This should help bolster that Skins receiving core big time.

Redskins ink former Pats WR Caldwell to one-year deal

Finally filling their need for a veteran No. 3 wide receiver, the Washington Redskins signed free agent Reche Caldwell to a one-year contract on Tuesday, the financial details of which were not immediately available.

To create a roster spot for Caldwell, the team placed offensive tackle Jon Jansen on injured reserve, ending his 2007 season. Jansen suffered a fractured right tibia and dislocated ankle in Sunday's season opener. He will undergo surgery this week and faces about four months of rehabilitation.

Caldwell, 28, was released by New England last week after playing just one season with the Patriots and leading the team in receptions.

Washington had been seeking an experienced wideout to serve as the No. 3 receiver behind starters Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. The Redskins had considered a number of options but quickly settled on Caldwell after he met Tuesday with coaches. Caldwell had drawn interest from several teams since his release, and he was one of the more attractive veterans cut in the final roster reduction to the regular-season limit of 53 players.

The former University of Florida standout spent the first four seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the Patriots in 2006 as an unrestricted free agent. He became expendable when New England dramatically overhauled its wide receiver corps in the offseason, adding four veterans via trades and free agency acquisitions.

In 2006, Caldwell led the Pats in receptions (61) and receiving yards (760). Those numbers represented career highs for Caldwell, and he also had a career-best four touchdowns.

A second-round pick by the Chargers in the 2002 draft, Caldwell has 137 career catches for 1,710 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has played in 63 games, with 28 starts.