Redskins release kick returner Mathis

From staff, wire reports

So much for the Washington Redskins’ free agent class of 2008. The Redskins, long heavily dependent on free agents, cut their one veteran pickup of 2008, kickoff returner/receiver Jerome Mathis, yesterday just six weeks after signing him.

Mathis, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie for the Houston Texans in 2005 while averaging a superb 28.6 yards a return, had been limited by injuries to just five games the past two seasons. Since Mathis, a standout at Hampton (Va.), didn’t receive a bonus for signing April 4, his release didn’t cost the Redskins anything.

Washington’s choice of receiver Devin Thomas with its top draft pick last month might have doomed Mathis since Thomas also excelled as a return man at Michigan State. Second day selections J.T. Tryon and Kareem Moore can also return kicks. And when Mathis had to leave the opening practice of minicamp with a pulled hamstring, he all but ensured his departure.

Even if he hadn’t been hurt, the 24-year-old Mathis would have had a hard time beating out veteran James Thrash, Thomas or second-round pick Malcolm Kelly for a backup role behind starting receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. And special teams coach Danny Smith said earlier this month that incumbent kickoff returner Rock Cartwright, whose 25.8 yard average in 2007 was Washington’s second-best in 26 years, was still his guy.

“With Rock and the rookies, there really wasn’t room for Jerome,” said Redskins executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato.

JAGUARS: Jacksonville gave defensive tackle Rob Meier a bigger contract to go along with his bigger role.

Meier signed a four-year contract extension. He is replacing three-time Pro Bowl player Marcus Stroud in the starting lineup this season.

Although financial details weren’t immediately available, Meier said the new deal would pay more than the $2.1 million he was due in the final year of his previous contract.

BROWNS: Cleveland signed free agent defensive back Jereme Perry to a 1-year contract to fill out its thin secondary.

Perry played 12 games for the Browns in 2006 after earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent from Eastern Michigan. He made 12 tackles and recovered one fumble. Perry played in four games on special teams for the Miami Dolphins last season.