WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Washington Redskins have signed free agent Phillip Buchanon, an eight-year NFL veteran who played last season with the Detroit Lions.

"We are very excited to add a veteran corner, such as Phillip, to our defensive backfield," Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said in a statement Monday.

"He has had a lot of success in this league and brings with him the ability to create turnovers. He will be a big part of what we are trying to accomplish defensively in Washington."

Buchanon, 29, played with Oakland, Houston and Tampa Bay before signing with the Lions last March. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg; editing by Pritha Sarkar)