Nicolas was waived by the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason after an attempted trade to the Cleveland Browns was voided due to physicals. He signed on with the Seattle Seahawks, only to be cut loose a month later.
The 25-year-old Nicolas recorded one pass defense and no tackles in 10 games for the Chiefs in 2016. He was selected by Kansas City in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Nicolas becomes the latest former Virginia Tech player to make his way to the Redskins this offseason, joining cornerbacks Greg Stroman and Adonis Alexander as well as defensive tackle Tim Settle.
Offensive lineman Alex Balducci was waived in a corresponding move.