Washington Redskins nose tackle Barry Cofield has urged his teammates to lead by example to ensure that there is no locker room unrest next season.

Questions have been raised over how the leaders within the Redskins team would cope with DeSean Jackson's arrival considering the recent speculation regarding his off-field behaviour and ties to a gang.

However, Cofield does not envision any problem with Jackson as long as the veterans on the roster continue to set an example for the rest of the players to follow.

"Leading by example is one of the biggest things you can do. If all our older guys, more experienced guys, naturally look up to carrying themselves the right way and being true professionals, that will trickle down and affect the locker room in a positive way," Cofield told reporters.

"You don't need guys running around cracking the whip. You just have to have old guys, the vets we trust, doing things the right way. Play well and prepare properly and be true professionals. Then all that stuff will take care of itself."

Cofield has also backed the team's decision to sign Jackson having admitted that he "hated" playing against the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver.