The Redskins didn’t get the center they wanted this offseason, but they did convince their incumbent starter to accept a pay cut. Kory Lichtensteiger has agreed to reduce his salary from a $3.25MM base to $2.25MM in 2016, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. However, he can earn that $1.25MM back through incentives. 
Lichtensteiger, 31, missed eleven games last season thanks to a nerve issue in his right arm. He was placed on IR-DTR, but he was not able to take the field for the Redskins’ lone playoff game against the Packers. Prior to 2015, however, Lichtensteiger went three consecutive seasons without missing a start.
The Redskins tried to deal for Patriots center Bryan Stork earlier this offseason, agreeing to send a conditional seventh-round pick to New England for him. The hope was that Stork could push Lichtensteiger for the starting gig, but he wound up failing his physical, which nullified the trade.
Prior to the trade, Lichtensteiger was 13th in the NFL amongst centers in terms of average annual salary. Now, he drops to 18th behind the following players:
- Travis Frederick, Cowboys
- Alex Mack, Falcons
- Mike Pouncey, Dolphins
- Rodney Hudson, Raiders
- Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers
- Ryan Kalil, Panthers
- Nick Mangold, Jets
- Max Unger, Saints
- Eric Wood, Bills
- Jason Kelce, Eagles
- Ben Jones, Titans
- Evan Smith, Buccaneers
- Jeremy Zuttah, Ravens
- Tony Bergstrom, Texans
- Tim Barnes, Rams
- Ryan Kelly, Colts
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.