"Washington Redskins strong safety LaRon Landry is proceeding toward free agency with hopes of avoiding surgery on his left Achilles tendon, coach Mike Shanahan said Monday after overseeing a Senior Bowl practice here.

Landry missed the Redskins' final five games of the season because of the Achilles and ended up on injured reserve list for the second straight season.

Dr. Robert Anderson, a renowned foot and ankle specialist, recommended last month that Landry have surgery. However, Landry is not following that course — at least not yet."