Never shy about trying to set a frenetic pace, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder hit the ground running on Friday, the first day of the free agent signing period.

Working quickly to shore up one of his team's most glaring deficiencies, the Redskins owner landed one of the premier veterans in the unrestricted class, with ESPN.com learning the team has reached a contract accord with star guard Randy Thomas.

The four-year veteran, who spent his entire previous career with the New York Jets, agreed to a blockbuster seven-year, $28 million contract which includes a $7 million signing bonus. The deal, negotiated by agent Jimmy Sexton, will be officially signed on Friday evening.

The deal makes Thomas, 27, one of the highest paid guards in NFL history. Sexton could have arranged at least six other visits for his coveted client, but Snyder wanted first shot at a deal, and quickly consummated it.

A former Mississippi State star, Thomas has been a starter for the Jets since his rookie season. He has appeared in 61 games, all starts, and is regarded as an emerging star at a typically overlooked position.

The Washington guard play in 2002 was nothing short of horrendous, and addressing that shortcoming has been an offseason priority. Certainly there was no better way to address it than by adding Thomas.

Although he is not a road grader-type guard, one who consistently knocks defenders off the line of scrimmage, Thomas is very athletic and is at his best when pulling and trapping.

Washington added yet another guard, seven-year veteran Dave Fiore, with a multi-year deal worth about $1.5 million annually. Fiore, 28, was recently cut by the San Francisco 49ers for salary cap reasons.

And while those deals are being negotiated, the Redskins made a trade that adds another tailback to the competition for the job once held by Stephen Davis, who was released earlier this week.

ESPN.com has learned the Redskins have acquired former first-round choice Trung Canidate from the St. Louis Rams in exchange for veteran offensive guard David Loverne and a fourth-round draft choice. The team will announce the trade at a Friday evening news conference.

Canidate, 25, has been mostly a disappointment in his three NFL seasons. Despite the fact Rams coach Mike Martz said at the predraft combine last week that he anticipated Canidate returning to the club, it is clear that the Rams had lost patience with the former University of Arizona star.

A first-round choice in 2000, Canidate started just three games in three years with the Rams, and there were times Martz publicly vented his frustration with the speedy tailback. Canidate played in 35 games and rushed for 495 yards on 98 carries. He also caught 22 passes for 189 yards.

With the release of Davis earlier this week, the Redskins will enter the '03 campaign without a proven tailback. Canidate will compete with a pair of second-year veterans, Ladell Betts and Kenny Watson, for the starting spot.

Loverne, 26, was acquired by the Redskins in a trade with the Jets last year. He started 11 games but hardly solved Washington's guard problem. In his four seasons in the league, Loverne has appeared in 47 games.

ESPN.com has also learned the Redskins will meet early next week with defensive end Regan Upshaw, released Thursday by the Oakland Raiders. A seven-year veteran and former first-round draft choice, Upshaw has quickly become a hot commodity in the free agent market.

The Redskins are continuing negotiations with former Dallas wide receiver Raghib "Rocket" Ismail, and hope to close a deal within a few days.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.