The Redskins locked up tight end Logan Paulsen and fullback Darrell Young before they could become restricted free agents and it looks like the same is true of linebacker Rob Jackson.
Multiple reports indicate that Jackson and the Redskins have an agreement in principle on a contract that will ensure Jackson’s return for the 2013 season. Terms of the deal were not announced, but it is safe to assume that the deal would be for more than the lowest tender offer that Jackson could have received from the team. That tender would have paid him $1.3 million and the Redskins would have received a seventh-round pick if Jackson signed with someone else under that offer.
There’s a chance that the tender could have been even higher after Jackson proved his value during Brian Orakpo’s absence this season. Jackson had 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four interceptions in 14 starts last season and he played particularly well once the Redskins defense picked up their play in the second half as the team rallied to win the NFC East.
He’ll likely head back to a reserve role behind Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan next year, but his production should lead the team to find ways to employ Jackson more frequently than might have been the case without injury opening the door for him in 2012.