A pair of former Redskins defensive linemen found new homes Tuesday.
Jarvis Jenkins, a former second-round pick, agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, becoming the fourth free agent to leave Washington and sign with another team this winter. Stephen Bowen also signed a new deal Tuesday, agreeing to terms with the New York Jets, the team he grew up supporting.
Jenkins joins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, running back Roy Helu and linebacker Brian Orakpo as unrestricted free agents who have now latched on with other teams. Bowen was released by the Redskins late last month.
The 26-year-old Jenkins was Washington’s second-round selection in the 2011 draft and developed into a solid contributor along the defensive line. He started 14 games last season and recorded 28 total tackles, but his return was highly unlikely given the additions of free agents Ricky Jean Francois, Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea over the past two months.
“Change brings opportunity,” Jenkins posted on Twitter on Tuesday morning.
Jenkins spent his rookie year on injured reserve after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the preseason. He was suspended for four games in 2013 after violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Jenkins, who played collegiately at Clemson, is the third member of Washington’s 2011 draft class to leave the team this offseason, joining Helu, who signed with the Oakland Raiders, and Hankerson, who moved to the Atlanta Falcons. Of the team’s 12 draft picks that year, only Ryan Kerrigan and Niles Paul are still on the team.
Bowen and nose tackle Barry Cofield were cut late last month to free up cap space entering the league’s free agency period. Cofield, who turned 31 this month, was released with a failed physical designation and has since had hip surgery. He told ESPN.com that he played more than a full season with a torn labrum. He is still a free agent.
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