The Washington Redskins have agreed to a four-year contract with center Will Montgomery, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post. Montgomery was eligible for free agency, but this deal will keep him from hitting the market with the other free agents on March 13.

Montgomery played well for the Redskins in 2011, and he moved over to left guard for a while to fill in due to injury. But the Redskins believe they can upgrade on the offensive line, and there's no guarantee Montgomery's the starting center again in 2012. If they find a center they like better in free agency or in the draft, there's a chance Montgomery could move to guard or to a utility linemen position from which he backs up several positions. Left guard Kory Lichtensteiger is also a free agent and recovering from injury.

Regardless, Montgomery is a useful piece on the offensive line for the Redskins, and whether it's in his 2011 role or some other, they'll certainly find a way for him to help this coming season.