Randle El, Fauria to Play for Redskins

Washington Adds Receiver, Tight End

The Washington Redskins signed Antwaan Randle El yesterday, completing an overhaul of their wide receiver corps, and added free agent tight end Christian Fauria as well. Randle El, 26, will join Brandon Lloyd, 24, who was acquired from San Francisco on Saturday, and Pro Bowler Santana Moss as the Redskins strive to invigorate their passing game, while Fauria replaces departed starter Robert Royal.

Randle El was one of the premier free agents on the market, and was one of six players visiting Washington yesterday, along with defensive end Andre Carter, safety Adam Archuleta, quarterback Todd Collins, defensive end John Abraham and Fauria. Abraham, a top pass rusher who is being shopped by the New York Jets, was scheduled to have dinner with coaches and team officials last night, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Carter, the first defensive lineman targeted by the Redskins, left town without a contract yesterday, and the Jets are seeking a first-round pick or multiple picks for Abraham. The Redskins and Jets have already discussed trade options for Washington backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey, who seems certain to leave the team.

Randle El's agreement is worth a maximum of $31 million over seven years, and includes a maximum of $11.5 million in guaranteed signing and roster bonuses, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Lloyd, a restricted free agent who was acquired for a couple of draft picks, also will receive a new contract from the Redskins, with several league sources suggesting it will reach up to $10 million in guaranteed money and could average close to $5.5 million per season.

Washington made no secret this offseason of its need for a wide receiver to complement Moss, who set a franchise record for receiving yards in 2005 and was the sole productive wideout on the roster. Randle El and Lloyd are both suited to that role. During his two days in Washington, Randle El was told that he was being sought for the number two wide receiver spot, according to a source, and he told the team that he wants to return kicks, particularly punts.

Randle El was a standout college quarterback at Indiana and was utilized in various roles with Pittsburgh, helping the Steelers to a Super Bowl title last month. He turned down an offer from Chicago, his hometown team, to sign with the Redskins. Washington still has veteran wide receivers David Patten, a key free agent signing a year ago who was injured for much of 2005, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs, although they might not all be Redskins by next season.

Randle El joined Carter, Archuleta and Collins at a Washington Wizards game Saturday night, and Fauria flew in yesterday.

Carter, a pass-rushing end, was the second player to leave the facility yesterday, after Randle El. The Redskins identified defensive end as a primary position of need on their defense, and immediately pursued the 26-year-old, who was the seventh overall pick by San Francisco in 2001. Carter is drawing strong interest from Denver, and was expected to visit the Broncos after departing Washington. As he left Redskins Park yesterday, he was accompanied to his limo by defensive coordinator Greg Blache, who wished him well before adding, "We hope to see you back here."

Archuleta, 28, is a hard-hitting safety who meshes with Gregg Williams's aggressive defensive philosophy, particularly on the blitz. Archuleta, who had a trip planned to Chicago, remained at Redskins Park into the evening, spending the bulk of the day with Williams discussing the defense in great detail, according to a so urce with knowledge of the situation. The Redskins could use depth in the secondary with starting free safety Sean Taylor facing a trial on felony assault charges next month, and with starting strong safety Ryan Clark an unrestricted free agent who will be meeting with other clubs this week.

Fauria, 34, who was part of two of New England's Super Bowl teams, received a primer on the offense yesterday. He is a powerful blocker who fits the role the Redskins are looking for from Royal's replacement, and is believed to have signed a one- or two-year deal. Collins, 34, would provide needed insurance at quarterback. The veteran worked with Al Saunders, associate head coach-offense, in Kansas City, and is comfortable in this offense.

Jason Campbell, a first-round pick last spring, is the only backup to starting quarterback Mark Brunell at this point. Collins's agent, Brad Blank, said negotiations with the Redskins were ongoing.

None of the players at Redskins Park yesterday was made available to the media.