Redskins make low-key 1st FA signing, add OL Hicks

Mar 7, 2010 - 1:33 AM By JOSEPH WHITE AP Sports Writer

WASHINGTON(AP) -- The Washington Redskins made their first move in the free agent market Saturday with a low-key addition, signing offensive lineman Artis Hicks to a three-year deal that could be worth as much as $9 million.

Hicks can play guard or tackle, and the Redskins need both following the retirement of left tackle Chris Samuels and the release of right guard Randy Thomas. Hicks spent his four years with Philadelphia and the last four with Minnesota. He's mostly been a backup in recent years, starting only 13 games over the last three seasons with the Vikings.

The move lacks the big-money pizzaz of Redskins free agency signings of years past, consistent with the measured approach taken by the new brain trust of coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen. Hicks has been a regular starter for three of his eight years in the NFL, and that alone makes him a contender for a place along the Redskins' starting five.

The Redskins have targeted several offensive lineman since free agency opened Friday morning, including Chad Clifton and Tony Pashos. Clifton, however, decided to re-sign with Green Bay.