected to re-sign with the Redskins, filling another hole on the back end of the defense.

Meriweather spent the last two seasons in Washington, but has struggled with health and suspensions, appearing in only 14 games.

When healthy, Meriweather has been an enforcer at either the strong or free safety spot.In 13 starts last season, Meriweather collected 93 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, a fumble recovery and forced fumble.

He rejoins a group that includes Bacarri Rambo, Phillip Thomas and Jose Gumbs.

Inside Linebacker Perry Riley Jr., 3/11/14

Hours before league year began, the Redskins made moves to keep Riley Jr. from hitting free agency.

For his career, Riley Jr. has appeared in 56 regular season games with 40 starts, compiling 405 tackles (232 solo), 21 passes defensed, 7.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble.

In 2013, Riley led the Redskins with 153 tackles, becoming the first player on the team to surpass London Fletcher in tackles since he joined the team in 2007.

With both Riley Jr. and Fletcher in danger of departing, Bruce Allen and the Redskins front office made moves to solidify the middle of the defense. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was reported to be a multi-year deal.

Outside Linebacker Brian Orakpo, 3/3/14

Not wishing to risk his departure in free agency, the Redskins applied the franchise tag to Orakpo, ensuring that the two sides could keep negotiating.

The ideal situation for both sides would be a long-term contract that provides the player with security and locks in a proven talent at a premium position.

If a long-term deal cannot be reached by the summer deadline, Orakpo will be in Washington for an extra season on a guaranteed contract.

The player may also shop his wares, yielding the right for the Redskins to match on offer sheet or receive a pair of first-round picks as compensation.

In the interim, he remains with the team that drafted him after turning in his third Pro Bowl season.

Defensive Lineman Chris Baker, 2/28/14

On the final day of February, the Redskins locked down Baker, a versatile and disruptive defensive lineman.

After joining the Redskins as a practice squad member in 2011, Baker earned his promotion to the active roster and garnered playing time due to injuries around him.

After showing what he could do as an every-down lineman, Baker's retention could signal changes at the defensive end or nose tackle positions.

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, 2/19/14

Hall made no bones about it: he wanted his legacy to be as a member of his hometown Washington Redskins. After 2013, he has spent exactly half of his 11-year career in the Nation's Capital.

After re-signing in D.C. last season on a one-year contract, Hall reached a slew of personal milestones last season.

He ended the 2013 season as one of five active players with 40 career interceptions, and his 23 interceptions since joining the Redskins on Nov. 7, 2008 are tied for the third-most in the NFL in that time frame.

In 2013, Hall led the Redskins with four interceptions and became the first player in Redskins history to score three defensive touchdowns in a season (two via interception return, one via fumble return).

Wide Receiver Aldrick Robinson, 2/5/14

A late-round pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Robinson was a restricted free agent this offseason, and played well enough to earn his return in 2014

Armed with explosive speed, Robinson is an intriguing deep threat, but will need to stand out in a crowded, talented receiver corps.

Robinson experienced his best season in 2013, appearing in all 16 games, hauling in 18 receptions for 365 yards and two touchdowns. He will be reunited with Ike Hilliard this season, his receivers coach from 2012.

Redskins Departing In Free Agency:

Outside Linebacker Darryl Tapp, Detroit Lions
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Center J.D. Walton, New York Giants

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Redskins Official Free Agency Journal

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