The Washington Redskins have found a replacement for Kendall Fuller.
The Redskins agreed to a two-year deal, worth up to $10 million, with former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick, according to multiple reports. Scandrick, 31, is projected to fill the Redskins’ need for a nickel cornerback.
Scandrick, a 2008 fifth-round pick, spent the first 10 years of his career in Dallas. In 2017, Scandrick appeared in 11 games and recorded three pass deflections. He ended the year on injured reserve with a back injury.
Scandrick hasn’t played a full 16 games since 2013, missing the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL. But he adds versatility, being able to switch outside, if need be.
The Redskins needed a cornerback who could play in the slot after trading Fuller to the Kansas City Chiefs for quarterback Alex Smith in January. At 22, Fuller was one of the Redskins’ most promising young players.
Redskins coach Jay Gruden said including Fuller was a necessary part of getting the Smith trade done.
“It was obviously disappointing,” Gruden said. “You’ve gotta have a quarterback, but you lose a guy like Kendall who did everything that you wanted in a nickel or a corner to do, and as a person to do in this locker room. It’s sad, but it’s part of the game.”
Scandrick wasn’t the only option at cornerback for the Redskins. Last week, Washington hosted veteran Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie after he was released by the New York Giants.
Rodgers-Cromartie and the Redskins, however, didn’t agree on a contract and Rodgers-Cromartie left the team’s facility. That opened the door for Scandrick, who the Cowboys released Saturday.
Washington acted fast — bringing in Scandrick for a visit Monday and agreeing to terms with him on the same day. Details of Scandrick’s contract were not yet available.
The Redskins now have Josh Norman, Quinton Dunbar and Scandrick as their projected starters at cornerback. In addition to Fuller leaving, former starter Bashaud Breeland is a free agent.
Breeland saw his three-year, $24 million deal with the Carolina Panthers become null and void Saturday after he failed a physical. Breeland reportedly suffered a cut on his foot that won’t heal for months, keeping his status up in the air.
Dunbar and 2017 third-rounder Fabian Moreau will compete for the starting spot opposite of Norman.
The NFL Network was the first to report the Scandrick signing.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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