The Redskins have signed restricted free agent Lorenzo Alexander to a contract extension, the team announced on Friday.

The team also confirmed that Alexander's new position in Jim Haslett's defense is linebacker.

Alexander has played defensive line for the Redskins the last three years and also seen action on offense, as a guard and tight end, and on special teams.

Alexander, 26, was given a tender offer by the Redskins on Thursday, but that was just a precursor to his extension.

For his career, Alexander has played in 44 games with Washington over the last three seasons.

He originally joined the Redskins practice squad in 2006 from Carolina, where he entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2005.

"Lorenzo is a versatile athlete who will contribute on our defense and on special teams," Redskins executive vice president/head coach Mike Shanahan said. "We are excited to have him as part of our program and look forward to working with him this offseason."

Last season, Alexander played in all 16 games as a defensive tackle and defensive end, totaling 22 tackles, two sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

He also finished seventh on the team with 12 special teams tackles and forced one fumble.

Alexander is a Berkeley, Calif., native and University of California graduate.