Washington Redskins sign Darryl Sharpton

November 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) is tackled after a catch by Houston Texans linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) during the first half of a game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins have signed former Texans linebacker Darryl Sharpton to a one-year deal worth up to $2 million, the Associated Press via Boston Herald reports. 

Sharpton, a fourth round pick in 2010, spent his first four years in Houston where he started eight games this past season as Brian Cushing’s replacement as one of the middle linebackers. It’s possible that he’ll replace another high profile linebacker in Washington, as with London Fletcher having retired, there is a hole to fill. Sharpton recorded 87 tackles in 15 games last season for a Houston D that wasn’t nearly as bad as the 2-14 record may have indicated.

Sharpton makes the third signing of the day for the Redskins, all of them on the defensive side of the ball. As usual under owner Dan Snyder, the Redskins have been among the most active of teams in free agency. Along with today’s signings of Sharpton, Tracy Porter and Clifton Geathers, the team also signed wideout Andre Roberts yesterday.

When you think of Washington linebackers, Brian Orakpo is the one that comes to mind. However, Sharpton is more of a traditional LB in the mold of Fletcher. He’ll be a member of the Redskins special teams unit, and will be fighting for the other inside linebacker spot alongside fellow 2010 fourth rounder Perry Riley.