Stephen Paea to Redskins: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Defensive tackle Stephen Paea has decided to move on from the Chicago Bears and sign with the Washington Redskins.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com has the news:

Jen Lada of CSN Chicago has more on the contract details:

Washington confirmed the deal on Wednesday via its Twitter account.

Washington, a team that has a history of regrettably throwing big money at declining veterans, is approaching this free-agent market a bit more cautiously, and wisely, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports:

Paea, 26, appeared in all 16 games for the Chicago Bears last season, accumulating 33 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles—all career highs. He was always bound to be a pretty popular target for NFL teams looking to bolster the interior of the line, so Washington was wise to pounce.

John Keim of ESPN.com has more on his fit with the team:

Washington needed a ton of help on defense coming into this offseason, so landing Paea is a nice start as it looks to rebuild on that side of the ball. While the team certainly isn't done just yet—the secondary, namely at safety, could use an overhaul—Paea could end up being one of the more underrated but smart signings of this offseason. 

It's a far cry from Washington's past in free agency; that much is for sure.