Washington Redskins withdraw contract offer to Junior Galette
By Ian Cummings
The Washington Redskins and Junior Galette appear to be headed to a breakup after three years.
With the Washington Redskins allotted cap space dwindling, tough decisions will be inevitable in the coming weeks. One such decision is the decision to cut ties with edge rusher Junior Galette, who spent the last three years with the team on prove-it deals after injuring his Achilles. Per Chick Hernandez of NBC Sports, the Washington Redskins have withdrawn their latest contract offer from Galette.
Per source, the Redskins have withdrawn their latest offer to Junior Galette. Several teams remain in play including Cleveland and a reunion with Scot McCloughan who originally brought the edge rushing specialist to Washington. The Rams have also had discussions. #redskins
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) March 23, 2018
There is still a chance that Junior Galette could lower his asking price and return to the Washington Redskins, but according to the Tweet above, Galette does have interest on the market, from two teams with Washington Redskins connections: The Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s understandable that Junior Galette is garnering interest, but it also makes sense why the Washington Redskins would be more inclined to move on from the veteran edge rusher.
Galette didn’t see massive statistical production in 2017, but he still provided an impact that won’t easily be matched by the next player. Galette has natural burst off the line of scrimmage. That natural talent is valuable, and it’s something that not all players bring to the table. Both the Rams and Browns have a moderate need for a player like Galette, and the Browns in particular have more than enough money to pay for Galette.
While Galette is a valuable asset, the Washington Redskins may be right to move on. They could use the money used to pay Galette on other free agents, like Johnathan Hankins, and there are options in the NFL Draft that could replace Galette, to a degree. Ryan Anderson might also undergo a leap in year two. If he does, the presumed loss of Galette will be less costly.
Next: NFL Draft 7.4: Redskins grab an edge rusher
No matter the circumstances, losing Galette is an unfortunate development. The veteran was a valuable presence on the edge, and he had a desire to be here. In the end, however, it all comes down to money, and the Washington Redskins and Galette couldn’t come to an agreement. Now, we will see whether one is better without the other.