The Redskins addressed the defense for the first time in the free agency market, with sixth-year strong safety Adam Archuleta signing with the team on Monday morning.

Touted as a smart athlete who possesses quick read and react skills, Archuleta adds a veteran presence to the Redskins' secondary.

Archuleta, 6-0 and 223 pounds, was originally a first-round pick (20th overall) of the St. Louis Rams in the 2001 NFL Draft. He has spent all five years of his career with the Rams, appearing in 72 games with 69 starts. He has totaled 547 tackles (360 solo), 15 sacks, 25 pass deflections and two interceptions.

Last season, Archuleta started 14 games and collected 93 tackles (66 solo), 3.5 sacks, five pass deflections and one interception.

Archuleta joins a Redskins secondary that includes another hard-hitter in free safety Sean Taylor. Reserve Pierson Prioleau can provide depth at both strong and free safety.

Ryan Clark and Omar Stoutmire are unrestricted free agents this offseason and their return to the team is uncertain at this point.

Archuleta played his college ball at Arizona State. He was a linebacker in college before switching to safety as a pro. He finished his college career with 330 tackles (202 solo), 14 sacks, six fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles.

Archuleta's 202 tackles ranks fifth all-time on the Sun Devil's career record list and he also ranks fourth in school history with 54 stops behind the line of scrimmage.