LANDOVER, Md., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Running back Ladell Betts Friday signed a five-year contract extension with the Washington Redskins.
The five-year veteran from Iowa has been a perennial back-up, but got a chance to be a starter when Clinton Portis was placed on injured reserve after surgery on his broken right hand.
Betts would have been a free agent in the off-season.
"It's always tempting," Betts said about free agency on the team's Web site. "From a competitive standpoint, everyone wants to be the man at their particular position. It was something I had to weigh. I had to weigh my value and the things I wanted to accomplish in this league. I had to consider security and being comfortable where I'm at. At the end of the day, this is the decision I feel like I'm happy with."
Betts has gained 643 yards and scored two touchdowns on 141 carries in 12 games this season. Last Sunday against Atlanta, he rushed for 155 yards on 28 carries.
