The Redskins performed another annual spring rite, it seems: They signed a punter, hoping he’s the one who can provide stability at a position that hasn’t had any in a long time.
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Washington signed Josh Bidwell, 34, who missed last season after undergoing surgery on his hip. He has a career 42.8-yard average and made the Pro Bowl in 2005. In 2008, Bidwell averaged 44.5 yards per punt for Tampa Bay, when current Redskins GM Bruce Allen held the same position with the Bucs. Bidwell also can hold on field goals and extra points, a role he manned in Tampa.
Hunter Smith punted for the Redskins last season, but injuries diminished his effectiveness. He missed three games because of leg injuries and in other games he was not as consistent as he, or the Redskins, would like. Smith averaged 41.3 yards per punt. He was one of six punters used by the Redskins in the past two seasons; they’ve used 16 different punters since 2000 and only Derrick Frost has kicked in parts of three seasons for them.
