Redskins release wide receiver Andre Roberts

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) The Washington Redskins released Andre Roberts on Tuesday, saving significant salary cap space and cutting ties with the wide receiver who had been a big-time free agent signing.

Roberts signed a $16 million, four-year deal during the 2014 offseason and was expected to start alongside Pierre Garcon. Washington signed DeSean Jackson to push Roberts to No. 3, and he lost the slot receiver job to rookie Jamison Crowder last season.

In two seasons with the Redskins, Roberts started just four games, making 47 catches for 588 yards and two touchdowns.

The Redskins' selection of TCU's Josh Doctson in the first round of the draft pushed the 28-year-old further down the depth chart. His release saves roughly $4 million in cap space for next season.

Washington filled Roberts' spot on the 90-man roster by signing undrafted free agent cornerback Mariel Cooper, who tried out at rookie minicamp last week. Cooper made 30 tackles and one interception last season at The Citadel, where Roberts also played.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL