Redskins Acquire Rights to Doug Williams, Agree to Terms With 3 Ex-USFL Players

The Washington Redskins announced Monday night that they have acquired the rights to USFL quarterback Doug Williams from Tampa Bay Buccaneers and have reached contract terms with former USFL players Derek Holloway, Chuck McCurley and Angelo Snipes.

The Redskins also traded a 1987 draft choice to New England in exchange for the rights to USFL wide receiver Ricky Sanders, said Bobby Beathard, the Redskin general manager.

“We’re very happy to acquire (the rights to) a guy like (Williams) because, outside of Jim Kelly, we had him rated as the top quarterback in the USFL,” Beathard said.

The Redskins gave Tampa Bay a 1987 draft pick in exchange for the rights to Williams, who has thrown for a combined 19,405 yards with the Buccaneers and Arizona of the USFL.

“Having coached Doug in Tampa, Coach (Joe) Gibbs was very close to him and feels he has the potential to add experience to this team,” said Beathard, who also spent part of Monday talking with agents representing USFL players Kelvin Bryant and Clarence Verdin.

Sanders, who caught 149 passes and ran back 19 punts in two seasons with the Houston Gamblers, is expected to help the Redskins’ struggling passing game.