Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Redskins Free Agency: Previewing what will happen with the Redskins free agent rush linebackers

By Jacob Camenker

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 09: Trent Murphy #93 of the Washington Redskins sacks Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter during a football game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 09: Trent Murphy #93 of the Washington Redskins sacks Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter during a football game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 12: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at FedExField on November 12, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

OLB Junior Galette

Another offseason comes and with it comes a wave of uncertainty about Junior Galette. In his first two seasons with the Redskins, Galette never saw the field. Last offseason, he signed a one-year deal as a last-ditch effort to make it back in the NFL. And he certainly has.

Galette has been the primary backup to Preston Smith this season, but he has impressed. According to Pro Football Focus, Galette has graded out as the No. 33 overall edge rusher which puts him in the above average category with an 81.7 ranking. Essentially, what this means is that he could be a starting pass rusher for most NFL teams.

Now, why do I bring this up as opposed to his on-field performance? The answer is simple. Because Galette is a backup, he’s only played 35 percent of the snaps. So, his counting stats (3 sacks, 2 pass defenses) aren’t terrific altogether. But contextually, he’s looking somewhat similar to the dominant pass rusher who put up 31.5 sacks in a four year span in New Orleans.

Because of Galette’s improved performance, there will be a market for him. Teams are always looking to add pass rushers, and a veteran like Galette would fit in with a lot of playoff contenders. The Redskins will have to decide whether or not they can afford to pay him and if they are willing to start him. He could be an upgrade over Smith, but that could stunt the development of the solid looking third year player. And with Ryan Anderson waiting in the wings, it may be a better decision to let Galette walk.

Next: Previewing Redskins free agent inside linebackers

The rush linebacker situation will be difficult to figure out. Re-signing both Murphy and Galette is possible, but keeping all happy would be hard, unless Murphy were to move to defensive end. The best course of action may be to let Galette walk and use the money they could have used to re-sign him in other areas. Unless Galette takes a discount for Washington’s continued faith in him, expect him to land elsewhere in 2017.

Prediction: Won’t re-sign with Redskins, signs with Los Angeles Rams

Home/Commanders Free Agency