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Washington Redskins: Why re-signing Junior Galette is now critical

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Brock Osweiler #17 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by linebacker Junior Galette #58 of the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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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) /

Junior Galette is coming off a great, comeback season

It may not appear so from looking at raw numbers, but Junior Galette was actually one of the most productive pass rushers in the league last year. Yes, he only registered three sacks, but often, sacks are not the best measure of productivity.

That said, Galette was one of the best edge rushers in the league in terms of getting pressure when on the field. Per Matt Harmon of NFL.com, Galette ranked third in the entire league in pressure rate with a mark of 15.1. He was behind only Preston Smith and the league’s leading sacker, Demarcus Lawrence. The impressive part is that Galette logged three snaps in just 219 plays. Had he gotten closer to the 350-400 snap mark, his production may have better reflected his skill set.

Just from the tape alone, it’s easy to see that Galette still has some of the explosive ability he had during his time with the Saints. Galette was quick off the line of scrimmage and his athleticism and instincts are what allows him to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

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While Galette may be looking for a starting job, and starter money at that, the market may not develop much for him. It’s worth noting that while he did play all 16 games in 2017, he had missed the previous two seasons in full due to Achilles tears. A team relying on Galette would need to have a solid insurance policy if they are going to use him as a top option.

That said, the Redskins could bring him back and have him reprise his role as a quality pressure man who often set the table for Kerrigan and other players on the defense. He could improve with another fully healthy offseason under his belt, and that would make his comeback all the more impressive.

So, Galette looked solid last year and his best fit might be with the Redskins. It’s also worth noting that if the Redskins don’t bring back Galette, they will definitely be lacking depth at the position. Here’s why.

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