"Two days ago, Willie Parker thought it was odd the Washington Redskins were still interested in him, still talking to his agent. They had signed Larry Johnson in free agency, and he figured that made him a moot point.

Today, Parker is a Redskin, the former Steelers starting halfback joining the former Penn State halfback in Washington's backfield, which also includes Clinton Portis. Parker, the third-leading rusher in Steelers history, agreed to a one-year contract Friday and became the first unrestricted free agent from the Steelers to sign elsewhere.

A day earlier, he mentioned that he and his agent were "trying to get the best deal and best fit for me. We're negotiating with a couple of teams. Washington is still trying to get me."

The Redskins had Parker in for a visit early in free agency, which began March 5, but instead signed Johnson to a three-year contract March 12. Johnson, 30, also was an unrestricted free agent, from the Cincinnati Bengals, whom he joined last fall after he was suspended and then released by Kansas City.

Before he signed, Parker acknowledged that teams likely would not consider him a starter, but said he would compete to do so.

"I have a starter's mentality, wherever I go," Parker told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

He admitted that his little use by the Steelers last season in favor of Rashard Mendenhall had left him "a little salty" and had talked recently to coach Mike Tomlin about matters. He would not rule out returning, but the Steelers never made him an offer."