Breaking away from the high-octane offseasons of the past, the Washington Redskins have largely remained under the radar this year.

After Mike Shanahan came to Washington in January, the team has given the impression that changes were being made in philosophy and personnel moves. Redskins Park had a reportedly different feel.

However, all of that was talk. Positive vibes and big news come out of Redskins Park every offseason. It's a frenzy of rumors and excitement that usually lead to high expectations which are never met.

So until the Redskins put their conservative approach to offseason preparation into practice, it seemed hard to believe change would happen.

And it appears that they have.

Washington's measured approach in free agency this year is a testimony to the new attitude in Redskins Park. Through Washington's silence, Shanahan has made it clear that he is in it for the long haul.

The Redskins have struggled keeping together a coaching staff for the better part of a decade. The continuity both among the players and the staff has been non-existent since Norv Turner was fired in 2000. Obviously, that has prevented them from establishing themselves as consistent winners.

Now with Shanahan, things are starting over. The Redskins are almost in rebuilding mode, cutting a plethora of overpaid, underproducing veterans. In free agency they have managed to avoid the big contracts and star power instead opting for a cautious approach.

"Free agency isn't a day, and it's not a weekend," said GM Bruce Allen. "We think free agency runs 'til the first day of training camp. Let's see who you have a couple months from now, not just who you have after a couple of days. What difference does it make when you sign them, if they help you?"

The Redskins are in the market for a backup running back to Clinton Portis. Willie Parker visited earlier today. He would be a solid role player and a terrific change-of-pace to Portis.

The Redskins are also looking for a middle linebacker to pair with London Fletcher in the new 3-4 defense. They are courting Detroit's Larry Foote who has experience in a 3-4.

It's these smaller signings that will make the difference. Previously, Washington ignored some of the finer details for the sake of bringing in a big name. Thus far in 2010, they have passed on Julius Peppers Karlos Dansby, Dunta Robinson and Chester Taylor instead choosing to pursue cheaper options.

Their patience should pay off. Robinson wasn't worth his giant contract while Peppers and Taylor received big money despite being in their thirties. Foote has played under Washington's current linebackers coach Lou Spanos (both were together in Pittsburgh).

Only time will tell if the Redskins will turn into a perennial contender, but Shanahan has the right idea in mind.

Shanahan is here to build a team. That won't happen overnight as the Redskins aren't particularly good, but that should ensure longevity in the coaching staff. Shanahan isn't likely to leave without achieving some measure of success.

---JACK ANDERSON.