Redskins Sign Stubblefield

The Washington Redskins reportedly have landed one of the jewels of the free agent market, signing star defensive tackle and three-time Pro Bowler Dana Stubblefield away from the San Francisco 49ers.

The Redskins have called a news conference for today at 2 p.m. ET to announce a free agent signing and ESPN is reporting that Stubblefield will sign a five-year deal between $5 million and $6 million per season.

The 305-pound Stubblefield, who was second in the NFL with 15 sacks this past season, is assured of a financial windfall since he has a clause in his contract which prohibits the 49ers from designating him as a franchise or transition player.

The Redskins have been actively searching for defensive help after finishing 28th in the league against the run and 16th overall last season. They likely have found the solution in the 27-year-old Stubblefield, who has 39 1/2 career sacks.

A 1993 FIRST-ROUND DRAFT CHOICE out of Kansas, Stubblefield was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year that year.

Washington played the entire 1997 without defensive tackle Sean Gilbert due to a contract dispute.

Gilbert was designated the team's franchise player for the second straight year, but the Players Association has appealed the designation and is hoping that a special master will declare him a free agent.

The Niners likely had difficulty retaining Stubblefield since they pay defensive tackle Bryant Young an average of $4.032 million over the next five years.

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