He received criticism in Baltimore a year ago when the running game stalled. In Washington, he received a hefty contract and perhaps a starting job. The change of scenery might help more than his wallet.
The Redskins and free agent offensive lineman Chris Chester agreed to a five-year deal worth $20 million. A league source said Chester will play right guard. That would mean Will Montgomery could shift to center (or left guard if they want Kory Lichtensteiger to play center).
One evaluator said of Chester, “He’s a good fit for their system.”
The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Chester started 47 games in five seasons with the Ravens, mostly at guard. But he can also play center. The Baltimore Sun had reported that if he returned to the Ravens, he would have been a reserve. The paper reported that the Ravens wanted him to get stronger, a knock that others have made as well.
However, he is said to have excellent agility, a necessity in the Redskins stretch zone running game that relies on lateral movement.
The Redskins cut center Casey Rabach earlier Thursday. With Chester, if nothing else they are able to get younger and a little bigger in the interior.
