The Washington Redskins have announced the re-signing of running back Chris Thompson, who enjoyed the best season of his career in 2015.
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-- 2016 Redskins Free Agency Journal
Chris Thompson will be returning to the Washington Redskins in 2016, fresh off what was easily his best season yet in the NFL.
Thompson was an exclusive rights free agent and had an offer extended to him two weeks ago, along with inside linebacker Will Compton and punter Tress Way, who signed a new five-year deal on Saturday.
After two seasons dealing with injuries and a lengthy stint on the practice squad in 2014, Thompson stood out during last year's training camp, grabbing the team's third-down back role alongside Alfred Morris and Matt Jones.
"I think Chris Thompson is really starting to emerge as a third-down back, if we can obviously keep him healthy," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said in August. "He's done an excellent both in the running game and the passing game and he's done an excellent job in protection so far. Another competition for that spot is ongoing and will continue to go on throughout training camp and the preseason games."
In the regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins, Thompson tallied 11 rushing yards on three carries.
A countdown of the Top 10 images of Redskins running back Chris Thompson during the 2014 season.
Against the New York Giants Week 3, Thompson recorded his first touchdown of the season, hauling in a pass from Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter.
The next week against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 23-20 victory, Thompson has the best game of his career, as he totaled 53 yards rushing – 42 of which came on a 3rd-and-19 draw play – along with 24 receiving yards on two receptions.
While Thompson dealt with a torn labrum late in the season, missing Weeks 14 and 15, the Florida State product returned to the field in the Redskins' NFC East-clinching victory over the Eagles on Dec. 26, catching a 12-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of a 38-24 road victory.
In total, Thompson finished the season with 216 rushing yards on 35 carries and 240 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 35 receptions.
In January, Thompson underwent surgery to repair his torn labrum.
"I've been finding a way to play through a lot of stuff this year. Just to show the coaches, show my team, I'll do whatever I can each and every week, and I'll sacrifice until I can't walk no more," Thompson said. "That's just who I am. But it's been one of those things where I've been trying to show my teammates, show my coaches, the organization, I'm going to be healthy, I can play through hurt. Being hurt and injured is two totally different things."
With Thompson returning, the Redskins currently have three running backs under contract, as Matt Jones and Mack Brown are currently on the roster.
Alfred Morris and Pierre Thomas are currently free agents.
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