Washington signed some, albeit cheap, guys. i don't think it takes them out of the running for him, but it probably works to lower the leverage he has over them. as in, i think it will lower the amount they're willing to give him. of course i could end up wrong...
I won't say it lowers the amount they are willing to give him, but it certainly it does increase their leverage in negotiations. My point is that until someone drops out, there isn't much of a point in being in a hurry in his situation. He has several suitors who have standing offers, so there is a chance someone might improve their offer to get this nailed down.