The Washington Redskins bolstered their defensive line depth on Tuesday by signing veteran defensive end Ziggy Hood, according to a person familiar with the signing.
Hood, 28, spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears. The Jaguars placed him on injured reserve on Sept. 5 because of a torn plantar fascia and cut him on Oct. 20. He signed with the Bears two days later, but played in just two games before he was released on Dec. 15.
Prior to the 2014 season, Hood signed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Jaguars. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Hood with the 32nd pick in 2009. In 80 games, including 46 starts, with the Steelers, Hood recorded 94 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
Since Hood was released by the Bears and not under contract when the season ended, the Redskins did not have to wait until the start of free agency on March 9 to sign the defensive end.
Improving the defensive line is a priority for the Redskins this offseason. Nose tackles Terrance Knighton and Kedric Golston and defensive end Frank Kearse are pending unrestricted free agents. Defensive end Jason Hatcher said he is considering retirement following the Redskins’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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