Ricky Jean Francois, a defensive end who was released by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week, has signed a three-year contract with the Washington Redskins.
Jean Francois, 28, could receive as much as $11.25 million over the duration of the contract if he reaches all of his incentives, according to ESPN, which first reported the signing Thursday night. Otherwise, Jean Francois will receive $9 million, with $4 million of that contract guaranteed.
Jean Francois wrote about joining the Redskins on his Twitter and Instagram pages Thursday night.
The 6-foot-3, 297-pound Jean Francois was cut by the Colts on Monday, two seasons after he signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the team. He was jettisoned in a cost-cutting move; he was due $5.5 million in 2015, and by letting him go, the Colts were able to save $4.875 million against the salary cap, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Jean Francois started 13 of 16 games last season for the Colts, serving as a rotational defensive end for the final two games of the regular season and for both playoff games. The year before, he started all 10 games he played, missing time with a strained groin and a sprained foot, and was previously a rotational lineman over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
The addition of Jean Francois comes as no surprise for the Redskins, who enter the free agent signing period next month with plenty of questions along their defensive line. The average age of the six players who finished last season with the team and have a contract entering next season is 29 years, 10 months, and that includes nose tackle Barry Cofield and defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, all of whom have high salary cap figures and could either have their deals reworked or be released.
Jean Francois’ signing also reunites the defensive end with Scot McCloughan, the general manager who originally drafted him in the seventh round out of LSU in 2009. Regarded as a solid run stopper, Jean Francois has the ability to play all three spots in a 3-4 front and occasionally did so for the Colts.
“Thank you Colts Nation for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your organization,” Jean Francois wrote on his social media profiles. “Words can’t express my gratitude for the experience and knowledge gained during my time there. God has blessed me once again in this amazing journey that is my life. Now it’s time for Washington to learn the Peanut Butter and Jelly [dance].”
Before signing Jean Francois, the Redskins were projected to enter the free agent signing period, which begins March 10, with approximately $16 million in salary cap space. The salary cap is projected to be set at roughly $143 million, according to the NFLPA, but that number has not yet been finalized.
• Zac Boyer can be reached at zboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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