The Washington Redskins upgraded their defensive line by signing defensive end Jason Hatcher, who registered 11 sacks for the Dallas Cowboys last season.
The Washington Redskins bolstered their defensive line by signing former Dallas Cowboy Jason Hatcher to a four-year, $27.5 million contract.
Hatcher had by far the best season of his career when he finished with 11 sacks, but it will be difficult for him to bring that same production to the Redskins.
Hatcher will start as a 3-4 defensive end along with Stephen Bowen, who made 10 starts before going down with a knee injury. Bowen will surely benefit from having more help from Hatcher.
Jarvis Jenkins, who is entering his third year in the NFL, will battle for a starting job. Jenkins posted two sacks last season after returning from a four-game suspension for a banned substance.
Jenkins will be pushed for playing time by Kedric Golston and Chris Baker. Golston made eight starts last season, and he will be a key contributor this season as well. Baker will also receive plenty of snaps after signing a three-year contract, and he will also probably see time at nose tackle due to his versatility.
Barry Cofield will start at nose tackle, and he can provide an interior pass rush. He finished last season with 2.5 sacks, but the former New York Giant is capable of producing even more and may do so with Hatcher playing next to him.
Clifton Geathers will provide depth at defensive end, and the journeyman can eat up space although he offers nothing as a pass rusher.
Other defensive linemen who will compete for a roster spot are Frank Kearse and Chris Neild, who played in eight games for the Redskins last season after missing the entirety of 2012. Kearse also has limited experience in his time with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
The Redskins are not expected to carry any more than seven or eight defensive linemen, but the pass rush should instantly see a boost with the addition of Hatcher.
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