"Clinton Portis has been the Redskins' unchallenged starter since he arrived in town in 2004. That clearly won't be the case this year. The Redskins have added yet another veteran running back in free agent Willie Parker.

The former Pittsburgh running back has signed an incentive-laden one-year contract worth as much as $3.1 million. He'll now find himself in a three-way battle for carries with Portis and Larry Johnson, who also signed a free-agent deal last month.

Parker is a six-year veteran who topped 1,000 yards from 2005-07, twice reaching the Pro Bowl. He began last season as the Steelers' starting running back but lost his job to Rashard Mendenhall after suffering a case of turf toe. Parker visited the Redskins last month but didn't agree to a deal until Friday.

The Redskins won't be lacking in experience in the backfield. Parker is 29 years old, Portis 28 and Johnson 30.

While all three running backs will enter training camp, it'd be somewhat surprising if all three began the season on the 53-man roster. Coach Mike Shanahan has said repeatedly since joining the organization that he wants competition at every position. He's certainly created some in the backfield."