PHOENIX -- The Washington Redskins wanted to improve their defense. They also wanted to listen to what their new coaches wanted. That’s how they ended up with two defensive linemen, neither of whom were considered a splashy signing, and a safety.

The Redskins' key defensive additions were Dallas defensive lineman Terrell McClain and Oakland lineman Stacy McGee.

They passed on giving Bennie Logan a big contract, and even though they would love to have had Calais Campbell, they weren’t interested in his price tag. They also let Chris Baker sign with Tampa Bay and cut Ricky Jean Francois.

Redskins president Bruce Allen said it was input from defensive line coach Jim Tomsula and new coordinator Greg Manusky that led them to McClain and McGee. Both are expected to start this season.

"We said to [the coaches], 'Describe what you’re looking at, what you want to see, what are the characteristic you’re looking for,'" Allen said. "It allowed us to clearly identify players that the personnel department and the coaches felt would help us."

Allen said it’s the same thing they did with offensive line coach Bill Callahan when they wanted to sign or draft players for his group. Tomsula coached the San Francisco defensive line from 2007-14 and was the 49ers' head coach in 2015. Manusky was a defensive coordinator for nine seasons with three teams before the Redskins promoted him this offseason.

Both coaches know what they want.

"We’re fortunate to have coaches who have this experience, and that allows us to be more specific," Allen said.

The Redskins also added two other players they expect to start: safety D.J. Swearinger and receiver Terrelle Pryor. For depth, they’ve added linebacker Chris Carter, a special teams player, and receiver Brian Quick.

Pryor was a bit of a surprise because his believed asking price entering free agency was more than Washington would have paid.

"We hit it off and he liked what he heard from the coaches and where we were going as a team," Allen said. "In one year playing receiver, he demonstrated some elite traits."

The Redskins also re-signed tight end Vernon Davis and placed the franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins. What they didn’t do is pay huge money for outside help.

"We grade the player, and our [pay] scale allows for someone who is a special player," Allen said. "Obviously those players do warrant the extra dollars. We had a plan. We thought we needed a lot of help and we got it."

But they also lost three players -- Baker and receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon. The first two signed with Tampa Bay; Garcon signed with San Francisco. So the Redskins lost their two most productive receivers and their leading sacker along the defensive front. They did not make an official offer to Baker or Garcon; they did monitor the former’s situation, but knew other teams likely would pay more.

"There were discussions," Allen said. "First of all, those are great guys on the field and off the field. I’ll miss them. I wish Pierre and DeSean got $20 million a year. I wish Baker got even more money. It worked out well for them ... We have some players on our team we’re counting on to pick up the slack."