Washington Redskins sign Clifton Geathers

Dec 1, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Clifton Geathers (90) after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won the game 24-21. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins have signed journeyman defensive end Clifton Geathers in an effort to add depth to their defensive line, per the team’s official Twitter account. 

At 6-8, 340 pounds, Geathers is more of a run-stopping DE who will likely be used in early down packages in Washington’s base 3-4 scheme. In just four NFL seasons, Geathers has certainly had his share of traveling. The ‘Skins will be his seventh team, as he played last season in Philadelphia, and before that had stints with Cleveland, Miami, Seattle, Dallas and Indianapolis. 2013 was the first season in which Geathers received substantial playing time in his career, as he played in all 16 games.

It’s not surprising to see new coach Jay Gruden beefing up his D-line. He inherits a mediocre Redskins D after seeing a defense full of playmakers in his three seasons in Cincinnati. Having had the opportunity to coach against guys like Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap in practice with the Bengals, Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen likely felt obligated to improve a line that has little to offer beyond Brian Orakpo.

Geathers wasn’t the only move today for the Reskins. Earlier, they signed veteran corner Tracy Porter, who played last season with the Oakland Raiders.