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Thrash returns to Redskins

Wire services
Published March 31, 2004

WASHINGTON - Receiver James Thrash returned to the Redskins in a trade Tuesday that sent a 2005 fifth-round draft pick to the Eagles.

Thrash began his career with four seasons in Washington before signing a five-year free-agent deal with the Eagles in 2001. He joins a crowded receiving corps and could be the No.3 wideout behind Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner.

Thrash had 164 receptions for 2,026 yards and 15 touchdowns in three years with the Eagles. His best season was 2001, when he had a career-high 63 catches for 833 yards and eight touchdowns. His numbers declined each of the next two seasons, and he finished with 49 catches and one TD last season.

Thrash also found a niche on special teams, finishing third in the NFC last season with a 24-yard average on kickoff returns. The Redskins lost one of their best special teams players Monday when they traded fullback Bryan Johnson to Chicago in a salary cap-related move.

CHIEFS: Free-agent defensive tackle Lionel Dalton signed a two-year contract. Dalton had 17 tackles and one sack for the Redskins last season. He started nine of the 12 games he played.

FALCONS: Former Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer was signed to back up quarterback Michael Vick and help him adjust to the team's new offensive system under coach Jim Mora Jr.

VIKINGS: Cornerback Denard Walker was waived a year after signing a lucrative free-agent contract. Walker became expendable when Minnesota signed cornerback Antoine Winfield from the Bills this month.

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