Redskins release defensive linemen Bowen, Cofield

WASHINGTON (AP) The Redskins announced Friday that they have released defensive end Stephen Bowen and defensive lineman Barry Cofield, both of whom spent the last four years with Washington.

Cofield, 30, was limited by injuries to eight games last season, finishing with seven tackles and a sack, after starting every game his first three years in Washington. Overall, he totaled 100 tackles and nine sacks.

The 30-year-old Bowen was also limited to eight games due to injury in 2014, compiling 11 tackles. Bowen appeared in 50 games, starting 45, for Washington and compiled 96 tackles and seven sacks.

The moves came as the Redskins confirmed the signing of free agent defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois. His contract is $9 million for three-years and includes $4 million in guaranteed money according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who confirmed the details to The Associated Press Thursday night.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman spent four seasons with the 49ers before playing two with the Colts.

The Colts had signed him to a $22 million, four-year contract in 2013, but the club decided to take salary-cap savings of nearly $5 million by cutting ties Monday. He had three sacks and made 13 starts for the Colts last season.

In his six NFL seasons, Jean-Francois has been active for 77 games, making 28 starts and collecting 8 1/2 sacks.

The Redskins also announced the re-signing of offensive tackle Tom Compton, 25, a restricted free agent. Compton played in 16 games last season, starting nine.