Rocky McIntosh wants an extended stay

Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh was one of the most outspoken players to voice displeasure with the way labor unrest limited his options in free agency. Instead of playing the field and possibly entertaining a multi-year deal, McIntosh signed a one-year tender this week with the Redskins that will pay him $1.759 million.

Thursday, following practice, McIntosh said he's happy to return to the Redskins for another year, and gauging his long-term future, he pointed to a nearby tent packed with former Washington players attending an alumni event.

"It's cool, man. I had to be here, and I'm here, and I'm glad to be here," he said. "So hopefully one day, I'll be like one of those guys over here who played here for a long time and get to stay here. Definitely glad to be here."

McIntosh participated in the vast majority of the team's off-season workouts and said learning the new defensive system hasn't been difficult. "It looks hard on paper," he said, "but once we get out here on the field, it's pretty easy."

Redskins' linebackers all have new responsibilities under Jim Haslett's scheme, and it could result in McIntosh's name being announced more often over the stadium's PA system.

"We get a lot more pressure, both from me and London [Fletcher]," he said. "So we take turns. It's kind of even this year. Last year, outside backers had to make all the plays go to him. So it's a little bit easier this year, so we're even."

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(washingtonpost.com)