"Clinton Portis has been the Redskins' unchallenged starter since he arrived in town in 2004, but that clearly won't be the case this year. The Redskins have added yet another veteran running back in free agent Willie Parker, and the team's starting spot in the backfield is apparently up for grabs.

"It's flat-out an open competition," said Parker's agent, Doug Hendrickson. "That's what they told Willie. It's a flat-out open competition as to who's going to play and who's going to start. They said that's the way it's going to be."

Though the team wouldn't confirm the news Friday, Parker has agreed to an incentive-laden one-year contract worth as much as $3.1 million, according to an individual with first-hand knowledge of the deal. Parker, who appeared in two Pro Bowls during his six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will now find himself in a three-way battle with Portis and Larry Johnson, who signed a free-agent contract with Washington last month.

"I think I can still be a great running back," Parker told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this week. "I know that for a fact."

Where exactly he'll fit in the Redskins' backfield will be a major point of intrigue through training camp. Coach Mike Shanahan has said repeatedly that he wants competition at every position, and he's certainly created plenty at the running back spot. "