The Redskins announced Tuesday that the team has tendered contracts to four restricted free agents: defensive end Demetric Evans, safety Andre Lott, quarterback Tim Hasselbeck and running back Rock Cartwright.
The team also retained the services of exclusive rights free agents linebacker Chris Clemons, kicker Jeff Chandler and defensive end Ron Warner.
Tuesday was the deadline for teams to submit offers to restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents whose contracts have expired.
The restricted free agent designation means that the Redskins can match any offer for the player. If another team signs Lott or Cartwright, that team would have to forfeit a draft pick for either player.
Lott was a fifth-round pick in 2002 and Cartwright was a seventh-rounder. If another team signs Lott, they would have to give the Redskins their fifth-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft. For Cartwright, the compensation would be a seventh-rounder.
Since Evans and Hasselbeck were both undrafted, the Redskins would receive no compensation should they sign with another team.
Evans is probably the most significant name of the four restricted free agents to be tendered an offer. When defensive end Phillip Daniels went down with a knee injury last season, Evans stepped in and started eight games, registering 31 tackles (15 solo) and 2.5 sacks.
Hasselbeck was the Redskins' third quarterback last season. In 2003, he started five games and completed 95-of-177 passes for 1,012 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Lott started the Redskins' first two games at free safety until rookie Sean Taylor was ready to take over. He recorded 13 tackles (7 solo) on defense and eight special teams tackles, but went down with a knee injury in Week 5 and was out for the season.
Cartwright served mostly on special teams units last season. In 2003, he logged 411 yards and four touchdowns on 107 carries--excelling in goal line situations--and added 18 catches for 176 yards.
Exclusive rights free agents are players with three or fewer years of experience who have no outside negotiating power. The player's rights belong to the 2003 club, provided that club makes him a minimum qualifying offer, which varies based on tenure.
An exclusive rights free agent player may not speak with other teams and has no other NFL options open to him other than dealing with his previous club.
Clemons re-signed with the Redskins in mid-November and saw significant playing time late in the season. Playing in pass rush situations, Clemons recorded three sacks.
Chandler was another mid-season acquisition when John Hall was placed on the team's injured reserve list. In a three-game stint, he connected on 5-of-6 field goals and all six extra points.
Warner saw significant playing time for the first time in his career last season and displayed impressive speed as a pass-rusher. He finished with 17 tackles (9 solo), 3.5 sacks and one interception.
