The Redskins announced today they have signed defensive back Ralph Brown. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Brown has been a solid contributor in his four years in the NFL, and will bring big play ability and additional depth to a talented defensive secondary unit.

Brown, 5-10 and 185 pounds, joins the Redskins after playing for the New York Giants the past four seasons. He primarily played the role of nickel cornerback and was a contributor on special teams. During his tenure with the Giants, Brown played in 37 games, starting nine, and recorded 68 tackles (47 solo). He also posted three interceptions and 15 special teams tackles.

In 2003, Brown played in 11 games, starting seven. He missed three games with a shoulder injury and was assigned to injured reserve prior to Week 16 at Dallas. He finished the season with 41 tackles (28 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, two interceptions and one touchdown. Brown intercepted Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter in Week 2, returning the ball 29 yards for a score. He also tallied four tackles, had two passes defensed and a forced fumble against Dallas.

Brown played in all 16 games in 2002, making his first two NFL starts. He finished the season with 25 tackles (19 solo), one interception and one fumble recovery. During the 2001 season, Brown played in eight games mostly on special teams recording two tackles and five special teams tackles. As a rookie in 2000, he played in two games before being placed on injured reserve on October 2, 2000.

Brown joined the NFL as a fifth-round (140th overall) pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Giants.

Brown was a four-year starter at the University of Nebraska, where he finished his career with 143 tackles (88 solo), 11 interceptions for 253 yards and 50 pass deflections. The 50 pass deflections and 253 interception return yards were each school records.