Redskins re-sign 3 as free agency begins 2 hours, 9 minutes ago



ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Redskins opened free agency Friday by preparing for a visit from free agent linebacker London Fletcher and completing deals with three of their own players.

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Fletcher, a free agent from the Buffalo Bills, was an immediate target for the usually aggressive Redskins. He was to visit Redskins Park on Friday, often a sign that a deal will be completed before the day's end.

Meanwhile, the Redskins re-signed safety Vernon Fox, keeping him off the free agent market, and gave multiyear contract extensions to guard Randy Thomas and fullback Mike Sellers.

Fletcher would fill a need at middle linebacker, where Lemar Marshall regressed last year in his second season since Antonio Pierce's departure. Fletcher is familiar with Washington's defensive schemes, having played for assistant coach Gregg Williams when Williams was head coach of the Bills.

Wide receiver Brandon Stokley and defensive tackle Montae Reagor, who both missed much of the 2006 seasons with injuries, were cut Friday by the Indianapolis Colts.

Both joined the Colts in 2003 as unrestricted free agents.

Stokley, a third wide receiving threat to go with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, played just four games last season as the Colts won the Super Bowl, catching just eight passes for 85 yards and one touchdown. Stokley missed time early in the season with ankle and knee injuries. His season ended Dec. 10 at Jacksonville when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon.

Reagor started the first five games before suffering severe facial injuries in an Oct. 22 car crash. He was then placed on the league's non-football injury list ending his season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to pursue a free agent running back to complement Willie Parker, choosing instead to re-sign Najeh Davenport to a $2 million, two-year contract.

Davenport joined the Steelers a game into last season — after Green Bay released him — and eventually became Parker's backup. The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Davenport gained 221 yards on 60 carries.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said recently he preferred using a two-back system like many other teams are employing, creating speculation the Steelers might look elsewhere for Parker's backup.

Davenport, who would have been a free agent if the Steelers had not re-signed him, receives a $405,000 signing bonus and a 2007 salary of $595,000. He will make $1 million in 2008.

Journeyman guard Jason Whittle agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills as the team immediately began addressing its numerous offensive line needs on the first day of free agency Friday.

Whittle's agent, Joseph Linta, told The Associated Press that the deal was completed after the Bills contacted him shortly after midnight. The Bills did not comment.

The deal with Whittle comes a day after the team released veteran right guard Chris Villarrial. Buffalo also stands to lose left guard Mike Gandy to free agency.

Free agent defensive end Juqua Thomas re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thomas' playing time increased last year when three-time Pro Bowler Jevon Kearse suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. He responded by posting career highs of 47 tackles and six sacks.

Thomas originally signed with Tennessee as a rookie free agent out of Oklahoma State. He played four season with the ans before signing with the Eagles during training camp in 2005.

For his career, Thomas has recorded 128 tackles and 11 sacks in 73 games.