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Redskins, Randle El agree to 7-year contract

Signing comes day after Washington sent draft picks to 49ers for WR Lloyd

Image: Randle ElAP
Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El threw a key touchdown pass for Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl.

WASHINGTON - 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 nation grieved for those hurt, killed and affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. After one of the suspects was caught on Friday — following a day-long lockdown and manhunt — sports returned to Boston over the weekend.

Fauria will replace tight end Robert Royal, who signed as a free agent Saturday with Buffalo. Fauria spent the last four years with New England, winning two Super Bowl rings. He started 10 of 16 games last year, catching eight passes for 57 yards and two touchdowns.

The Redskins were also in discussions with linebacker Andre Carter, safety Adam Archuleta and quarterback Todd Collins. All visited Redskins Park over the weekend.

© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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