The Redskins have signed veteran defensive back Eric Brown, the team announced on Tuesday. Brown is regarded as a hard-nosed and versatile safety who can play both strong and free safety.

Last season, Brown played for the Houston Texans and appeared in 13 games with four starts. During his career, he has started 87 of 97 games, recording 543 tackles (384 solo), 6.5 sacks, 30 pass deflections and nine interceptions.

"He's a guy who has been a real solid special teams player, a hard hitting safety in the box," assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams said. "He plays with a lot of athleticism."

Brown, 6-1 and 210 pounds, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 1998. During his rookie season, he appeared in 11 games with 10 starts.

Brown started Denver's season-opening win over New England, becoming only the second rookie defensive back in league history to start for a defending Super Bowl champion. (The other was Darrell Green in 1983 for the Redskins).

Brown played his first four seasons with Denver before signing with the Houston Texans as a free agent in 2002.

Brown played his college ball at Mississippi State after transferring from Blinn Junior College. He earned second-team All- Southeastern Conference honors as a senior after recording 102 tackles and six sacks.