The Washington Redskins recovered with a Day 3 flurry in free agency, topped by swiping a defensive lineman from a division rival.
The Redskins have signed former Dallas defensive lineman Jason Hatcher, his agent tweeted and the team confirmed. The four-year contract is worth $27.5 million, according to sources. It's the biggest deal handed out this free agency by Washington, which sought to bolster its pass rush.
"(The Cowboys) didn't show no signs that they wanted me back," Hatcher said in a radio interview on KRLD-FM Dallas/Fort Worth on Thursday. "I know the fans are upset. They should be. They have all the right in the world to be. But I made the right decision for me. If we could've made it work out we would've, but I'm in a great place with the Redskins, a great organization. I'm looking forward to getting back to football."
The 6-foot-6, 299-pound Hatcher is coming off his best season with 11 sacks, but he'll turn 32 in July. In Dallas' 3-4 front, he recorded a combined 8.5 sacks in 2011 and '12. The Redskins will mix their fronts, using a 3-4 for their base -- but they spent a lot of time in a nickel package last season. Hatcher will play end in the Redskins' 3-4 scheme, according to a source.
Hatcher's ability to collapse the pocket was something Washington lacked this past season. That left too much pressure on the outside linebackers to generate pressure.
A source said the Redskins are also trying to finalize a deal with another Cowboys free agent, defensive end Anthony Spencer.
The Redskins added several other parts total to their defense Thursday.
In addition to Hatcher, they signed cornerback Tracy Porter and inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton.
Porter likely will be the No.3 corner and cover in the slot. Sharpton, if healthy, could end up starting alongside Perry Riley.
Washington also signed defensive lineman Clifton Geathers.
ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins contributed to this report.