The Washington Redskins today signed running back Shaun Alexander, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the National Football League's Most Valuable Player in 2005.

Alexander, ranked 25th in NFL history in career rushing yardage, played eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before being cut in the offseason. He compiled 9,429 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and caught 214 passes for 1,511 yards and 12 touchdowns.

During his MVP season, the 31-year-old had a career-high 370 rushes for 1,880 yards and scored 28 touchdowns as the Seahawks reached the Super Bowl. Injuries kept down his totals in the past two years. He had 716 rushing yards and four scores in 13 games last season.

Alexander will join the team tomorrow at practice and might replace backup Ladell Betts, who has a knee injury, when the Redskins host the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 19 at FedEx Field. Clinton Portis is the starting running back for the 4-2 Redskins, who didn't disclose terms of Alexander's contract on their Web site.

Safety Justin Hamilton was released by the Redskins to make room on the roster for Alexander.