The first day of free agency confirmed what many believed: The Redskins want to fix their defense. And they might do it with a familiar face.
Washington hosted ex-Redskin cornerback Fred Smoot as well as middle linebacker London Fletcher on Friday. However, as of yesterday evening, neither player had signed, or even agreed to, a contract.
“Me leaving here was a big mistake,” Smoot said by phone. “You don’t always get a chance to correct a mistake… This is a second chance for me. I think both sides feel the same way; it’s a matter of getting it done.
“Everything would be put back in place if I did [return].”
Also, the Redskins will host offensive lineman Leonard Davis and corner Travis Fisher today.
Fletcher, 31, is considered the best middle linebacker available in free agency. He spent the past four seasons in Buffalo, including the first one under then-head coach Gregg Williams, the Redskins’ defensive boss.
Fletcher is considered a smart player, strong leader but one who is inconsistent in coverage. He hasn’t missed a game in his nine seasons. His presence would result in Lemar Marshall moving back to the outside.
Smoot, cut by the Vikings on Thursday, played for Washington from 2001-04. He missed five games in 2005 with a broken collarbone and missed two games last year, including the finale because of a broken jaw.
If the Redskins signed Smoot, as well as Fisher, it could mean the end for corner Shawn Springs in Washington.
“It’s probably a little more up in the air than it normally is,” Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said. “Normally the first day we’ve knocked a bunch of stuff out. I would hope [agreements can be reached today], but who knows? We’re just working as hard we can.’’
Davis, 6-foot-6 and 366 pounds, visited Dallas on Friday. He has played right guard, right tackle and left tackle in his six-year career. But he would play left guard in Washington, replacing free agent Derrick Dockery — who signed with Buffalo yesterday.
Fisher has missed 21 games the past three years with injuries. He missed seven games last season with a broken right forearm. He missed six with a broken right arm in 2004 and eight because of injuries in 2005, including four because of his groin.
Fisher likely would be a nickel back, given his inabilityto stay healthy in a fulltime role.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Ross Tucker, who played for Washington in 2001, visited the facility. Tucker did not play last season after getting cut by Cleveland at the end of training camp.
Thomas, Sellers get extensions
The Redskins signed guard Randy Thomas, who had three years remaining on his deal, to a multi-year extension. He was to count nearly $5.5 million against the cap this season and $9.5 next year. And fullback Mike Sellers, a free agent after this season, also signed an extension. The team also re-signed safety Vernon Fox.
