Redskins make offer to Jets' Morton

Agent: DE Smith will return Leigh Steinberg, the agent for Washington defensive end Bruce Smith, his client was planning to return for another season. Smith is only three sacks short of Reggie White's all-time record, but he is expected to lose his starting job to newly signed free agent Regan Upshaw. Smith had previously said his "mind was made up" to retire until Redskins owner Dan Snyder talked him into reconsidering at a meeting the day after the regular season ended. -- The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Redskins continued to be the most active NFL team in free agency, making a five-year, $8 million offer Thursday to New York Jets kick returner Chad Morton.

Morton is a restricted free agent, so the Jets have one week to match the offer, which includes a $2.5 million signing bonus. If they don't, the Redskins will owe the Jets a fifth-round draft pick as compensation.

Morton finished second in the AFC in kickoff returns last season and ran back two for touchdowns in the season opener, but he has wanted more playing time at running back.

Head coach Steve Spurrier and owner Dan Snyder told Morton he would get that chance with the Redskins, according to his agent, Leigh Steinberg.

"They outlined a future which had him playing some at running back and splitting out at wide receiver and returning punts as well as kickoffs," Steinberg said. "And that excited him."

The Redskins have added nine players in the week since free agency began -- eight free agents and one by trade. They also have now made offers to two restricted free agents, Morton and Green Bay safety Matt Hatch.

Meanwhile, Washington on Thursday traded a third-round pick in 2003 and a fourth-round selection in 2004 to New England for third- and fifth-round selections this year.

 

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