Redskins re-sign LB Perry Riley, keep last year's leading tackler off free agent market

WASHINGTON – The Washington Redskins have re-signed inside linebacker Perry Riley, keeping him off the open market hours before the start of free agency.

Riley was the Redskins' leading tackler last season. The 2010 fourth-round pick from LSU has played four seasons in Washington and has started 40 consecutive games.

Riley's re-signing on Tuesday provides the Redskins a measure of stability in the heart of the defense. Had he departed via free agency, Washington would have needed to replace both inside linebackers in its 3-4 defense. Longtime captain London Fletcher has said he plans to retire.

The Redskins recently re-signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall and defensive lineman Chris Baker and have franchised outside linebacker Brian Orakpo.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org

___

Follow Joseph White on Twitter: http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP