The Washington Redskins, who lost fullback Kevin Turner to the Philadelphia Eagles last night, now will concentrate on signing wide receiver Jake Reed.
Turner got virtually identical three-year, $4.125 million offers from the Redskins and Eagles, but decided to take the Philadelphia offer because new coach Ray Rhodes is installing a San Francisco 49ers-type offense that puts a lot of emphasis on the fullback.
Since Turner is a restricted free agent, the New England Patriots can keep him by matching the offer, but they are expected to give him up for a third-round pick.
Turner got a $1.5 million signing bonus and $800,000 first-year salary. His salary-cap figure is $1.3 million because the signing bonus is prorated.
The Redskins offered $100,000 more in signing bonus, but took that figure off the first-year base salary.
"It was a hard decision. Money was not a factor," said Turner's agent, Brad Blank. "He was really torn."
Redskins general manager Charley Casserly said the team won't pursue other fullbacks in free agency.
Their priority now is Reed, who has played the past four years with the Minnesota Vikings and caught 85 passes last season.
The Redskins' offer is for about $1.8 million a year, and Casserly said negotiations are continuing.
The Redskins also entertained Dallas Cowboys safety James Washington, who will visit the New York Jets today and the Eagles tomorrow.
Washington said the Redskins can get him for the right price.
"If Washington does what they're supposed to do, there won't be a need for me to take more trips," he said.