ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Redskins picked up an early victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers Friday when they added Marcus Washington to their free agent haul, signing the linebacker to a six-year, $24 million contract.

The Steelers had been pursuing Washington as a possible replacement for Jason Gildon.

The deal includes a $7 million signing bonus, which means the Redskins have dished out approximately $53 million in bonus money this week to sign six players, including four free agents and two acquired by trade.

Washington, who played four seasons with Indianapolis, would replace Jessie Armstead, who was cut last week to clear salary cap space. The 26-year-old Washington is also seven years younger than Armstead.

Washington became a starter in his second year with the Colts and has 18 sacks in four seasons. He visited Pittsburgh on Thursday before agreeing to the deal with the Redskins.

He becomes the fourth player added this week to a defense that ranked 25th overall last season, joining cornerback Shawn Springs, defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin and defensive end Phillip Daniels.

The Redskins also this week completed trades for quarterback Mark Brunell and running back Clinton Portis.

The Redskins were attempting to sign two more free agents who visited Redskins Park on Friday: free agent guard Eric Beverly and punter Tom Tupa.