Redskins sign S Brandon Meriweather

The Washington Redskins didn't wait for free agency to begin the rebuilding process. Last week they sent the Rams a bevy of draft picks for the right to take Robert Griffin III second overall in April's NFL Draft. But they weren't done. Once free agency got under way, Washington inked wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, re-upped defensive lineman Adam Carriker, and now they've signed safety Brandon Meriweather, most recently of the Bears.

Meriweather came into the league in 2007 as a Patriots first-round selection. He was a Pro Bowler in 2009 and 2010 but fell out of favor with New England head coach Bill Belichick and was released before last season. At the time, Belichick explained the decision to cut ties with the two-time Pro Bowl selection.

"I just don't think you can pick teams, or pick your players based on what's happened in the pastm: he said. "You have to pick them based on what you think is going to happen this year, and that's relative to the competition, to the make of your team, and player's performance."

When the Bears signed Meriweather days before the start of the season, CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco was skeptical. "If you can't cover these days, you aren't worth having on the field." Colleague Clark Judge added, "New England isn't afraid to make the difficult decision, and it just proved it. Again. … Bottom line: Change is good."

Before arriving in Chicago, Meriweather started 40 games during his four-year stint in New England, recorded 261 tackles and 12 picks. However, his Patriots career might best be remembered for the vicious hit on Todd Heap during the 2010 season that led to a $50,000 fine and a vow to remain aggressive, "point blank."

With the Bears, Meriweather made four starts and appeared in 11 games (he was benched in October).

History proves that Belichick made the right decision. But the Redskins, who won't re-sign LaRon Landry, have a need at safety. And while the move may not be overwhelmingly popular, at least the team didn't overpay for him. According to the Washington Post's Mike Jones, Meriweather got a two-year, $6 million deal.

We hate to be that guy, but, well, we're gonna be that guy…

The Skins let safety Ryan Clark walk after the 2005 season. He was great in the locker room, an on-field leader (he was instrumental in helping Sean Taylor) and a pretty good player, too. Oh, and he was cheap. Clark ended up signing with the Steelers, where he won a Super Bowl in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl earlier this year. Sometimes (nearly all the time?) the grass isn't always greener.


(cbssports.com)