THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 9, 1995 TAG: 9503090535
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
The Washington Redskins continued a baseball-like approach to rebuilding their defense Wednesday by signing free-agent middle linebacker Rod Stephens away from the Seattle Seahawks.
Stephens, 6-foot-1, 237 pounds, agreed to a three-year, $4.8 million contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus. He's the third free agent the Redskins have signed this offseason and joins former Buffalo linebacker Marvcus Patton and former Dallas strong safety James Washington in what should be a much-improved defensive center.
``One of our goals was to strengthen ourselves up the middle,'' Redskins coach Norv Turner said. ``I'm real excited because I believe we've done that. We've added good tacklers to our football team and that was one thing we said we needed to get done.''
One thing the Redskins apparently won't accomplish in free agency is to upgrade their receivers. Ex-Dallas wideout Alvin Harper accepted an offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wednesday. New England's Michael Timpson is also on the Redskins' list, but he visited Washington last season and didn't accept an offer. At present, the Redskins' receivers are 35-year-old Henry Ellard and 1994 rookies Tydus Winans and Olanda Truitt.
Washington is awaiting word from Pittsburgh tight end Eric Green.
``There are still a couple of guys (at wide receiver) we'll probably take a look at,'' Turner said. ``And there are some excellent receivers who are going to be available in the draft. I'm confident we'll be able to improve ourselves there.''
Another area the Redskins probably won't be able to address in free agency is their defensive line, though when general manager Charley Casserly was asked if he was done with the defense, he answered no.
``I don't know if we'll sign him, but we'll certainly continue to negotiate with Stanley Richard,'' Casserly said, referring to the starting free safety for the AFC champion San Diego Chargers last season, who has been a longtime favorite among the Redskins' administrative brass.
``You have to look at what's available in free agency. There are not a lot of quality defensive linemen. But the consensus is that there are a lot of quality linebackers and safeties. You take what's there.''
A graduate of Georgia Tech, Stephens signed with Seattle as a free agent, then went to Denver under Plan B free agency. He was cut by the Broncos in 1990 and went to work as a baggage handler at the Atlanta airport. He was re-signed by Seattle for the last four games of 1990, then was a part-time player until 1993, when he made 13 starts and 105 tackles.
Last season, he led the Seahawks with 128 tackles in 16 games, and also is a strong special-teams player.
``It just goes to show how much hard work can pay off,'' Stephens said. ``I started from the bottom and worked my way up. It turned into a situation where teams were looking for me, not me looking for teams.
``I made $65,000 my rookie year. You don't think I think this money is incredible?''
The Redskins now have five starting-caliber linebackers - Patton, Stephens, Ken Harvey, Tyronne Stowe and Andre Collins.
Despite rumors that Collins and his $1.5 million salary will be let go, Turner says the Skins may well go to camp with all five and let the chips fall where they may.
``We have to sort that out,'' Turner said. ``Anyone who thinks something drastic is going to happen. ... well, I'd hope not.'' ILLUSTRATION: Middle linebacker Rod Stephens led the Seahawks last year with
128 tackles in 16 games.
by CNB