Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan missed the first game of his nine-year career in Week 13 of the 2019 season, and given that the rebuilding club could clear $11.5MM off its books by releasing Kerrigan, there was speculation that the Purdue product may have already played his last snap for Washington.
However, that does not appear to be the case. During an interview on the Redskins Talk podcast today, head coach Ron Rivera said that Kerrigan will be on the roster in 2020 (h/t Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington). “We had a great conversation with Ryan and it was awesome,” Rivera said. “He’s all fired up about getting ready for next season. I’m not going to get into a player’s contract, but he’s a guy we’re looking forward to having around.”
Kerrigan appeared in just 12 games in 2019 and posted a career-low 5.5 sacks, but he has 90 QB take-downs in his career, one away from Dexter Manley‘s franchise record. He also posted back-to-back 13-sack campaigns from 2017-18, so he clearly has something left in the tank.
Washington has long been expected to select Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young with the No. 2 overall selection in this year’s draft, though there has also been some chatter that the club could look at a QB, a corner, or even trade down. But even if they do draft Young, you can never have too may pass rushers in today’s game, so keeping Kerrigan, a four-time Pro Bowler, would make plenty of sense.
One of the few bright spots on the team over the last few years. Glad to see him stick around.
Start shopping for houses in DC Mr. Chase Young
I’m not crazy about Ron’s plan to create the Washington Panthers but he’s certainly someone who would know good linebacker talent when he sees it.
The Redskins land one of the top five head coaches working in the NFL today and you’re not happy. Must be a Redskins fan.
Would you like some cheese with your whine?
I’m not crazy about these thirtyish players who are hitting serious injuries being re-signed on high dollar long guaranteed deals but Kerrigan at $11.5 million with no long term commitment represents excellent value and limited risk.
Particularly as he isn’t a troublemaker and more a one for the gipper type. Rivera would be sensible to keep some level headed team focused veterans like Kerrigan in the locker room if he intends to build a playoff contender within the next season or two.
It would be very bad optics to release Kerrigan (a team player) and reward Trent Williams (who has been on an anti-Redskins rampage for 1.5 seasons).