The Redskins have signed third-year safety Siddeeq Shabazz, the team announced on Wednesday. Shabazz takes the roster spot of defensive back Eric Brown, who has been released. Brown had signed with the Redskins on Tuesday.
The Redskins also released reserve defensive lineman Melvin Williams.
Shabazz, 5-11 and 200 pounds, entered the league as a seventh-round (246th overall) selection by the Oakland Raiders in the 2003 NFL Draft. He appeared in four games for the Raiders before being released and picked up by the Atlanta Falcons.
In Atlanta, Shabazz went on to appear in six games for the Falcons his rookie season, gaining experience on special teams. He recorded five special teams tackles and recovered one fumble in 2003.
The following year, Shabazz appeared in 15 games and recorded one solo tackle and eight special teams tackles.
Shabazz played his college ball at New Mexico State where he was a two-time All-Sunbelt Conference first team and Academic All-District selection. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany.
Brown participated in one practice with the Redskins after signing with the team. He was expected to provide depth in the secondary and on special teams.
It was the second time in the last three months that the Redskins signed a defensive back only to release him a day later. In late May, the Redskins signed safety Cory Hall, but Hall decided to retire from the game after one practice and he was released.
Williams is a second-year NFL veteran who had originally signed with the Redskins on Dec. 29, 2004. He has also had stints with the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.
