The Redskins have signed free agent quarterback Rex Grossman, the team announced on Wednesday.

Grossman is a 7-year NFL veteran who played for the Chicago Bears from 2003-08 and the Houston Texans last year.

It’s expected that Grossman is going to serve as a backup quarterback in Washington. The team released Todd Collins, last year’s backup to Jason Campbell, on March 4.

Grossman, 6-1 and 217 pounds, played for Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and Redskins quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur last year in Houston.

For his career, Grossman has played in 37 games with 31 starts. He has completed 524-of-971 passes for 6,197 yards, 33 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. His QB rating is 65.9.

Grossman comes with a measure of baggage, however.

He has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a knee injury in 2004, a fractured ankle in 2005 and a knee injury in 2007.

He has also been criticized for his decision-making at quarterback and his high number of interceptions.

Grossman’s best season as a pro was 2006, when he guided the Bears to a 13-3 record and an appearance in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapols Colts.

He completed 262-of-480 passes for 3,193, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions that season. In the Super Bowl, a 29-17 win by the Colts, he completed 20-of-28 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Grossman was the Bears’ first-round draft pick (22nd overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft.

He has played twice against the Redskins in his career, including his second NFL start as a rookie in 2003. On Dec. 21, 2003, in the Bears’ 27-24 win over the Redskins, Grossman completed 19-of-32 passes for 249 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

A native of Bloomington, Ind., Grossman starred collegiately at the University of Florida, where he was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2002.

He finished his career as the all-time leading passer at Florida and Southeastern Conference history.

From 1999-2001, Grossman played for Steve Spurrier at Florida. Spurrier, of course, would go on to become Redskins head coach in 2002-03.