The Washington Redskins haven't changed kickers this year as often as they have switched starting quarterbacks.

But it's getting close.

On Monday, the Redskins waived James Tuthill, who had kicked for them in the past 11 games. To replace him, Washington signed former San Francisco kicker Jose Cortez, released by the 49ers last week after a slump that forced the team to elevate rookie Jeff Chandler into his spot.

Details of the Cortez contract were not immediately available. He becomes the latest in a long line of candidates at a position that has been a problem for the Redskins for the past three seasons. Washington officials hope that Cortez can provide stability at the kicker spot.

Washington also signed punter Dale Jarrett from its practice squad. Jarrett is expected to replace Bryan Barker, who suffered a broken nose in the game at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.

Tuthill converted 10 of 16 field goals and all but one of his 21 extra point tries for the Redskins. He was signed early in the season after Brett Conway, who kicked in just one game, was injured.

A second-year pro, and former XFL standout, Cortez made 18 of 24 field goal tries and all 25 extra points for the 49ers. Last season, he converted 18 of 25 field goals and 47 of 47 extra points. Cortez missed two potential game-winning field goals in a three-week span and lost his job to Chandler.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.