Willie Parker signs with Washington

[.GR]

The Washington Redskins have reached agreement with free agent running back Willie Parker on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $3.1 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.


Parker has been told there will be an open competition for the Redskins' starting job, the source said.

The Redskins signed Larry Johnson last month, and Clinton Portis will be returning after concussion symptoms knocked him out of the last eight games of 2009.

Parker, a Pro Bowler in 2006 and 2007, averaged 1,337 yards in three seasons for the Steelers from 2005 to 2007.

He became Pittsburgh's backup last season in his fifth full year as the Steelers turned to Rashard Mendenhall as their featured running back.

Parker finished 2009 with 389 yards on 98 carries.

 

[Mooche]

Parker is 29, so we shall see. I really don't know, Parker and LJ.. Washington doesn't make sense.

 

[.infamous]

Why is the Redskins getting all these old running backs?

 

[.GR]

Guess Shannahan thinks he can get another 1,000 rusher out of one of these three former Pro Bowlers. Does this mean the Steelers draft a running back?

 

[Mooche]

Guess Shannahan thinks he can get another 1,000 rusher out of one of these three former Pro Bowlers. Does this mean the Steelers draft a running back?

No. Mendenhall just needs to step up - and Mewelde is still there who is serviceable.

 

[A.E]

I hate this for Fast Willie. Shannahan's backs are always more "bruiser" than Willie Parker can be & I still think for what he is, Clinton Portis is the best option for the Redskins. Willie can definitely beat out Larry Johnson's broke-ass for the #2 spot but I figured Willie would end up in a less crowded situation for camp.

 

[footballplaya52]

willie isnt really that old, he hasnt been a starter that long

 

[.GR]

He might as well have just stayed in Pittsburgh, the ones who actually gave him a chance.

 

[Blake]

I hate Parker because he was my second round pick in my fantasy draft.

 

[bulls12]

What the hell is Washington doing with all these running backs? They need to upgrade at QB.

 

[Blake]

That's why we have the draft.

 

[bulls12]

Yeah but the Redskins only seem to be focusing on drafting an OL, so unless they change their focus, I don't know what they'll do at QB. Jason Campbell can't get it done in my opinion.

 

[.GR]

I heard Clausen is a likely pick at 4.