Redskins Continue Shopping Spree

By Jake Russell | March 13th, 2006

One day after trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, the Redskins signed one of the most coveted free agents on the market on Sunday, in Antwaan Randle El.

The former Pittsburgh Steeler is known for his speed and ability to play wide receiver, kick returner, and punt returner.

The former Indiana quarterback has also thrown two touchdown passes in his career and became the first wide receiver to throw for a touchdown in Super Bowl history with his 43-yard pass to Hines Ward against the Seattle Seahawks. He will get plenty of looks when gadget and trick plays are called upon this season.

Randle El has never been a primary receiver having only caught 7 touchdowns and compiling 2,012 yards in his four-year career but has returned one kickoff and four punts for touchdowns.

Along with signing Randle El on Sunday, the Redskins quickly replaced the departed Robert Royal by adding tight end Christian Fauria. Fauria has spent the last four seasons in New England and has 20 career touchdown receptions. The 11-year veteran is a good receiving tight end and has decent blocking ability.

To top off the weekend signings, the Redskins announced Monday morning that former St. Louis Rams safety Adam Archuleta was signed to a multi-year contract. Archuleta, known as a hard-hitter and a very good blitzer, will be used to provide a pass rush and disrupt opposing quarterbacks, similar to the way departed safety Matt Bowen was used in 2004.

The Redskins will hold press conferences for Randle El, Archuleta, and Lloyd on Monday.

In other free agent news, the Redskins met with New York Jets defensive end John Abraham on Sunday night after Andre Carter left Redskins Park without signing a deal. The Redskins had hoped to wrap up a contract with Carter before his visit with the Denver Broncos, who are very interested in his services.

Abraham, who the Jets hit with their Franchise Tag, will have to be acquired through a trade involving a high draft pick or a package deal that includes picks and a player or two.

Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Jake Russell