Newest Redskins defensive lineman Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton – who grew up with Chris Baker – says he brings talent and leadership to the team.

Terrance Knighton said it "just felt like it was right."

Already in town this week to serve as Washington Redskins defensive lineman Chris Baker's best man at his wedding, Knighton decided to make his stay permanent on Friday, as the big defensive lineman known affectionately around the league as "Pot Roast" signed a one-year deal with the team.

"I want to be here," Knighton told host Larry Michael on "Redskins Nation." "And I look forward to the season, being around the guys and turning this thing around."

Knighton is the latest of a flurry of improvements to the Redskins' defensive line. On Feb. 27, the team signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Ricky Jean Francois (career-best 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 2014), and on Wednesday, the team signed defensive lineman Stephen Paea (career-best 33 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks with the Chicago Bears last season).

Mixed with guys like Baker and veterans Jason Hatcher and Kedric Golston, Knighton said he's excited for what the 2015 season could bring for Washington's defense.

"Hatcher is the vet in the group. He's played a lot of football. He's definitely a guy who gets after the quarterback well, has a lot of versatility," Knighton said. "Meeting Paea, he's quiet, got the guns and seems to lead by example. I watched him play a lot in Chicago and he's a versatile guy.

"We have a lot of guys in the room who can do a lot of things and that's what will make our group feel special."

Knighton says he brings with him a special blend of talent and leadership that he hopes will be felt immediately with the Redskins. In 93 regular-season games, he has compiled 201 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed and forced three fumbles, and also has showed off his hands with two interceptions.

Known around the league as a terrific run blocker, Knighton says he's proud of the attitude and commitment he brings with him onto the field and in the locker room.

"During the year, guys will definitely be prepared – I'll keep guys prepared," he said. "I played with a lot of different leaders. I played with Champ Bailey who played here once, played with Peyton Manning. So, I've seen different types of leadership, and it rubbed off on myself. I was captain last year in Denver, so I plan to bring my leadership to this team and get this defense to the top of the league.

"I breathe football," Knighton continued. "That's all I talk about."

The Temple product said he hopes when his time is up in Washington, that he can be considered one of the greats to ever wear the burgundy and gold.

"I'm still hungry, and I'm just looking forward to submitting my name into this organization," Knighton said. "Being great, being one of those guys 20 years from now, I walk in and see my picture on the wall. There are a lot of things left I want to do and hoisting the trophy is something I still haven't done yet and I'd like to hoist it here."

RELATED LINKS:
-- Former Teammate: Knighton Best At His Position
-- Baker, Knighton Living Out Dream Together With Redskins

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