Report: Clifton Geathers Released, Phillip Thomas Signed

ESPN980 is reporting that the Redskins will be releasing DE Clifton Geathers today.  Geathers was signed during the offseason to a 2 year, $3.2 million contract to add some depth and competition to the defensive line with Stephen Bowen still injured, along with other question marks.  Geathers spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Redskins were the 7th team he has been with since getting drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 6th Round of the 2010 draft.

Geathers has made little impact in his time with the team, except for recording 3 sacks during the preseason.  He has been outplayed by Frank Kearse, another journeyman DE signed during the offseason.  The difference is Kearse recorded his 3 sacks during the regular season, and has been a consistent contributor in the pass rush.  Kearse is also the much cheaper option, signing a 2 year $1.23 million contract this year.  Easy decision with Bowen back on the roster.

ESPN's John Keim just reported that safety Phillip Thomas will be signed to replace Geathers on the roster.  Thomas was a 2013 4th Round pick who was lost for the season with a a Lisfranc foot injury during the preseason.  He injured his foot again during the preseason this year and was released during the final cutdowns before the season started.  Thomas was then signed to the practice squad to allow his foot to heal and continue working with the team.  Starting FS Ryan Clark has been dealing with multiple injuries over the last month including two sprained ankles, an unspecified shoulder injury, and a partially torn biceps.  Clark has not had a full practice with the team in over a month, and Keim reports that Thomas will be active tomorrow.

Stay tuned for any new information, updates, and confirmations from the team.

@ESPNRadio980 has learned that the #Redskins have released DE Clifton Geathers from their active roster #NFL

— ESPN 980 (@ESPNRadio980) November 1, 2014

The redskins will sign Phillip Thomas to the active roster per source.

— John Keim (@john_keim) November 1, 2014

So Phillip Thomas not only will be on 53 man roster also sounds as if he'll be active Sunday.

— John Keim (@john_keim) November 1, 2014

And the Redskins have officially announced the moves: