APWASHINGTON - The Washington Redskins snagged their second receiver in two days of free agency Sunday, signing Antwaan Randle El to a seven-year contract that could be worth up to $31 million.
The Redskins also signed tight end Christian Fauria, giving coach Joe Gibbs three new weapons for an offense that struggled in the playoffs.
The signings came one day after the Redskins sent a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a fourth-round selection in 2007 to San Francisco for receiver Brandon Lloyd. Randle El and Lloyd will be formally introduced at Redskins Park on Monday, the team said in announcing the signings.
As promised, Gibbs and owner Dan Snyder were once again extremely aggressive as soon the free agent market opened Saturday morning. Randle El was one of the top available players and was expected to be courted by several teams, but the Redskins’ offer of $11.5 million in guaranteed money had him signed before the weekend was done.
Receiver was the top free-agent priority for the Redskins, who needed someone to complement Pro Bowl wideout Santana Moss. The surprise is that the team pursued not one, but two.
Randle El wasn’t the Steelers’ top receiver, but he’s a versatile athlete who can cause unique problems for a defense. He caught 35 passes for 558 yards last season and threw a touchdown pass for Pittsburgh in last month’s Super Bowl.
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The Redskins were also in discussions with linebacker Andre Carter, safety Adam Archuleta and quarterback Todd Collins. All visited Redskins Park over the weekend.
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