The Redskins signed defensive back Vernon Fox on Tuesday. The team also released running back Jesse Lumsden and cornerback Dimitri Patterson.
The Redskins also signed punter Eddie Johnson on Tuesday, but released him after one practice.
Fox is a fifth-year player out of Fresno State who is 5-10 and 197 pounds. He has played in 56 NFL games with the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions. He has logged 65 tackles (50 solo), one interception and two passes defended in his career.
Fox is expected to get an audition with the Redskins as the team's fourth or fifth safety. The Redskins have depth at the safety position with Sean Taylor, Adam Archuleta, Pierson Prioleau and rookie Reed Doughty. The team released veteran safety Antuan Edwards on Monday.
"Vernon is really tough and a strong, active player in the box," assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams said. "He is one of the better special teams players in the league. What we did was look at similar philosophies and similar styles of when somebody else might release a guy, so we brought him in here to see if he would fit in."
The release of Lumsden comes as a mild surprise because the first-year player out of Canada had impressed in off-season workouts and in training camp. He scored on a 12-yard touchdown run during the Redskins-Ravens scrimmage on Aug. 5.
When Clinton Portis was sidelined with a shoulder injury on Aug. 13, the Redskins traded with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire T.J. Duckett. With Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright also strong candidates to earn roster spot, Lumsden's situation was precarious at best.
Lumsden remains a candidate for the Redskins' practice squad, should he go unsigned by this Sunday, Sept. 3.
Patterson was on the Redskins' roster part of last season and recorded an interception in the Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He is also a candidate for the Redskins' practice squad should he go unsigned.
Johnson was originally a sixth-round draft choice out of Idaho State for the Minnesota Vikings in 2003. He played in 14 games with the Vikings during his rookie season, with 56 punts for a 39.1 yard average. He was out of football the last two years.
With Johnson released, Frost remains the only punter on the Redskins roster. Head coach Joe Gibbs said the team will continue to evaluate free agent punters.
