The Redskins announced Wednesday that restricted free agent Rock Cartwright has signed his contract for the 2005 season. The team had tendered the fourth-year running back a contract offer in early March.

Cartwright has been a valuable contributor with his toughness both on offense and on special teams. He played in 13 games for the Redskins during the 2004 campaign. He finished sixth on the team in special teams tackles with 15.

Cartwright, 5-7 and 223 pounds, had his best season in 2003 playing in 15 games with three starts recording 107 carries for 411 yards and four touchdowns. He also tallied 18 receptions for 176 yards with a long of 40.

Over his three NFL seasons, Cartwright has played in 44 games with three starts and has tallied 112 rushing attempts for 433 yards and made 29 receptions for 297 yards and one touchdown.

Cartwright was drafted by the Redskins in the sixth round (257th overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft. The Kansas State star earned All-Big Twelve Conference honorable mention from the league's coaches as senior 2001. He finished his senior season with 66 carries for 292 yards and two touchdowns with 15 receptions for 108 yards. Cartwright transferred to Kansas State prior to his junior season from Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, Texas).

In addition to his success on the field, Cartwright also is very active in the Washington area community. Last season he participated in the Redskins Charitable Foundation All Stars' renovation of a new room at the HSC Pediatric Center in Washington, D.C.