The Redskins announced today they have signed veteran cornerback Shawn Springs. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Springs is considered one of the most versatile cornerbacks in the league, with the ability to shut down opposing receivers and make big-plays on defense. He also hails from the area, starring at Springbrook High in Sliver Spring, Md., in football and track.
Springs, 6-0 and 204 pounds, comes to Washington after spending seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He has started 88-of-92 regular season games and one post-season game, and has compiled 389 tackles (334 solo) 20 interceptions, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks.
In only his second season, Springs was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl team after posting 75 tackles (61 solo) and seven interceptions and 21 pass deflections in 1998. He also returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns. He had another solid season in 1999 when he picked off five passes and collected 73 tackles (63 solo). For his efforts in 1999, he was named to the Sports Illustrated, College & Pro Football Newsweekly All-Pro Teams and the Football News All-AFC team.
In 2000 he set his career-highs for tackles with 85 and solos with 72, while adding two interceptions. In 2001 his productivity suffered due to an injury but he came back strong in 2002 when he tied for the team lead in passes defensed (12) and had 59 tackles (54 solo) and three interceptions. In 2003, Springs played in 12 regular season games starting eight and started NFC Wild Card game at Green Bay. Springs finished the season with 39 tackles (34 solo), 1.5 sacks and one interception. His sack against the Browns (11/30/03) was the first of his career.
Springs was selected in the first round (3rd overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft from Ohio State University. He gained first-team All-Big 10 Conference honors as a sophomore and junior and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1996. Springs returned to OSU and earned his sociology degree last summer.
At Springbrook High School in suburban Silver Spring, Md. (1989-92), Springs was an all-state selection at both cornerback and tailback. He was also an accomplished track athlete in sprints, relays and the long jump.
