Will

Montgomery

The deal contains a maximum of $12 million, with no signing bonus. Montgomery, 29, was an impending free agent after starting all 16 games last season, 15 at center and one at left guard. While Montgomery can play all three interior positions, the Skins are bringing him back to play center. In 2011, Pro Football Focus graded Montgomery as a middle-of-the-pack center overall, but he was top-12 as a run blocker. The move is good news for Roy Helu.

He’s going to start Sunday’s critical game against the Eagles. It’s excellent news for the Redskins, particularly with RT Tyler Polumbus’ (concussion) status up in the air. Montgomery has graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 center this season.

Montgomery is headed for an MRI Sunday night or Monday morning. His Week 16 status is in doubt, along with starting RT Tyler Polumbus (concussion). The Redskins were forced to kick LG Kory Lichtensteiger to center and bring on Maurice Hurt after Montgomery went down.

The Denver Post suggests Montgomery would be the Broncos’ starting center, with Manuel Ramirez kicking to left guard to replace free-agent departure Zane Beadles. Montgomery was drafted by John Fox’s Panthers back in 2006.

Montgomery, 31, had a $3.425 million cap number. The move saves the Redskins $1.925 million versus the cap, but they’ll eat $1.5 million in “dead money.” Montgomery has started the last 48 games for the Redskins and is a well above-average run blocker. He should draw interest on the open market. LG Kory Lichtensteiger will be the Redskins’ center in 2014.

The deal is reportedly worth “around” $1.3 million. Montgomery was released by the Redskins early last month, and visited the Broncos shortly thereafter. The Denver Post has floated the idea that Montgomery could be the Broncos’ starting center, shifting Manny Ramirez to left guard. Montgomery, of course, could also be an option at guard. A full-time starter since 2011, Montgomery was drafted by the Panthers in 2006 when current Broncos coach John Fox had the same job in Carolina. Now 31, Montgomery graded out as the No. 15 center in Pro Football Focus’ ratings last season. He’s missed only three games since 2008.

He will miss the remainder of the season. Montgomery had his leg rolled up from behind on a first quarter run. Matt Slauson moved from left guard to center after Montgomery exited, but third-rounder Hroniss Grasu will likely slide in at the pivot. Grasu was inactive Sunday.

Montgomery had his leg rolled up from behind on a first quarter run. He was able to limp off the field after several minutes but took a cart to the locker room. He has been ruled out. Matt Slauson moved to center after Montgomery exited with Patrick Omameh filling in at left guard.

By swapping Roberto Garza for Montgomery, the Bears get a little younger and the new regime gains familiarity. Montgomery played for John Fox and Adam Gase in Denver last season, starting eight games at center. He has the upside to be a difference-maker in the run game, a role he excelled in as an every-game starter for the Redskins from 2011-13.

The move was expected after Montgomery fractured his fibula in Sunday’s win against Oakland. Matt Slauson and Hroniss Grasu are candidates to replace him at center.