Washington Redskins Claim Thaddeus Gibson and Tony Curtis to Boost Depth

The Washington Post reports that the Washington Redskins have claimed linebacker Thaddeus Gibson off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.

The Redskins' 6-10 record last season meant they were awarded Gibson ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears.

Gibson has spent time with both the Steelers and 49ers and has decent 3-4 experience.  A highly touted college prospect out of Ohio State, Gibson has so far failed to make an impact in the pros, since being drafted in the fourth round in 2010.

At 6'2" and 243 pounds Gibson has the size to provide cover at both the outside and inside linebacker positions.  He logged three tackles and one forced fumble in three games for the 49ers.

He becomes the second former Steelers reservist to join the Redskins this offseason.  Gibson joins Keyaron Fox to provide useful system knowledge and depth to the linebacker corps.

On Tuesday Washington signed tight end Tony Curtis from the San Francisco 49ers.  Given Chris Cooley's injury problems, adding Curtis seems like a prudent move.

The 6'5" 251 pound tight end joins a position group that lacks credible depth behind Fred Davis.  Curtis was signed as a rookie free agent by Bill Parcells and joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2005.

He only managed six starts in three seasons and contributed 11 catches and three touchdowns.  Depending on how serious Cooley's ailment is, Curtis could have a real shot at making the final roster.

Both Gibson and Curtis will have to work hard to convince Redskins coaches they can contribute in 2011.  But their signings are further evidence of the sensible, measured approach to team building being taken at Redskins Park this offseason.