Redskins Sign George

April 10, 2000 / 11:11 PM EDT / CBS/AP

The Washington Redskins reached agreement Monday to sign free agent veteran Jeff George as their backup quarterback, paying him $18.25 million over four years, according to his agent.

The Redskins and George, who was not re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings after a 9-3 record as a starter last season, were to make the formal announcement at a news conference Tuesday.

"I'm delighted to join the team with an incredible opportunity to make a run for the Super Bowl," George said in a statement released through his agent.

There was no immediate word from the Redskins.

Leigh Steinberg, George's attorney and agent, said the agreement was concluded after talks Monday evening with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who made it clear that George will be a backup to Brad Johnson.

"Brad Johnson is the starter, but Jeff George is probably the most amazing backup that is possible," Steinberg said.

George's contract, which is considerably back loaded, also was astounding for a No. 2 quarterback. George will earn $500,000 the first year with a $2 million signing bonus, and earn $3.75 million, $6 million and $6 million in the subsequent three years.

George, 32, a 10-year veteran, was the first pick in the 1990 draft and has played with Indianapolis, Atlanta, Oakland and last year at Minnesota, where he started 12 games.

But the Vikings failed to reach agreement with George this year and after failing to sign Miami's Dan Marino, chose Denver's Bubby Brister as their backup to rookie quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

Steinberg said the selection of Brister "heated up the talks with the Redskins."

Steinberg said Snyder first floated the idea of wanting George at the NFL owners meeting a few weeks ago.

"Daniel Snyder was a tremendously compelling salesman," he said.