The Redskins have signed running back Chris Thompson to a two-year extension, a source tells Master Tesfatsion of The Washington Post (on Twitter). Thompson is now under contract through the 2019 season. He’ll earn $6.5MM guaranteed over the course of the extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
The pass-catching specialist was a restricted free agent this year and the Redskins retained him via the second-round tender. He’ll earn $2.74MM for 2017 before the new deal kicks in.
The 2013 fifth-round pick has spent his entire four-year career with the Redskins. Last year he turned in what was arguably his most productive season with career-highs in carries (68), rushing yards (356), and rushing touchdowns (three). He continued to make his mark in the passing game as well, catching 49 passes for 349 yards and two TDs. Thompson’s 489 offensive snaps were the most of any Redskins running back.
Rob Kelley will be the Redskins’ primary back this year, but Thompson and rookie Samaje Perine also expected to see significant playing time.