ASHBURN, Va. — Phillip Daniels signed a one-year contract to return to the Washington Redskins on Thursday.

The 36-year-old defensive end missed the 2008 season when he tore a ligament in his left knee on the first day of training camp, prompting the Redskins to trade for Jason Taylor.

The Redskins released Taylor at the end of the season and have since signed Renaldo Wynn. Daniels and Wynn are expected to split time opposite starter Andre Carter unless the team chooses a defensive end in the draft later this month.

Daniels said he heard from other teams, but all the offers were similar to the bare-bones deal he received with the Redskins. He said he had discussions with his family before deciding to continue playing, and that he understood why he wasn't getting a big contract this time.

"I didn't want my career to end on an injury," Daniels said in a telephone interview. "There are some things I really had to think about — if I owned the team, what would I do? You have to put yourself on the other side of the fence."

Daniels said he likely will not be ready to participate in all drills at next month's minicamp, but he expects to be fully healthy by training camp.

Daniels has played in 171 games in 13 seasons with Seattle, Chicago and Washington. He has 59 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and 12 fumble recoveries.