Redskins add another corner

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The Washington Redskins added their second cornerback of the offseason yesterday, signing veteran David Macklin.

Macklin, who spent the previous three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, received a $40,000 signing bonus and a $720,000 base salary. Earlier this offseason, the Redskins signed Fred Smoot after his release by the Minnesota Vikings. Macklin likely will be the fourth cornerback behind Shawn Springs, Carlos Rogers and Smoot.

A native of Newport News, Va., Macklin, who will be 29 when training camp begins, played at Penn State and then spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. In 110 career games (73 starts), Macklin has 359 tackles, 14 interceptions and 60 pass breakups. He began expendable in Arizona when the Cardinals signed Philadelphia’s Roderick Hood.

Although they appear set at cornerback, the Redskins are expected to call New England about Asante Samuel, who expressed disappointment Wednesday about not getting a long-term contract and would be open to a trade. Samuel shared a tie for first in the NFL last year with 10 interceptions and was designated as the Patriots’ franchise player.

Unable to complete a major trade this offseason — talks with Chicago for linebacker Lance Briggs broke down earlier this week — the Redskins might make a play for Samuel.

— Ryan O’Halloran