The Washington Redskins have signed a defensive end, just not the one many expected. Despite being rumored to be in the lead for Green Bay Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins, the Redskins have instead signed Dallas Cowboys defensive end Stephen Bowen to a five-year contract. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the deal is for $27.5 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed.
Bowen is not the player Jenkins is. He has only started 11 games in his career, nine of which came last season. For his career, he has 5.5 sacks in five seasons. There's a chance he could start at one end opposite Adam Carriker, or he could push Carriker and newcomer Barry Cofield for playing time.
At the very least, the Redskins have once again shown they are not going to break the bank for the top option on the market when a cheaper alternative presents itself.
For more on NFL free agency, visit our StoryStream listing key 2011 NFL free agents the Redskins could target. For all your NFL free agency rumors, visit that StoryStream. Also, be sure to check out SB Nation's Redskins blog Hogs Haven.