Redskins cut loose Cofield, Bowen

Feb 27, 2015 - 9:14 PM Ashburn, VA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Redskins parted ways with a pair of high-priced defensive linemen Friday, releasing nose tackle Barry Cofield and defensive end Stephen Bowen.

Each signed with Washington prior to the 2011 season, with Cofield inking a six-year, $36 million deal and Bowen receiving a five-year, $27.5 million pact.

The moves will save the Redskins $9.6 million towards next season's salary cap, with both veterans slated to have cap hits of around $8 million.

Cofield started all 16 games in each of his first three seasons in Washington, but played in just eight in 2014 while missing considerable time with a serious ankle injury. The nine-year pro recorded only seven tackles and one sack this past season.

Bowen had a career-best six sacks in his Redskins' debut in 2011, but has registered just one in three seasons since. The former Dallas Cowboy was also beset by injuries in 2014, appearing in eight games and posting 11 tackles after starting the campaign on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from knee surgery.

The Redskins also announced that the team has re-signed offensive tackle Tom Compton, an exclusive rights free agent.

A sixth-round pick of Washington in 2012, Compton started nine games at right tackle last season.