Redskins gain Hoage, Settle, lose Manusky

The Washington Redskins announced yesterday the addition of their first two Plan B free agents this year -- safety Terry Hoage of the Philadelphia Eagles and running back John Settle of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Redskins also lost their second Plan B player when linebacker Greg Manusky signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Previously, the Redskins lost veteran offensive lineman Mark May to the San Diego Chargers, but they had indicated he no longer was in their plans.

The Redskins still are pursuing safety Danny Copeland of the Kansas City Chiefs, although they appear to have lost their bid for punter Mike Horan, who has told the team he plans to stay with the Denver Broncos.

Hoage, who played all 16 games for the Eagles last season and has 16 career interceptions, will compete for the starting free-safety spot, at which the Redskins could have an opening if Todd Bowles signs with another team by the Monday midnight deadline. Bowles' agent, Tony Agnone, said the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are interested in Bowles, but that he might wait until Monday to decide.

Settle is expected to compete with a former Atlanta teammate, Gerald Riggs, for the backup running-back job behind Earnest Byner.