The Washington Redskins have announced they have signed defensive back Pat Dennis to the active 53-man roster. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Dennis is an aggressive cover defender who will bring depth to the Redskins secondary.

Dennis, 5-11 and 207 pounds, joins the Redskins after playing for the Houston Texans for the past three seasons. He was released by Texans in April 2004. He sat out the entire 2003 season because of injury.

In 2002, Dennis played in three games before being placed on injured reserve with the knee injury.

Dennis is a four-year veteran of the NFL, beginning his career in Kansas City (2000) and played in Dallas in 2001 and saw action in 11 games. He has compiled 85 career tackles, one interception and 15 passes defensed during his four NFL seasons.

In 2000, Dennis began his professional career as a fifth-round selection (162nd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 16 games as a rookie starting 13 at cornerback. He recorded a career-high 70 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception.

Dennis, was a standout cornerback at Louisiana-Monroe, tallying 180 career tackles, 13 interceptions and a school record 36 passes defensed. As a sophomore he led the nation in interceptions (7), returning two for touchdowns, and logged a career-high 75 tackles.

The Redskins also announced safety Matt Bowen was placed on injured reserve with a right knee injury.